Editorial June 28, 1913 Issue

"WHAT SHALL I RENDER?"

Annie M. Knott

One of the most noticeable effects of Christian Science is the awakening of gratitude for every good thing, and a desire to manifest it in some practical way. That this spirit is not inherent in the human mind to any great extent is evidenced by an unwillingness on the part of most mortals to admit that any favors have been received, either from God or man, or to make any return for the same; indeed, the true sense of thankfulness is never awakened until spiritual consciousness begins to replace material belief. As this is attained, the grateful thought cries out with the psalmist, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits?" On referring to the 116th psalm we find that these words were spoken by one who had been healed of sickness, sorrow, and fear of impending death, one who had been "greatly afflicted," perhaps by treachery on the part of his fellow men. The all-important thing, however, is that he found complete deliverance in turning unreservedly to God, and in finding that God is both "gracious" and "righteous," also merciful.

It was undoubtedly an unspeakable blessing to this man to be delivered from his dire distress, but what was of infinitely greater importance was his discovery that God is good, and good only. Well might he cry out, "I love the Lord"! even before giving the reason therefor. Like thousands at the present time, he had judged God by mortals, had found them to be "liars," and so a new and true concept of both God and man was needed. When this is found by any one, healing follows "as naturally and as necessarily as darkness gives place to light," to use our revered Leader's words (Science and Health, Pref., p. xi). Christ Jesus said that it is "life eternal" to know God; and if our sense of life is darkened, it goes to show that we do not know Him in the way which Jesus meant, that we have not grasped the truth which he said would make us free. Lowell says:—

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