Editorial April 15, 1911 Issue

JOY IN OBEDIENCE

Archibald McLellan

One of the strong impressions which the visitor to a Christian Science church usually carries away with him, is that of the almost universal expression of happiness on the countenances of these devout "hearers of the word," a happiness that bespeaks an inward peace for which he has an instinctive longing, yet knows not how to attain. Oftentimes the desire for a like serenity is the silken cord that gently draws him into the safe haven of absolute trust in the omnipotence of God to heal from sickness as well as to save from sin, the omnipotence of Him "who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."

Christian Scientists carry this atmosphere of radiant happiness with them into the world of every-day affairs; a serene confidence in Him who is their sure defender engenders that overflowing joy which brightens the day for all with whom they come in contact. They have learned that the secret of true happiness lies in obedience to the teachings of the Master, an obedience which lays hold on the promises of the Father and looks for their fulfilment; and they are finding that just in proportion as they give heed to the divine command to seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," the kingdom of heaven on earth, here and today, in that degree are health, happiness, and all good things added unto them.

Strangely enough, however, most of us wait for the goad of suffering to drive us to that which brings peace and content to body and mind, wait till we have learned for ourselves the utter worthlessness of all material dependences before we are willing to trust ourselves to Him who again and again has proved the power of Truth to save to the uttermost. We profess belief in God's promises, yet hesitate to put them to the test. We long for that fulness of joy which the Master declared should be with those who keep his commandments, who believe in him and strive to do the works that he did, yet we fear to cut the cables of material belief and "launch out into the deep" where the abundant riches of the Father's love are awaiting us.

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