Editorial February 18, 1928 Issue

"Hear these imperative commands"

Duncan Sinclair

CHRISTIAN living cannot be regarded otherwise than seriously. By that is not meant that the life of the Christian should be joyless—quite the reverse. But while joy and gladness should be much in evidence, there should also be the recognition that the Christian life ought to be characterized by deep earnestness and tremendous sincerity. Otherwise, one may, as it were, only be playing with the great truths of Being; and in doing so be virtually mocking at what should be to him the most sacred things.

The position of the Christian is very clearly set forth by Mrs. Eddy on page 37 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where the duties incumbent upon him are specifically stated. Mrs. Eddy writes: "Christians claim to be his [Christ Jesus'] followers, but do they follow him in the way that he commanded? Hear these imperative commands: 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect!' 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature!' 'Heal the sick!'" Very definite commands of the Master, indeed! And no one calling himself by the name of Christian dare set them aside as not applicable to him.

Now it has to be admitted that many throughout the centuries since Jesus gave his message of truth and love to mankind, and demonstrated its practical nature in healing all manner of disease and sin, have striven to be obedient to what he demanded of them. They have tried, often long and strenuously, to be better than they were; they have told others what they believed they knew of God and His Christ; and they have endeavored to bring comfort to those in bondage to sickness and sin. But it has to be acknowledged at the same time that until the coming of Christian Science there was something lacking, often something grievously lacking, in their attainments; for perfection was regarded by almost all those striving ones as a state impossible of realization, or even of contemplation, on earth, and the healing of the sick as that which should be left to the materialist, although they might admit that his methods might be aided by prayer.

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