Editorial August 13, 1910 Issue

A FULL SALVATION

Archibald McLellan

Some of those who criticize Christian Science and Christian Scientists do so from the standpoint that too much is made of the healing of disease, and too little of the healing of sin; but there are at least two reasons why such criticism is not well founded. The first of these is that the example of Christ Jesus in healing the sick is always before us, both in his preaching and in his practice. Matthew makes mention of the fact that in the very beginning of his ministry "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." Indeed, such a large part of the Gospels is given over to a record of his healing work that no one can legitimately question the importance with which Jesus himself vested this labor for his fellows, even going so far as to demonstrate and instance this healing work, to the onlooking messengers from John the Baptist, as the proof of his Mcssiahship.

To the twelve disciples whom he sent forth, and also to the seventy, Jesus gave strict charge to heal the sick, and finally, when his earthly ministry was drawing to a close, there came as a climax that heart-comforting, soul-strengthening promise to "them that believe;" namely, "In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Surely there could be no stronger indorsement of healing as a part of the ministry of all true Christians, than is afforded by these parting words from the lips of the Founder of Christianity.

It is as true today as it was in the time of Jesus, that mankind is more concerned about being healed of its diseases, in which it has no pleasure, than it is in forsaking its sins, in which it believes there is pleasure; and it is for this reason that in both ages the healing of sickness has made the more startling record, the stronger impression on public thought. As a matter of fact, the healing of disease in the time of Jesus and his immediate followers was incidental to his ministry for the salvation of mankind, and today those who are endeavoring scientifically to follow his teachings, who have found in them a full salvation, are likewise applying them to all the affairs of life, instead of using them simply as a basis for future results and future rewards in a far-away heaven.

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