Article July 11, 1914 Issue

Undoubtedly one of the most vital questions in which...

Charles E. Jarvis

Pasadena (Cal.) News

Undoubtedly one of the most vital questions in which humanity is interested is that of physical health. Those who possess it are interested in retaining it, and the afflicted are assiduously seeking relief. It is true that in many instances individuals have turned to Christian Science as a last resort and have been permanently cured, not only of physical ills, but of sin, sorrow, and poverty as well. It should be borne in mind, however, that the primary healing, of whatsoever nature, is but incidental to the spiritual regeneration which invariably results from a sincere desire on the part of the one who has been healed to know more of that truth which Jesus said would make us free, and which has just been demonstrated in his case.

The writer has heard and read many thousands of testimonies of healing resulting from the application of Christian Science teaching. In nearly every instance gratitude has been particularly expressed for the moral and spiritual uplift which has taken place in the life of the individual as a result of a study of the Bible in the light of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. There is always, too, a spirit of thankfulness for the physical benefits, though this is relegated to second place.

Christian Science is essentially a religion, and as such it must be recognized. Fundamentally, it regards man as the spiritual offspring of God, as described in the first chapter of Genesis, and it accepts literally the declaration of Jesus that "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Therefore it is obviously impossible to apprehend the spiritual import of its teachings from a material view-point. As a religion it is preeminently Christian. Its adherents not only obey the command of Jesus to go into the world to preach the gospel and to heal the sick, but they are striving to measure up to the test demanded by the Master of those who profess to believe on him: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do." It is practical, because by its daily and hourly demonstration it is being proved that a right understanding of God and of man's relationship to Him makes it possible for us to perform today the works which Jesus said we could do. Finally, it is satisfying, for verily it brings into the lives of its followers "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding."

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