Editorial July 22, 1933 Issue

Witnessing for Truth

W. Stuart Booth

Christ Jesus, the influence of whose teachings and example is beyond measure, summed up his life-purpose in these words spoken to Pilate: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth." Careful study of the Master's sayings makes it certain that the truth to which he bore witness was the truth about God, his Father and our Father, including the truth about man, the harmonious, healthy, pure, and perfect reflection of God. Evidently Christ Jesus had this in thought when he said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

It is instructive, illuminating, and inspiring to bear in thought, when reading the New Testament, that the words spoken by Jesus—his vigorous rebuke of evil as well as his tender, loving counsel and admonition—were impelled by the purpose to "bear witness unto the truth." Likewise, the healing by the Master of all manner of sickness, the restoring of hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind, and feet to the impotent and lame—these all witnessed to the truth that health, ability, and harmonious activity are God's inalienable gifts to man. The liberation of those who had been sin-bound, the pacifiying of the winds and waves, and the feeding of the multitudes by the Saviour also witnessed to the truth that God's law of justice, love, and supply is ever operative and available. Christ Jesus' demonstration over death for others and for himself witnessed to the great truth that Life is real, and, therefore, death is but an error of material belief.

After Mary Baker Eddy discovered Christian Science she devoted herself to prayerful development of her discovery to the end that she might share its blessings with all mankind. Evidently she was deeply impressed by the fact that Christ Jesus' witnessing to the truth took the form of healing sickness, overcoming sin, and annulling death; and spiritual sense led her to see that these discordant and troublous conditions must be erroneous, since Christ Jesus, in witnessing to the truth, destroyed them. Following her spiritual intutions our Leader further discerned that, as Christ Jesus is the Way-shower, it is incumbent upon his followers to bear witness to the truth about God and man in the way and manner he did, which accords with his promise that those who believe on him, understand his teachings, shall do the works he did.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Item of Interest