PREACHING THE GOSPEL

FRANKLIN BLAKE.

The command of the Master, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," was intended not alone for the few disciples to whom it was spoken, but applies equally to all, as Christ Jesus is our great Exemplar and the Wayshower for all mankind. From the moment that he had fulfilled the Jewish law of obligation to parents, Jesus began to devote his entire life to healing and teaching, his first public declaration being the good news that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. As he came to do "the will of the Father," it is evident that this command to preach and to heal is from God, divine Mind, and that it rests upon all. This conclusion is logical under the summing up of the commandments which Jesus made, requiring us to love our neighbor as ourselves, for this involves the sharing with others of the good which has come to us. It is perfectly natural, therefore, for those who have in some measure entered into the kingdom, to desire that others shall receive the same blessing with themselves.

Can the Master's command be obeyed today in letter and in spirit? Most certainly, or it would not have been laid upon us, for Love never requires of us more than we are able to perform. In Jesus' day teaching was almost wholly by word of mouth. In later days the Christian church interpreted this command to mean that missionaries should be sent to preach the gospel to unenlightened nations. Today the most widely effective means is undoubtedly the printed page. The vast amount of literature of all kinds which is now being published and read, indicates the desire of the human mind for enlightenment. Through the wisdom and foresight of our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, practical and efficient means for obeying the Master's command are provided in the Christian Science periodicals. The publication of these has been entrusted to The Christian Science Publishing Society, which, inasmuch as it has been a strong support to all the other branches of the church work, might be called, to use Paul's simile, the right arm of that working "body," The Church of Christ, Scientist. Its work, its responsibility, and its privilege belong, therefore, to every enlisted Christian Scientist, and may be shared by all who are in any way interested in the betterment of mankind.

The constantly enlarging operations of the Society clearly indicate that it was founded and is being managed on a sound basis, and nothing less than this would be either Christian Science or common sense. The periodicals which were from time to time established by Mrs. Eddy have not only been of inestimable value to their readers, but the longer established ones, having each in turn won their way to self-support, have contributed largely to the support of the newer ones and also to the work of the Cause in general. Today the periodicals are going to every part of the world: to the Arctic circle in Alaska, where they are sometimes sent by registered mail to insure delivery; to Mexico and Brazil in the tropics; to Russia, Egypt, and the southernmost points of Africa; and eastward and westward, encircling the globe.

In the light of these facts the obligation of Article VIII. Section 14, of the Church Manual, is seen with greater clearness. It is well for us to note that the wording of the by-law includes all the periodicals. There are numberless instances where those toiling under heavy burdens of sickness and sorrow have found a sweet release through the blessed ministration of Christian Science, and the first touch of this healing gospel came to them through one of the Christian Science periodicals. Specific cases of immediate healing resulting from reading a single article or testimony could be mentioned. With this first healing and uplifting influence of Christian Science there usually comes a desire to know more of the truth that has brought freedom, and the way is thus opened for a study of our Leader's works.

When we have advanced somewhat in understanding, and all our moments are filled with the more active demonstration of what we have learned, we may find less time for reading, but we should not forget that the literature can give the same help to others that it has given to us. If the way has not yet opened for us to take up active work, and we are puzzled to know how we may help others, here is at least one effective method at hand. Many active and earnest workers fail to support Der Herold der Christian Science because they do not themselves read German, forgetting what a boon this periodical has been to many earnest seekers for Truth who could not have read the periodicals in English. For this reason the Herold also should have our support.

Some of us have doubtless listened to the argument that we could not find time to read all the periodicals, and we have subscribed for only one or two, thereby shutting ourselves out of our share of good accomplished by the others, and depriving them of a portion of the support to which they are entitled. Through the state committees on publication and the local distribution committees there is ample opportunity for putting the literature into circulation. We do not need to know what final disposition will be made of the periodicals: we need only to be obedient and awake to our privilege, and "God will supply the wisdom and the occasion" (Science and Health, p. 571). To some the argument of lack of means may be presented. In such a case we may reason that if the publication of the periodicals is a rightful part of the church work, and it is right for us to have our part in it, the way to do so can be opened through the application of divine Principle. Love meets every need, and there are no exceptions. If the periodicals were not needed, they would not have been established, nor would they be maintained. If they are needed, it is right for us to do our share in meeting that need. The question is purely an individual one. The fact that we have opportunity to read the periodicals which others are taking, does not release any one of us from doing our part.

Mrs. Eddy has said that the church is the mouthpiece of Christian Science, and it is natural, logical, and beautiful that our ability to obey Jesus' command should come through one of the activities of The Mother Church.

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