Article October 29, 1927 Issue

Faith Proved by Works

DELLA M. WHITNEY

In the second chapter of the epistle of James we read, "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone;" also, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." All the faith one could bestow upon the fundamentals of music would never make him a musician; it would be necessary for him to gain an understanding of the laws of music, and put this understanding into faithful, persistent practice, in order to gain results. Similarly, since God is the divine Principle of being, man's relation to Him must be understood and practiced.

A seeker, although petitioning God daily for help, may be filled with fear as to the outcome of his affairs. Now we have no assurance of receiving an answer to the prayer that is uttered with the lips, while the heart is filled with doubt and fear. Hear these emphatic words from Hebrews: "He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

In Christian Science we learn how to turn from a blind faith in a corporeal God to the spiritual understanding of God and His relation to man, and to know that since God is good and man is His image and likeness, man in reality reflects all good now. Therefore, Christian Scientists do not plead with God to send good to them, but they affirm and endeavor to realize that all good is theirs now. When one prays in this manner, he is denying power to anything unlike God, good. This manner of prayer is not new, but is one way in which Jesus prayed. Before he raised Lazarus from the dead he said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." On page 12 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says, "It is neither Science nor Truth which acts through blind belief, nor is it the human understanding of the divine healing Principle as manifested in Jesus, whose humble prayers were deep and conscientious protests of Truth,—of man's likeness to God and of man's unity with Truth and Love."

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

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The Interpreter
October 29, 1927
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit