Demonstration CHARLES D. WOODS          The practicability of Christian Science lies in demonstration. We are not taught, as some of our critics imagine, to call evil unreal and simply overlook it. We are taught to prove or demonstrate that evil is unreal, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible, as for example, "Overcome evil with good."          We are taught that the Bible contains an absolute, demonstrable Principle, and this Principle is revealed in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Again we are taught that Truth is not understood until demonstrated, in accordance with the Master's saying, "These signs shall follow them that believe."          Let us see if the Bible lays stress on the necessity of demonstration or proof. St. Paul says, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power." "Make full proof of thy ministry." "Prove all things." St. James says, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead."          Quoting from St. Clement of Alexandria, let us see what one of the early fathers of Christianity had to say. "They that are ready to spend their time in the best things, will not give over seeking for Truth until they have found the demonstration from the Scriptures." "Wax old in the Scriptures and thence seek for demonstration."          Now we come to our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker G. Eddy, which says that the revelation of Christian Science is "The proof, by present demonstration, that the so-called miracles of Jesus did not specially belong to a dispensation now ended, but that they illustrate an ever-operative divine Principle" (p. 123). "With this one Principle came spiritual rules and their demonstration" (p. 112). "We must recollect Truth is demonstrable when understood, and that it is not understood until demonstrated" (p. 323).          Now sum it all up with the sayings of our Master: "These signs shall follow them that believe; . . . they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." We might well note that the verb used is "shall." It has been truly said that, — The world sits at the feet of Christ, Unknowing, blind, and unconsoled. It yet shall touch his garment's fold, And feel the heavenly alchemist Transform its very dust to gold.   "Demonstration" by Charles D. Woods Christian Science Sentinel, April 10, 1902

 

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