Fulfilling the Law

Archibald McLellan

On page 38 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy in answering the question, "Is it necessary to study your Science in order to be healed by it and keep well?" differentiates quite clearly between the person who has just turned to Christian Science for the cure of "his present disease" and the person who previously has been healed by Christian Science and wishes through this Science to be kept in good health. In considering this question and answer it is also well to take into account her answer to the next question (p. 39), "Can you take care of yourself?" Grouped together these two statements clearly indicate that it is to the interest of one who has been healed in Christian Science, and in fact that it is his duty, to give faithful daily study to its teachings, and we might add, particularly as these teachings are set forth in the regular Bible Lessons, in order that he may not only learn how to be free from disease, but also that he may be able to help others bear their burdens, and thus, as Paul counsels, "fulfil the law of Christ."

It is gratifying, nevertheless, that very many who find healing in Christian Science, even after all manner of material means have failed to bring relief, are so impressed with the wonder of it all that they cannot rest until they have sought and found for themselves the truth which makes free as revealed to this age in the discovery by Mrs. Eddy of the Principle and rule by which the Master wrought and taught. To such earnest seekers it is inevitable that having once come into the light and proved its truth for one's self, the next step should be to extend a helping hand to the brother still groping in darkness. This is as it should be, for the underlying spirit of Christian Science is that love for God and our fellow man which prompts to active service.

From all this it is clear that those who call themselves Christian Scientists cannot afford to be placed in the position of being perennial patients, unable or unwilling to gain a demonstrable understanding of Christian Science by study and application of its teachings. It is likewise incumbent on those who are engaged in the work of healing others, to see to it that their patients are encouraged so to inform themselves of the fundamentals of Christian Science that they will try to help themselves to overcome at least the minor ills with which they may be threatned.

It has been proven in the experience of the older Christian Scientists that the long and unnecessarily continued relationship of practitioner and patient is of no advantage to either, and that to maintain such a relationship beyond a reasonable and necessary period is detrimental to both. Throughout Mrs. Eddy's writings there is not only a complete and logical explanation of what God is, and what man's relation to Him is, but also continued exhortation to all mankind to appeal directly to Him "who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases," rather than to depend upon any human personality to secure for them that peace "which passeth all understanding."

Christian Science is not a system by which some persons are elected or set apart to stand in the relation of family doctors to other persons. Rather is it the Science of Christian living, by which all mankind are offered the opportunity to demonstrate the true relationship of God and man, the reality of Spirit and all things spiritual. When this is understood by all, it will be seen that every man must seek first the kingdom of God, and that this cannot be done vicariously. Either here or hereafter all must work out their own salvation, and no time should be lost in so important an endeavor.

The foundation of all Christian Science practice is the right understanding of God, and of His creation. This is righteousness, and righteousness is the sure concomitant of man's at-one-ment with God, divine Mind. When this at-one-ment is realized, all fear and false beliefs are dispelled, and man is seen to be "pure and holy" (Science and Health, p. 477). The practitioner who impresses this upon his patients will do much toward enabling them permanently to "blot out the images of mortal thought and its beliefs in sickness and sin" (Science and Health, p. 391), besides healing them of their "present disease."

Archibald McLellan.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit