Editorial January 18, 1913 Issue

"COME UNTO ME."

Archibald McLellan

It is often asked by those who criticize Christian Science why so much space is given in Science and Health and in our periodicals to the subject of healing, and why this subject is referred to so frequently in our midweek meetings and in the conversation of Christian Scientists. In reply it may be said that it is for the selfsame reason which led the writers of the four gospels and of the Acts of the Apostles to chronicle so many of the healing works wrought by the Master and his disciples; indeed, St. John notes at the close of his gospel that "there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." It is because there were then, as there are today, multitudes of sick and suffering ones who came to Jesus for succor from their ills, just as present-day sufferers, having exhausted all temporal means of relief, and often as a last resort, turn to Christian Science and are healed.

That these inquiries are made in good faith there can be no doubt. That they show an utter lack of understanding of the connection between the words and works of our Master is equally apparent, for they imply a belief that the mighty works of this master Christian were but the exhibition of a specially conferred power which he used to attract the attention of the multitude, rather than in demonstration of Christian teaching. Rather would we regard them according to Matthew's chronicle, as the outpouring of a loving heart, "moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Their hearts may have been hardened against the gospel of the kingdom, which Jesus had come to make known unto them, but there was no gainsaying the proofs he adduced in support of his teaching, the "signs" which followed, and which he declared should follow, "them that believe."

That it was the Master's intent his disciples should continue the healing work is shown by his sending them out, by two and two, to the neighboring towns and villages "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick;" and that there was a general understanding they were in turn to teach others, is evident from Paul's counsel to Timothy: "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." The faithfulness with which these commands were obeyed during the first three centuries is attested in the writings of the early fathers of the church, who noted the wonderful works wrought by the early Christians, as they not only healed the sick, but even raised the dead. Well might Paul demand of King Agrippa, "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?"

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