Editorial June 2, 1934 Issue

Onward, Christian Scientists!

W. Stuart Booth

In a consideration of the messages from our Leader to the members of The Mother Church we note that her reports of the spread and progress of the Christian Science movement were subservient always to her repeated calls for greater spiritual growth on the part of the individual church members. These special communications urging increased Christian endeavor, better healing work, and more consecration are filled with admonition, advice, and inspiring instruction whereby spiritual progress may be made by Christian Scientists. Mrs. Eddy's messages, as published in "Miscellaneous Writings" and other of her books, are continuing and will always continue their mission of helping Christian Scientists to obey Jesus' command, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

In this connection it is interesting and instructive to note in Luke's Gospel the words of Christ Jesus to the seventy disciples who, in addition to the twelve, had been commissioned to preach that the kingdom of God is at hand, and to substantiate their preaching with proof by healing the sick. When the seventy returned and joyfully reported to the Master that even the devils were subject unto them through his name, he said to them, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." But, lest the disciples lose sight of the true spiritual import of Christian doctrine and demonstration, Jesus added, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." Evidently the Master wished to stress the all-important fact that their demonstrations of dominion and healing were to be regarded as evidences of the truth that man's nature and being are spiritual.

The lesson pointed by Christ Jesus to the seventy was intended, of course, for all men and all time. Christian Scientists should never lose sight of it, because the spirituality of man and of all that is real is the premise from which we work, and the full realization of that truth is the goal toward which we are striving. Is a Christian Science practitioner tempted to become mesmerized by the insistent appeals from patients for physical relief and ease in matter? Let him remind himself that the prime objective of Christian Science practice is the transformation and spiritualization of human consciousness. Then, as his prayers or treatments are directed to that end, his patients will be truly blessed and both he and they will be strengthened and inspired.

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