Editorial September 11, 1915 Issue

The Light that Heals

Annie M. Knott

If a Christian Scientist were asked what it is that heals the sick in Christian Science, he would unhesitatingly answer that it is spiritual illumination, and for this response there is abundant Scriptural authority. The mission of the Christ was prophetically described by Zacharias in these words: "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." Long before his day, when to mortal sense all seemed dark, Isaish had said, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." To this he added, "The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light."

This latter promise becomes a vital element in the experience of those who are healed in Christian Science, for it is their privilege to be "children of light," a term used by several of the New Testament writers. We are told that at the transfiguration Jesus was such a transparency for the divine light that even his garments were radiant. The next day, when he came down from the mount, this light went forth to bring healing to the poor epileptic boy, proving that it is indeed the very life of men. It rests with us to "let" this light shine on and on, till all the darkness of mortal sense is dispelled.

On page 446 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy makes it clear that it is not the human will which heals the sick, and she says: "Not human platitudes, but divine beatitudes, reflect the spiritual light and might which heal the sick." Our Master said, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." One who is in bondage to his own and the general belief in disease laws, and who must sooner or later suffer therefrom, is not following Christ Jesus in the way that he appointed. Indeed such a one is oftentimes in deep darkness, awaiting the blind decree of fate as to what may be the outcome of an illness. Happily, however, Christian Science has already shattered to a large extent the belief that God is responsible for the darkness which induces the disease, and this means much to mankind. Light is not only diffusive but penetrative, and its rays frequently find a chink in the dungeon wall of mortal sense and give promise of possible deliverance. Then comes courage to protest in the name of God and His Christ against an unjust sentence, and this itself helps to open the doors of the prison. Next comes in God's own way, and often most unexpectedly, the healing truth, and the belief in disease with its outward manifestation "totters to its falling before the battle—axe of Science" (Science and Health, p.389). The unreal walls of materiality, believed in for ages, vanish as a dream before the light of real being, and as in St. John's vision all things are made new.

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