Editorial March 2, 1918 Issue

Clouds Dispelled

Annie M. Knott

In recent times religious people have to a large extent turned away from the literal interpretation of the Scriptures, especially where prophecy is concerned. Here be it said, however, that while Christian Scientists endeavor to gain a meaning above the literal, if by this is meant the material, they endeavor to lose sight of nothing which is of importance in reaching that overcoming which the Bible insists upon, and which Christian Science shows to be possible. At the present time, when there can be no question whatever respecting the identification of world conditions with those foretold by Christ Jesus and given in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew's gospel, we are almost tempted to accept the statements found therein in the most literal way, whereas there is every reason why we should lift thought above all mortal discords, and grasp the spiritual reality which is inseparable from all of our Master's teachings and demonstrations.

It is deeply interesting as well as helpful to note what the great Teacher has to say about the passing of error and the appearing to human consciousness of God's kingdom on earth, and so we read of "the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." This passage corresponds to several others, both in the Old Testament and in the New, and we find the idea repeated in the first chapter of Revelation, where we read, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him." On page 547 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says: "The Scriptures are very sacred. Our aim must be to have them understood spiritually, for only by this understanding can truth be gained." At one time it was believed by many sincere Christians that Jesus would return to earth, and would be seen coming through the clouds in the midst of the greatest of human struggles. Christian Science, however, reveals the fact that Christ as God's idea has never been absent from the earth, for he himself said to his disciples at the close of his earthly ministry, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth ... and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

To the Christian Scientist, as an individual, the coming of the Christ has usually been when the clouds of mortal sense hung very heavy and seemed to shut out the light of Truth and Love, but through the demonstration of divine Science the ever presence of God and His Christ and the divine all-power dispelled these clouds and brought healing, even as in the earthly ministry of Christ Jesus; nor would the one who was healed deny that this coming was "with power and great glory."

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