As a basis in explanation of the efforts put forth each year to obtain legislation which will prohibit the practice of Christian Science, the proponents of such legislation usually try to show two things, first, that Christian Science does not heal; and second, that it is a menace, because, as they allege, Christian Scientists do not obey the laws in regard to the reporting of so-called contagious diseases.
Though
named in prophecy "The Prince of Peace," and thus heralded at his birth by angelic choirs, Christ Jesus frankly declared that he came "not to send peace, but a sword;" and with his own trial and crucifixion there was inaugurated a world-strife which has left its record upon every page of history, and which today is seething to a tidal crest whose threatenings can but seem alarming to the timid and tired of heart.
Nothing
of all Jesus said was more irritating to the Jews than his self-identification with God, and though manifestly impelled in their cruel determinations by pride and prejudice, this was their avowed reason to Pilate for demanding his crucifixion.
It
needs but little argument to convince a truly thoughtful man or woman that those experiences alone are worth remembering which lift us above the mortal sense of things with gleams of light that hint at immortal realities, and it matters little what these "gleams of glory" cost us in the mental throes which prepare us to see the light.
No
greater hope dwells in the breast of mankind than that of immortality, and no clearer statement of the possibility and modus of immortality was ever made than is afforded by the words of Christ Jesus when he said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
There
are no Christian people who give greater prominence to the Lord's Prayer in their devotions than do Christian Scientists, and respecting it their Leader says that it "covers all human needs".
Christ Jesus
effectively portrayed both the privilege and the need of mankind in his teaching that freedom and well-being are to be gained by increase of knowledge.
He
who said that "the true priest and prophet today must be every inch a man and a gentleman," expressed a clear discernment of the world's forever need.