When John sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was...

Carlton County Vidette

When John sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was the Messiah, he did not answer them by any recitation of doctrine or creed, but gave witness and authority for himself by his answer, "Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them." He also said, "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." And again, "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

The method of Christian Scientists is that of Jesus. They give the reason for the faith that is in them by the "signs following," as indicated by the Master. Thus for fifty years Christian Science has been reforming the sinner and healing the sick. Thousands upon thousands of authenticated cases of healing and salvation have proved to the world beyond honest and reasonable controversion, that Mrs. Eddy's teachings follow the path laid out by the Master, and prove their correctness by their results. Jesus established the basis of judgment: "By their fruits ye shall know them." Christian Science has produced the fruits of its teachings in such abundance in the regeneration, salvation, and healing of mankind that those who take issue with it must submit to the challenge, "Go, and do thou likewise." Until those who attempt to discredit Christian Science and delude the public by false statements and misrepresentations can demonstrate that they are following in the footsteps of Christ Jesus by obeying his last and greatest commandment, "that ye love one another," and by giving some proof of the correctness of their own teaching by the "signs following" which the Master indicated, they can hardly expect their hearers to accept their statements upon their mere say-so. The present age is issuing its daily challenge to the church and Christianity. The answer surely cannot be a campaign of hate, vilification, and the sowing of discord between man and man, but must be that of love and harmony, which marked the teachings and practice of him who was so well named "The Prince of Peace."

The Apostle James said, "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead." Christian Science proves its faith not only by declaration, but by proof. Unlike its detractors, Christian Science does not rest its case upon mere belief in dogma, doctrine, or creed. It proves its teachings by results, and brings to mankind joy instead of sorrow, life instead of death, health instead of sickness, faith instead of fear, truth instead of error, love instead of hate. Christian Scientists might well ask of those who decry it, "For which of those works do ye stone me?" What should be the policy of all real Christians towards those of differing beliefs or doctrines is well indicated in the Scriptures: "And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." "Judge not, that ye be not judged." "Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit