Editorial January 20, 1917 Issue

To the Glory of the Father

Archibald McLellan

In the seventh chapter of John's gospel our Master is quoted as saying to the Jews who sought him at the feast in Jerusalem: "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."

It must have been evident to those who were in close touch with Christ Jesus, as well as to those of his hearers who while in less intimate relationship nevertheless heard him and understood him, that it was not his aim to accentuate or exalt his own personality. On the contrary, he took great care to tell them that it was the Father who did the works, and that he himself was worthy of belief only as he reflected God. It was not his purpose to exalt himself, but rather to exalt the message which he bore to the world, and to prove by his works that this message was the revelation of God to humanity. What he practised and preached was the "Science of God and man;" and of this Science our Leader has written on page 52 of "Unity of Good": "This Science of God and man is the Holy Ghost, which reveals and sustains the unbroken and eternal harmony of both God and the universe. It is the kingdom of heaven, the ever-present reign of harmony, already with us. Hence the need that human consciousness should become divine, in the coincidence of God and man, in contradistinction to the false consciousness of both good and evil, God and devil,—of man separated from his Maker. This is the precious redemption of soul, as mortal sense, through Christ's immortal sense of Truth, which presents Truth's spiritual idea, man and woman."

So, too, the Christian Scientist who is giving out the message he has received through the teachings of Mrs. Eddy, is not exalting himself, is not claiming anything by reason of his own person or his own accomplishments, but is gently, wisely, and meekly regulating his conduct by the words and the works of Christ Jesus, works which were always done to the glory of the Father. The healing work which the Christian Scientist is doing is recognized by him to be the demonstration of the "Science of God and man," which is common to all and not confined to himself or to any other person. He is inspired by the knowledge that God is All, that He is the only creator and protector of man; and to the extent that personal sense is destroyed and the fatherhood and motherhood of God is demonstrated, to that extent is the brotherhood and equality of man brought to light and he is blessed. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Compulsory Health Insurance