Editorial September 16, 1911 Issue

AN ACTIVE FAITH

Archibald McLellan

AN essential feature of the Church of Christ, Scientist, is that in this church, as in primitive Christianity, works are more highly valued than are mere professions or outward show of form and ceremony. Organization on this practical basis naturally leads to and demands simplicity and dignity in the form of service, which, as instituted by our Leader, has proven both satisfying and helpful to those who attend.

One important point, however, must not be overlooked. While the service in itself is all that could be desired, and for its proper maintenance it is necessary that the readers should be well equipped in voice and education, and in the conduct of the affairs of the church as an organization it is important that the trustees and other officers should be familiar with good business methods, it is also necessary, and really of more consequence, that these servants of their fellow members should, for the standing of the church with the community at large, be able to put into practice the tenets of their faith with sufficient understanding and certainty to be able to heal the sick and the sinning who may appeal to them for help, and in every way, both in their home and business life, in their daily walk and conversation, constantly to demonstrate that God, divine Mind, is All and governs all.

That this practical demonstration of their faith is within normal bounds is easily apparent to those who have learned that "he who dated the Christian era is the Ensample in Christian Science" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 3). Christ Jesus demonstrated what he taught, proved the truth of his teachings by their practical application, and those who scoffed at his words could but acknowledge the validity of the works wrought by the power of Truth before their eyes. It was because he had been a witness to this convincing mode of argumentation that the apostle James wrote: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" and again that unanswerable declaration, "Faith without works is dead;" for, as he goes on to explain, "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

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