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CSEC ON-LINE REFERENCE LIBRARY |
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ANNIE M. KNOTT, CSD
In spite of a long and dark period of materialistic speculation in science and religion, we find ourselves at this time in a new epoch, when thought turns eagerly to the teachings of the man of Nazareth. The long intervening centuries are soon overleaped, their events are of little moment save as we trace in them the links in the chain of prophetic thought which binds us to that era. The great Teacher had often tried to show his dull disciples what would of necessity follow the uncovering of error, and we need not wonder that they shrank from it. When they were warned of the gathering storm so soon to break upon his devoted head, even of the tragedy of the crucifixion, Peter began to rebuke him, but was himself severely reproved for his shortsightedness, for beyond Gethsemane and Calvary were the Resurrection and Ascension. Let us for a moment contemplate the remarkable scene described in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. Jesus is seated with his disciples upon the Mount of Olives, and like a great general prepares his followers for the conquest of the world. Ere this they had been taught how the foes within were to be cast out, — evil thoughts and desires overcome, and the impenetrable mail of a pure and unselfish purpose put on for the strife without. Had he been a Roman general he would have told his disciples of a glorious fray, of conquered provinces and peoples, — of fame and riches as their reward. Not so, however, did the world's greatest leader prepare his followers for the mortal strife; not a word was spoken of earthly glory or possessions as the guerdon of their toil, but instead, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, and pestilences; and then he said, "All these are the beginning of sorrows." After this he tells of abounding iniquity, of hatred and betrayal everywhere, but in the very midst of it all we can fancy him saying, On, brave hearts, the goal is within your reach. And then he said, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." This, then, was the reward: the gospel of peace and goodwill, the gospel of healing which he had taught them was to fill the whole world with its light and joy. We can easily imagine the faces of the disciples as he spoke, — Peter, the fisherman, and his fellow-toilers of the sea, — strong and heroic or they would not have been there at all; but they were counting the cost, and when they had so done they declared themselves willing to follow their great Leader both to prison and to death. History tells us how some of them faltered and seemed to fail for a little time, but we learn that later on they made good their declaration of allegiance, and went to their reward. Now let us return to his teaching once again, and we shall see that if he taught any one thing more uncompromisingly than another, it was the necessity of preparation for the struggles which follow any special outpouring of truth, and also that the struggles would grow more severe with the approaching end. This should be remembered, however, that when error strives with error, destruction and desolation are the result; but when truth and error meet in mortal combat error is destroyed, and an era of peace and progress follows. As thought traverses the centuries we pause at the Reformation period. No one denies that Christendom at that time was dark with sin, the human intellect stifled with superstition and wickedness, but in all that darkness there were hearts yearning for Truth, and the word of God still lived and glowed like a beacon-fire of hope for the race. To the monk of Erfurth in his lonely cell, came the inspiration of faith in God as the way of salvation ordained of old. The light grew brighter and clearer, Europe was aroused, and men began to pray, to call upon God for the quickening life of the Spirit. In a short time the Bible was finding its way among the people, — both the rich and the poor, — and its mighty influence began to be felt in art, literature, music, and poetry; and above all in morals, religion, and the home life. All this was well, but there was another side to the history of that hour, and what words can fittingly describe it? O, boundless depths of woe, through which the faithful were called to pass in the birth of Protestantism! In spite of all and by the grace of God, the dawning truth and freedom survived the struggle, and men gained the right to read the Bible and interpret its teachings by the light of reason and conscience. Since the days of the Reformation no such stir had been known in the world's thought, as that which Christian Science has inaugurated. Beginning with the scientific idea of God, man, and the universe, it announces as essential fundamental Truth, one absolute, divine, intelligent Principle known as Mind; and forsaking at a bound the opinions of the past, based upon sense testimony, it demands the recognition of "perfect God and perfect man, — as the basis of thought and demonstration" (Science and Health, p. 259). It would be difficult to find words which can adequately express the change wrought in those who become students of this teaching. Their standards are changed, they no longer believe in a distant heaven to be reached after death, but instead they learn to look for heaven, or harmony within, even as Christ taught. The character of God becomes the object of their constant and diligent study, since they know that it is possible for all humanity to become the sons of God. In the Christian Science movement are gathered together the most widely differing elements of human thought. There are representatives of all the religious denominations in Christendom, and many who were once without any religious convictions. These people have held very widely differing views as to the interpretation of the Bible, the relations of human beings to each other, social and political problems, etc., but a substantial basis of agreement brings them together and holds them firmly united as a great religious body. This basis of agreement is to be found in their understanding of the truths taught in Christian Science, and so entirely consistent are these truths with their highest conceptions of God, and so perfectly are they adapted to all human need at this period, that their various beliefs and opinions are readily put aside because of their acceptance of this revelation, through which healing and moral regeneration have come to very many of them. Although we may be said to be passing through one of the most intensely critical acts in the great drama outlined by Christ long centuries ago, the signs of promise are so great that we press on with renewed energy and greater hope at every step of the way. It is well for us to remember, if we are ever tempted to think that our burdens are heavy, that others have been tried even more than we, and let us honestly put into the scales of experience our countless blessings, and see if we have not what Paul called, "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." If we are to be tried in the furnace, let us go without fear into the purifying flames, and remember the three Hebrews who were untouched by the fire, save that the fetters which bound them were consumed. There is no victory so great as this, — to pass through every seeming danger unharmed, and thus to know at length what Science teaches, the utter powerlessness of evil. That an era of great spiritual unfoldment is here, is very certain, for the signs are present to which Christ pointed, and Christian Scientists, not in a few isolated cases but universally, are proving by their deeds the value they place upon truth. Jesus asked, "What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" To reach our true selves, we must know what Soul is, and this surely is the goal of all true endeavor. When we really discern "Christ, Truth, anew on the shore of time" (Science and Health, p. 35), we shall heed the warning given to Peter when he was bidden to follow Christ and not to concern himself about John. Science is a wonderful teacher and shows us how to avoid the quicksands and whirlpools of mortal existence, and instead of lamenting the severe trials which are often due to our lack of understanding, we shall grow both wiser and stronger through the efforts needed to overcome them. Jesus said plainly that the faithful should pass through all perils unharmed, "There shall not an hair of your head perish," and he said further that, when error seems to be at its very height, "then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Our textbook gives the same clear message again and again. Two passages may be referred to in this connection: "Science will ameliorate mortal malice" (Science and Health, p. 458, and the entire page 96), especially the glorious promise, "Love will finally mark the hour of harmony." Let the good angel Hope light the way when the night seems very dark, and ere long the watchful stars will grow pale in the golden dawn of the new day which approaches, and at last we shall both know and say, — Our lives the perfect vision.
The Christian Science Journal, June, 1903 |
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