"PROVE ALL THINGS."

Archibald McLellan

The statement, "Evil is not power" (Science and Health, p. 192), has become to Christian Scientists one of the most familiar phrases of their text-book, and like another statement, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (Ibid., p. 494), it has given them great comfort and reassurance in times of stress and trouble. They must not, however, think that mere familiarity with these words is all that is needed in orders to enable them to set straight every crooked way, and heal the sick.

On this point, Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Expect to heal simply by repeating the author's words, by right talking and wrong acting, and you will be disappointed. Such a practice does not demonstrate the Science by which divine Mind heals the sick" (p. 452). Again, she writes (Ibid., p. 350), "To understand all our Master's sayings as recorded in the New Testament, sayings infinitely important, his followers must grow into that stature of manhood in Christ Jesus which enables them to interpret his spiritual meaning. Then they know how Truth casts out error and heals the sick. His words were the offspring of his deeds, both of which must be understood. Unless the works are comprehended which his words explained, the words are blind." From this teaching we can rest assured that Christian Science is and must be a religion of demonstration, rather than one of supine drifting.

The great deficiency in connection with most religious thought has been the failure of its followers to make practical use of the great teachings which they have received, and it certainly behooves Christian Scientists not to repeat this mistake. Christian Science is founded on the Scriptures, and there is not one of its postulates which cannot be proved, otherwise they would not be scientific; and it is in the proving of these statements of truth that Christian Scientists are of service to their fellows.

Mrs. Eddy in all her writings has insisted with Paul that it is necessary to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good;" and to "pray without ceasing." She is ever urging upon her followers the necessity to be doers of the word, as well as hearers of it; and the apostle James says of such, "He being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." It is incumbent, therefore, upon all who truly desire to receive the benefits of Christian Science, as well as to be able to impart these benefits to others, that they not only know, but by demonstration of the Principle and rule of Christian Science prove, that "evil is not power."

Archibald McLellan.

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