Editorial November 21, 1914 Issue

"Things new and old"

Annie M. Knott

No one can deny that only deep spirituality can rightly apprehend the real meaning of our Master's parables. Indeed, he himself said to the disciples that it was not given to those outside of his teachings "to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." He addressed the material thought in parables adapted to their dull and darkened condition, all the while knowing that it is the one who possesses some measure of spirituality that shall have as a result of his teachings "more abundance." Contrariwise, from the one who has not the truth there shall be taken away that which he seems to possess, since Truth shatters all falsity with the piercing rays of its irresistible light.

When read in the light of Christian Science, the thirteenth chapter of Matthew is a whole volume of revealed truth, uttered by one who was proving daily the truth about God, man, and the universe, telling his students of things which had been "kept secret from the foundation of the world." All the while the great Teacher was making known to all who would listen, the things of God's kingdom, the priceless treasures of Truth for which we might well lose all earthly things and with Paul count them but refuse so that we may "win Christ,"—know the truth which sets free! At the close of this marvelous discourse, Jesus asked his disciples if they had understood it, and they replied in the affirmative. Then he said, "Every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

At every step of the way Christ Jesus was doing this very thing. He went deeply into the treasures of the old prophets, treasures long buried beneath the false belief that the rare truths they uttered were of no value in another age, except, perchance, as rhetorical gems. But when he, the Messiah, read the words of Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me," his listeners were stirred as if "a rushing mighty wind" had shaken the synagogue where they were assembled. The words were old and familiar, but their meaning was new, and it was pressed home when Jesus said, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." And how, we may ask, was this message received? With love and gratitude by all, we might well suppose. But no! There were some who heeded the gracious words, vital with love for all mankind; but—alas that it should be told!—the messenger was thrust out of the city and his very life threatened because he had offered to blinded mortals the treasures of Truth,—made known to them the healing and saving power of God's word.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Among the Churches