Editorial August 7, 1915 Issue

"With signs following"

Archibald McLellan

The question which is always on the lips of those who have for the first time seen and felt the works of Christian Science, is in a sense similar to that which John's messengers conveyed to Christ Jesus in regard to the validity of his claim to the Messiahship. These persons are largely concerned about the origin of these works of healing and as to whether they are genuine and lasting. Our Master's answer to John through these messengers was, "Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." He referred to these signs of Immanuel—"God with us"—because he knew that his claim must stand upon the testimony of his works, rather than upon anything he might say; that a mere verbal reiteration of his claim to be the Messiah might be controverted even by these messengers, but they could not dispute the evidence of divine power which they had seen with their own eyes.

The present-day question about the truth and permanence of Christian Science healing must be answered in the same way, that is to say, by the demeanor of Christian Scientists and by the evidence shown forth in the lives of those who have been cleansed and purified in morals or restored to health. The man who had been blind from his birth, referred to in the ninth chapter of John, was believed by those who were unprejudiced, not so much because of what he said, but because he was known to some of them as a blind man who for years had "sat and begged." Now he was as other men,—able to see and to give thanks unto God for his deliverance.

Sincere seekers for the truth are looking not to the words of Christian Scientists, but to the works wrought through Christian Science,—through the power of Truth,—for proof that this modern gospel of health and salvation is the same gospel that Jesus taught and practised. Such being the case, it is incumbent upon Christian Scientists to heed the advice of our Leader (Science and Health, p. 495) to "study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit" of Christian Science, and thereby acquire a clear understanding of its teachings, so that they may demonstrate its Principle with unerring certainty. Mrs. Eddy has said on page 241 of Science and Health, "The error of the ages is preaching without practice," and this is an error into which Christian Scientists must not permit themselves to fall. Christian Science has grown by reason of its works,—the "signs following" which attest its truth,—and it will continue to grow so long as the same reason continues.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"With signs following"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access