Editorial January 7, 1911 Issue

ANOINTED OF GOD

John B. Willis

"Before your letter reached me relief came, and now I am nearly free. I am thankful every minute."

As the telegram, with these grateful words witnessing to Truth's appearing in answer to prayer, was read, a great wave of humility and of joy broke upon the heart of the practitioner. A week before a letter had come from the distant friend, telling of most distressing conditions, and of pain that had seemed unendurable for months. It had closed with a pitiful plea for help, and thought was immediately centered upon God, upon the truth of being as our only refuge and strength. The Scientists had declared for God's rule upon earth, that His hand "is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear," and a great expectancy of good had been born in his heart. Nevertheless the immediateness of the return rebuked his past reserve and doubt, and awakened a new realization of the meaning of the words in which the prophet voices his quickened sense of the scope and efficiency of the ministry to which the Christ-man is called: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives."

On page 592 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy defines "oil" as a symbol not only of "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer;" but of "heavenly inspiration," the enduring activity of Truth in human consciousness, God working in us, and St. John was surely moved by this thought when he wrote, "The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man [personal sense] teach you: ... as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth." In keeping with this idea of individual privilege Christian Science teaches that every disciple of Christ Jesus is to present to the world his unquestionable credentials as the ambassador of Truth. The demonstration of the presence and power of the Christ-idea in the healing of the sick is to be the seal of his authority to stand before men as a Christian believer, and whatever human call and authorization may come to him, without this his commission does not bear the Master's seal.

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AMONG THE CHURCHES
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