Editorial July 21, 1917 Issue

Do We Need to be Helped?

Annie M. Knott

The question is occasionally raised by those outside Christian Science, and even by those who are somewhat interested, why a sick person should go to a fellow being for help; and the argument is on this wise: Is not God just as willing to hear and answer the prayers of one person as another? To this it may be answered that there can be no doubt whatever as to the divine impartiality; the only question is to what extent the needy one is prepared to avail himself of the blessing which God is ever ready to bestow. It is very comforting to know that by the great spiritual illumination which has come to humanity through the study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, unnumbered thousands have been healed without the help of any person, and this is full proof of the correctness of the Master's words so often quoted by Christian Scientists: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

The knowing of the truth about God and man really constitutes healing in Christian Science, but very many are apparently unable to reach this consummation without the aid of another's understanding. We never think of questioning this in respect to any other line of study. It would be quite possible for every schoolboy to work his way through the various lines of knowledge which are deemed essential on the human plane, but it has been found a good and wise thing for school teachers to help their pupils until they are able to do their own work and to find actual delight in solving the problems which at first seemed so difficult to them.

We may all learn a valuable lesson with respect to the healing of the sick if we read the story of the washing of the disciples' feet, as given in John's gospel. We read that after the supper Jesus "girded himself" for service, and "began to wash the disciples' feet." We are told, however, that Peter objected when it came to his turn, but the Master responded in these deeply significant words: "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." It seems that Peter continued to object, but Jesus followed up his instruction by saying, "If I [Christ, Truth] wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." The Master added: "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

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