Editorial March 5, 1910 Issue

THE SIMPLE GOSPEL

Archibald McLellan

It sometimes happens that Christian Scientists become so engrossed in the various activities in which their churches are engaged, that they lose the right perspective of these activities, and thus are apt to exaggerate the importance of some and dwarf the importance of others. While it is true that everything which pertains to the conduct of the affairs of the Christian Science church should be done in the best possible manner, it is not always true that the most elaborate most expensive, or most showy way is the best. The one and only reason for the existence of a Christian Science church is that the gospel of Christ Jesus may be preached in the most effective and convincing manner, and remembering the simplicity which characterized his method of teaching, it goes without saying that this manner should be neither sensational nor ostentatious.

Jesus' preaching of the gospel of salvation from sin was coincident with his healing of the sick, and when he was asked to establish his claim to the Messiahship he unhesitatingly pointed to the works which he had done, in proof of his divine sonship, rather than to creed, dogma, or ritual. Again, when he had nearly closed his earthly ministry, he impressed upon his followers that these same works, the healing of the sick and suffering ones of earth, should also be done by those who believed on him. When he instructed his followers to preach the gospel and heal the sick, he did not lay greater stress upon one than the other, but rather coupled the two in such a manner as would indicate that they were to be regarded as concurrent and inseparable. The Master's works and words were in entire harmony, and the New Testament is as much a record of the healing of the lame, the halt, the blind, and those who suffered from all manner of diseases, as it is a compilation of his sayings.

That which needs to be brought out in a Christian Science service is that the gospel which is there preached is the same gospel which Jesus preached; that the same signs of healing follow the preaching of this gospel as followed his preaching, and that Christian Scientists, in emulation of his example, are healing the sick today as he healed them almost twenty centuries ago. The fact that the same Lesson-Sermon is read in every Christian Science church at the same time, whether that church be large or small, whether the congregation be in the city or the country, is significant of the simplicity which should rightly distinguish the present-day preaching of our Master's gospel. But even this simplicity is not all that is required. There should also result, through the ministry of these services, the healing of the sick, the reform of the sinner, and the restoration of comfort and joy to those who mourn.

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