Editorial December 13, 1924 Issue

True Witness-Bearing

Albert F. Gilmore

In that spirited exchange of words between Jesus and the Pharisees gathered in the temple and seeking to confuse him, as recorded in John's gospel, the Master uttered statements of deep significance to the students of his precepts and practices in all time. To their charge that he was an unrealiable witness as to his own character and mission, he replied, "Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go."

In these terse words, the Master utterly refuted any possible claim that the materially-minded scribes and Pharisees could understand the spiritual nature of the Christ, its origin or its destiny. That is to say, he denied the possibility that matter could take cognizance of Spirit, that evil could know good. Moreover, the Master proved the soundness of his position even under their own law, which provided that a cause could be established only on the testimony of two witnesses. "I am one that bear witness of myself," he declared, "and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me." Was not this sufficient proof? How could further evidence be demanded or furnished than his testimony of himself as presented in his works, and that of the Father, of God Himself, as to the character and message of the Christ? Had not the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"? Thus was established regarding the Nazarene the quality of testimony that every true follower tries to deduce as to man's true character and the presence of the Christ, thus showing forth the great possibilities resulting from scientific understanding and proper utilization of the divine ideal. In strict obedience to Mrs. Eddy's teachings, to gain like approval is the Christian Scientist's most earnest desire.

When is one a true witness-bearer? When he is approved of the Father. That is to say, when he exemplifies divine qualities, those which inhere in God. Because of his partially spiritual origin, Christ Jesus more perfectly demonstrated the divine power than has any other; but his true followers, notwithstanding the seeming handicap of a less spiritual origin, knowing man's perfect selfhood, earnestly strive to emulate the Master's example, thereby winning God's approval through true witness-bearing.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Free Moral Agency