The simplicity of truth

Since the dawn of history mortals have sought to unveil the mystery of their existence and to gain dominion over their environment. The belief has been instilled into the human consciousness that mankind is at the mercy of many powers, all seeking to bring upon him bodily harm and suffering or even to accomplish his total destruction.

The search for a means of relief from this disheartening condition has been, almost without exception, along material lines and through theories and systems the development of which has followed the false belief that matter holds within itself power and intelligence to cause or cure the ills and discords of the flesh. These material views have necessarily led inquiry and investigation only into paths of worldly wisdom, and the conclusion has been reached that deliverance must come, if at all, through the material so-called sciences. Spiritual help from God, “the Giver of every good and perfect gift,” has usually been considered as only a last resort and as by no means an unfailing help. The very simplicity of the teachings of Jesus and the prophets has offended “the children of this world.”

The innumerable theories which have promised health and harmony to mortal mind and body have rejected as impossible the idea that the practical application of so simple a precept as that of the Master to seek “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” could possibly bring to mortals the full measure of relief and constitute an answer to the prayer of the ages. If, however, it is conceded that Jesus was a true prophet, that he knew “the way” and that his works proved this knowledge, then it is not unreasonable to believe that his way is at least entitled to a fair trial.

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God [the perfect harmony of spiritual existence] cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you”—is within the reach of all mankind. These words should have revolutionized the theology of the Jews, but instead they but hastened the great tragedy out of which came the demonstration of man’s spiritual dominion over the experiences of material existence, even the overcoming of the “last enemy” to be destroyed. The Jews looked for heaven as a locality “afar off,” attainable only after death, but they were told by the Master that this kingdom was a condition of consciousness which it was possible for them to attain here and now. The Jewish theology had been founded on Truth by the inspired prophets, but tradition, superstition, and false belief had reversed the fundamental spiritual teaching until their faith had become a system of man-made doctrines. It was largely the simplicity of the words of Jesus which first condemned him in the minds of the Jews. Their learned men and philosophers had spent their lives in trying to fathom “the deep things of God,” and when this low and humble Nazarene demanded that they should lay aside their worldly wisdom and “become as little children” their pride of intellect was offended.

History repeats itself. Today the worldly wise—the scribes and elders of our own age—oft-times deny the healing and regeneration accomplished by Christian Science because it is not brought about through the accepted methods of modern science, but Christian Science again declares to the world that the kingdom is not afar off—is not in the changing theories and practices of worldly wisdom—but is here and now, is within the consciousness of man. It declares that the understanding of God and His laws will overcome all disease and discord and that this means of deliverance is ever available. The worldly wise may reply: This cannot be true; if those who have spent their lives in scientific investigation cannot accomplish such works, they cannot be accomplished by persons who have no recognized scientific training. Yet Jesus is conceded by all Christian people to have been the greatest teacher and the greatest physician—the only one who healed all manner of disease and never failed in any case—and he was not the graduate of any school.

St. Paul warned the Corinthians against the “subtilty” which would turn them “from the simplicity of Christ,” and he rejoiced “in simplicity and Godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God.” On page 53 of “Miscellaneous Writings,” Mrs. Eddy says: “Christian Science is simple, and readily understood by the children; only the thought educated away from it finds it abstract or difficult to perceive.” Through Christian Science the simple truths of Christ’s Christianity are showing mortals that the true followers of the meek and humble Nazarene are “but children of a larger growth.”