Editorial July 28, 1934 Issue

God's Protecting Power

W. Stuart Booth

When Christ Jesus' works are considered, it is quite natural that there should come to thought the many remarkable healings of "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease," the giving of sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, the feeding of the multitudes and the overcoming of death for others and finally for himself. Also, we are impressed by the simple account of Jesus' deliverance from wrathful opponents who had led him to the brow of a hill to throw him down the cliff; "but he passing through the midst of them went his way." When the disciples felt that they were in jeopardy because of a storm on the lake God's protective power, realized by their Master, saved them. In addition to these many marvelous evidences of God's power and law, there must have been in Christ Jesus' experience others resulting in prevention of trouble and protection from ill of which we have no record.

After Jesus' ascension, Peter was led forth from prison by the angel of the Lord; and Paul and Silas had a similar experience. Paul was protected from harm when shipwrecked, and also when a viper fastened on his hand. Although John's deliverance from the pot of boiling oil is not mentioned in Scripture, Tertullian's account of it may be accepted as authentic. All of this evidently impressed Mrs. Eddy, as may be judged by her writings. On page 387 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" we read, "The history of Christianity furnishes sublime proofs of the supporting influence and protecting power bestowed on man by his heavenly Father, omnipotent Mind, who gives man faith and understanding whereby to defend himself, not only from temptation, but from bodily suffering."

At the Wednesday testimony meetings held in Christian Science churches, as well as in our Journal and Sentinel, many grateful men and women testify to the fact that Christian Science is both therapeutic and prophylactic—both curative and preventive—in its influence. Naturally students of Christian Science are sincerely grateful for the many healings they have experienced in connection with sickness and with accidents which have befallen them. It is significant, however, that an increasing number are rejoicing in the peace, satisfaction, and assurance of divine protection from sickness, accidents, and other abnormal conditions, which they are realizing as a result of consistent obedience to their Leader's admonitory provision in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. VIII, Sect. 6). Under the heading "Alterness to Duty" we are told, "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion, and not be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind."