Editorial November 14, 1914 Issue

The Will of the Father

Archibald McLellan

That there is need for works as well as words in the daily life of all Christians, and especially of Christian Scientists, is one thing that Mrs. Eddy's teachings have forced upon the attention of those who would win the "crown of glory that fadeth not away," the hope of which Peter held out to the elders of the early church. Unfortunately this occasion for personal demonstration is not fully realized by all who embrace Christian Science. Many simply believe in Christian Science because it has healed them, and they do not grasp the idea that there is a necessity for individual activity; therefore they continue in a state of mere passive receptivity for years. Whenever they are sick or in trouble, they depend upon some practitioner for help; and in so doing they fail to avail themselves of the very greatest benefit that could come to them; namely, the working out of their own salvation. Christian Science is not simply a cure-all for physical ills, to be administered by some practitioner who has taken the place of the family doctor. It is much more than that; it is the demonstrable religion of Christ Jesus, which means the salvation so definitely promised by him to all who would worship the Father both "in spirit and in truth."

The Master, near the close of that wonderful Sermon on the Mount, warned his disciples against the dangers of mere profession, saying: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Again and again was he insistent upon the necessity for activity, —the doing of the will of the Father which filled his own earthly career to the very end with loving ministries to humanity. The same was true of Paul, who added a word of reassurance when he wrote to the Galatians, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

So, too, Mrs. Eddy continually counseled her followers. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 176) she asks, "Are we duly aware of our own great opportunities and responsibilities?" and in Science and Health (p. 3) she says: "Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution." It seems easier, of course, to let some one else do the work, on the ground that as it is his profession he is better qualified to do it. This is a mere sophistry, however, and the sooner this is clear to us the better are our chances for advancement in the understanding of omnipotent, omnipresent Mind.

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