Editorial January 24, 1914 Issue

Not Words, but Deeds

Archibald McLellan

Mrs. Eddy, on page 495 of Science and Health, in answer to the question, "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science?" counsels in part: "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love." This saying might also be applied to the question which soon or late presents itself to every earnest Christian Scientist; namely, how he can best bring this wonderful healing truth to the attention of those with whom he regularly or casually comes into contact.

In itself such a desire is right and laudable, but the mistake is sometimes made by the overzealous worker of thinking that in order to accomplish his purpose it is necessary to do what might be styled active missionary work. He is impressed that he must talk Christian Science to every one, and labor to convert them to the religion which has done so much for him. He forgets, perchance, that he himself was not converted through words, but through the opportunity to see that those calling themselves Christian Scientists were quietly and unostentatiously living a religion which had made them better and healthier men and women than they had been before, and that these same people were healing all manner of diseases for those who came to them for help.

Paul's counsel to Timothy was, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;" but this does not mean that we are to thrust Christian Science as a topic of conversation upon every one we meet, irrespective of whether these persons are ready to receive this teaching or whether the time and place are appropriate. Some go so far as to urge upon their friends, and even upon those whom they casually meet, offers of treatment. Sometimes these persons, through politeness, feel unable to decline such offers, yet this action so arrays them mentally against Christian Science, that they smart under a feeling that they have been taken advantage of while in a position which would have rendered a refusal both rude and embarrassing. It seems almost needless to say that under such circumstances healing very rarely results, and the unwilling patient usually lapses into a condition of positive antipathy to Christian Science. The good intentions of those who have not yet learned to temper their zeal with discretion, is not questioned; nevertheless their lack of perception of the fitness of things is likely to lead them into a course of action which may be positively harmful to those whom they ignorantly try to bless.

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