Article April 17, 1920 Issue

Practice not Profession

ALMA LUTZ

"What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch," was the warning of Jesus to his followers. Nineteen hundred years later one of his most humble followers, Mary Baker Eddy, in her Message to The Mother Church (Message for 1900, p. 2), made this vital statement: "The song of Christian Science is, 'Work—work—work—watch and pray.'" This counsel is of utmost importance to all Christian Scientists, to-day and always, because the ways are subtle and hidden that lure one from a demonstrable to a theoretical religion. How much easier it is to preach than to practice! What a comfortable sense of self-righteousness and self-gratification preaching brings, and what watchfulness, self-immolation, and sacrifice are involved in the actual practice of Christian Science!

Even a slight study of the earthly career of Jesus will convince one that in every instance he proved his words by his works. For three hundred years his disciples followed his example, proving their religion by healing sickness and sin, and even by raising the dead. Then Christianity became popular. It was accepted by the court and, in consequence, thoughtlessly by the populace, so that as time went on neither the letter nor the spirit of primitive Christianity was understood by the majority of believers. Gradually a personal, material, even idolatrous element crept into the Christian religion, robbing it of its vitality. Symbols and ceremony took the place of the simplicity of Jesus' teachings. Men were separated from God by artificial mediators, by man-made doctrines and creeds, and it followed that only the outside of the platter was made clean. Truth, however, is immortal. In every age there have been clear thinkers who have found in the Bible, with its records of Christianity, inspiration to come out from the world of man-made theology and be separate, who have tried to acquaint themselves with God and be at peace. Luther, Wycliffe, Calvin, Wesley, and the Puritans, groped for the pure religion of Jesus; but it was Mary Baker Eddy who found it, and called her discovery Christian Science. The lost element of Christianity—healing the sick through the understanding of God—has been restored through this Science.

The first followers of this religion not only had the usual persecution to meet from denominational religion but from the medical profession as well, and these trials made them firm in their faith and willing to be judged only by their works. The growth of Christian Science has been steady and sure. To-day its message has reached the uttermost parts of the earth. Everywhere it has its churches gratefully and bountifully self-supported. That religion whose first reception was beset with ridicule, persecution, and injustice is attaining popularity. The same fervor remains among its followers, the same boundless gratitude for its healing message. Besides, there is the added strength of years of experience, years of earnest, conscientious work. Now perhaps more than at any other time is it necessary for Christian Scientists to be alert and watchful, to think clearly, and to remember that, as James said, "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Practice not Profession

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access