"An holy priesthood" ANNIE M. KNOTT, CSD         Christian Scientists are sometimes asked whether there is any ordained ministry in their church corresponding to that of other churches. To this it may be answered that the readers in Christian Science churches conduct the services, and, as our Manual states, "they must keep themselves unspotted from the world, uncontaminated with evil" (Art. III, Sect. I). Furthermore, all Christian Scientists cling to the promise that those who are faithful shall be "priests unto God," as we read in Revelation. This view is also borne out by Peter's words in his first epistle, where he speaks of those who serve the truth as "an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." The work of the Christian Science practitioner calls for the utmost consecration; hence it may be likened to that of priests, for it means the offering up of spiritual sacrifices at all times, and thus to be worthy of the high and holy purpose of our Leader, who under divine guidance provided for it.          We are told that at the consecration of the priests in the time of Aaron and his sons, the tip of the ear, of one finger, and of the great toe was touched with blood to indicate that all their service should be sacred, that they would listen only to that which concerned their high office, and be ready to go upon errands of love and mercy at all times. We also read much about the oil used in consecration; and in Christian Science oil is defined as "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration" (Science and Health, p. 592). If we were to apply this to the work of the practitioner it would mean that eye, ear, tongue, hand, and foot — every thought, indeed — should be consecrated, and that it is little less than sacrilege to devote time or words to the discussion of worldly things, much less of error, when a patient comes to ask for healing. Here it is well to recall the word's of the Master, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."          It is doubtless true that as time advances greater and greater demands will be made upon the Christian Science practitioner to deal with the more hidden phases of mortal belief, whether manifested as sin or suffering; hence the need of greater consecration in all that is attempted. The Christian Scientist knows that Truth never fails, and should know with equal clearness that if he is at-one with divine Truth and Love in all his efforts, these efforts cannot fail; but he must also know that he cannot for a moment forget what consecration to his high office demands.          On page 141 of Science and Health our revered Leader lifts thought above mere ecclesiasticism; up to the high demands made upon those who would heal the sick and the sinning. Respecting the divine Principle of Christian Science she says, "Its only priest is the spiritualized man;" and every loyal student of her teachings would gladly assent that none other than this sort of man is ready for the sacred ministry of overcoming sin and sickness in the Christ-way. On page 88 of the Christian Science Hymnal we find these words respecting the true church: — Her priests are all God's faithful sons, To serve the world raised up; The pure in heart her baptized ones; Love, her communion cup.          As we ponder the example of the Master, his untiring service and his absolute consecration to the things of Spirit, and then note how willing his disciples were, after they had gained a higher sense of his teachings, to follow in the way where he led, we surely cannot shrink from any demand which may be made upon us. As we read of Paul's experiences, — the trials, persecutions, and privations which seemed inseparable from his ministry, — we find no word of complaint, but rather do we find him glorying in these things as proofs of his ministry. This may well inspire us with noble ambition to live above the material tendencies of this age, and to be worthy followers of those who gave their lives to establish the kingdom of God on earth at the dawn of Christianity. Very often may we ponder with profit the divine command to Moses, as quoted in Hebrews: "See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount."   "An holy priesthood" by Annie M. Knott, CSD Christian Science Sentinel, May 19, 1917

 

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