Editorial May 20, 1933 Issue

Persuasive Preaching

W. Stuart Booth

Christian Science differs from other religious teachings in several respects. The point of difference most generally recognized is the fact that Christian Science furnishes present proof of its teachings by means of healing the sick. Christian Scientists accept Christ Jesus as their Way-shower and endeavor to be consistent Christian way-goers by following his example and obeying his instructions so far as they are able. Before Christ Jesus sent forth the twelve disciples he first told them where to go; then added, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils." He explained that the kingdom of God is not a locality, but is the government of God, good, in individual consciousness. "The kingdom of God is within you," he said.

Christian Scientists, therefore, in their endeavor to follow the Exemplar, accept his instructions as an individual charge. When they declare that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand," they speak with the conviction born of demonstration. Even as the Master associated the casting out of evils and the healing of sickness with the kingdom of heaven, so Christian Science offers persuasive preaching in practical proof of its doctrine as well as an appeal to reason. Mrs. Eddy writes pointedly of this in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 201), "The best sermon ever preached is Truth practised and demonstrated by the destruction of sin, sickness, and death."

In order that all Christian Science activities may share in and exemplify this healing, those who are connected with such activities identify their work with God, divine Love. Readers in churches know that the message they voice is the Word of God, which is supported and enforced by omnipotence; and so it is not surprising that many in the congregations are healed of sorrow, sin, and sickness at the church services. Similar work on the part of church members, supporting that of the Christian Science lecturers, has had abundant fruitage. Members of Christian Science literature distribution and other committees, by properly regarding that service from the metaphysical standpoint, have thereby gained joy and inspiration in their work, for they have the assurance that it is part of a great healing ministry. When members of Christian Science churches have gone to church business meetings armed with the knowledge that the purpose of the meetings was to demonstrate the unity of Mind, the government of divine Love, and the subjugation of human will, God has been glorified and thereby the members have been blessed.

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