Article April 4, 1925 Issue

Our Individual Responsibility

DORA ELVERTON SHAW

"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." As Christian Scientists we assuredly take the teachings of our Master to be true for all time; for the whole foundation of our religion is based on Jesus' words and works. His life is our pattern; and just as a student of any subject will refer continually to his textbooks for further information to carry on the work he may be doing, so Christian Scientists admit it to be impossible to progress and be sure of their ground unless they are continually referring to our Master's teachings as given in the Bible, and to the teachings of Christian Science, as given by Mrs. Eddy in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."

Admitting this, we must necessarily acknowledge that all Jesus said was true. We cannot afford to look to certain of his remarks and leave others out, simply because they may appear to be rather more advanced than we consider is necessary for application to-day. What mortals consider necessary is no criterion; for if many of them were left to their own beliefs and limitations they would never recognize Jesus' power as spiritual. It is the natural trend of mortal thought not to look above matter, which means the reign of limitation. The divine Mind, however, is always operating, whether we realize it or not; and it is the activity of this Mind which has made possible the understanding that the works Jesus did and the truths he taught were for all mankind, and within the reach of all. For the application of this truth in our day we are indebted to Mrs. Eddy, who was pure and unselfish enough to put aside to a great degree mortal sense and its suggestions, and to be willing to watch and pray for that Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus."

As Christian Scientists we no doubt acknowledge all this to be true, and we are very willing to admit that wonderful works are being done as the outcome of this teaching. Have we, however, considered that since Jesus—who was always correct in what he said, for he proved his words by his works—declared, "And greater works than these shall he do," there is very much in his words to contemplate, and that we cannot, as earnest Christian Scientists, afford to read them casually or pass them by? Our Master was speaking to his disciples collectively and individually, and he intended every one to apply his teachings and so spread the truth.

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