The Promised Comforter

HELEN FRIEND ROBINSON

Christian Science has come to this age to reestablish in a practical, demonstrable way the religion of Christ Jesus. After studying the gospels in the light of the understanding given in Christian Science, one is almost led to wonder why the healing voice of Truth was silent to men for so long. The words of the Master are plain and unmistakable, and the command to "heal the sick" seems no less imperative than the command to "preach the gospel to every creature;" but Christendom, in general, has here made a wide distinction.

Christian Science, in obedience to the example of the great Way-shower, includes in its ministry the healing of the sick as well as of the sinning; but now, as in the time of Jesus' earlier demonstrations, it does not place the physical healing first. These signs and wonders, now as then, are but the higher proofs along the way of the mission of divine Science to give to humanity a full salvation from sin, disease, and death. The physical healing is always cause for deep gratitude; but, according to Paul, the transformation of the body should be wrought through the renewing of the mind; and Christian Science teaches that the physical redemption, in order to approximate the Christ-example, must be accompanied by that spiritual sense which eventually leads "into all truth."

Jesus foretold the coming anew of this dispensation of Truth in these words: "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth." The truth, as again revealed in Christian Science, is indeed the Comforter which our Master promised should come to teach us all things. A "tree is known by his fruit," wisely declared the master Christian; and a single proof of the healing, beneficial effects of this Science declares its Christian and scientific basis, showing that it is founded upon divine Principle.

"Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it," said the angel to John in the Apocalypse; and through that inspired book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the "open door" of Christ's demonstrable Christianity has been set before humanity in this age. Not a ray of Truth can ever be lost; and so, after one has once perceived the true import of the Word of God through this "Key," no one will ever be able to shut the light of Truth from his awakened consciousness.

In Science and Health we read (p. 55): "The promises will be fulfilled. The time for the reappearing of the divine healing is throughout all time; and whosoever layeth his earthly all on the altar of divine Science, drinketh of Christ's cup now, and is endued with the spirit and power of Christian healing." The restoration of divine healing is a great boon to humanity, and no one can more truly bear witness to this than the one who has received healing through the ministry of Christian Science. To-day there are many thousands of grateful hearts all over the world who gladly testify to the lasting benefits received from the faithful application of Mrs. Eddy's teaching, as contained in her writings.

There is no mystery apparent in the teachings of Christian Science, except to the ungodly or worldly-minded. Indeed, many of its statements are so clear and concise that even young children often demonstrate the practical worth of its teachings by performing remarkable cures through the understanding of the simple verities it reveals. And here it were wise to note Mrs. Eddy's warning counsel, "A grain of Christian Science does wonders for mortals, so omnipotent it Truth, but more of Christian Science must be gained in order to continue in well doing" (Science and Health, p. 449). By taking up systematic study of the textbook of Christian Science in connection with the Bible, as provided for in the Christian Science Quarterly, any student who is seeking spiritual enlightenment can readily prove for himself the efficacy of this Science and receive the Comforter into his daily life, to aid him in the minutest details of every problem he has to meet. Not only will he find untold comfort and inspiration in thus working out his own problems successfully, but, if faithful, his joys ere long will be greatly enhanced by the comfort he is able to bring to others.

The farther the student advances in the study of Christian Science, the more profound becomes his appreciation and gratitude for Mrs. Eddy's discovery of this healing truth, and for its reestablishment in this age upon a practical and permanent foundation. Through this revelation of Truth, Christian Scientists are enabled to bear the test of their discipleship by their works. Just as Christ Jesus silenced doubt in his time by referring the questioners to his works, so in this age his followers in Christian Science are privileged to remove doubt and prejudice from their pathway by doing the same kind of works. Again, as of yore, through the Christ-method, devils or evils are cast out; the sorrowing are comforted; the sick are healed; the lame walk; the blind receive their sight, and the deaf hear,—all in fulfillment of Jesus' promise that those who believe on him shall do the works he did. These are some of the "signs" by which this Science proves its claim to be the religion of Christ, and also the Comforter of promise. Does any other system or religious ethics or medicine so fully fulfill the divine requirements?

Surely the Comforter has come according to promise; and it rests wholly with ourselves whether this revealed Truth finds an abiding place with us. May each and every

Christian Scientist so live that this priceless healing truth, with its message of universal peace and love to all mankind, may be proclaimed on earth to-day to the glory of God, as when angels first heralded the coming of the Christ.

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