Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-02-14

| to others as he had manifested it to them? For many years the follow CTS of Christ showed themselves as | peacemakers, as "the children of God" They proved the mercy of God by healing the sick, and were humble and merciful and kind. But ere three centuries had gone when but six generations had marched across the stage, the sense of mercy seemed no longer to be cherished, the gentle rhythm of healing was lost amid the tumult-the sounding brass and changing cymbals-of contro- versy. The world ere long entered what some have termed "the dark ages" It was as if the words of Amos were fulfilled in the famine that came mot famine of bread, nor a thirst i for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord" There was noise enough of the words of men, but that peace giving potency whereof the Psalmist testified when he said, "He sent his word and healed them and delivered them from their destruction" was known to but few.
 Faith That Died Not
 And yet faith continued undying, and among the lowly and poor, and in l many quiet places, there were guard ians of the revelation whose lives il- lustrated their pure religion and un- defiled."
 This faith expressed itself in many faiths, within which there came re- formations and betterments, as the understanding of the impulse and ideal of Christianity improved. There are differences of opinion as to the number of the sects that were active during the century that is gone; but I the nineteenth century was distin- guished for a notable stirring of faith in mems hearts. The Christian impulse was felt so widely that in multitude of ways men set themselves to the task of proving friendship to man. They associated themselves in uncounted charitable organizations They formed benevolent societies of all sorts. Within the churches and without they became active in welfare work.
 But some ,of, the groups fought for advantage by doing injustice, and be- tween others there was controversy. The crying need everywhere apparent that men should find true guidance for their aroused Christian impulse indicated that the fitness of the time for added blessing had come.
 Revealing of Health
 The initiation of Christian Science began with the proving of Gods friendship by a Christian woman who exactly and intimately realized what the prophet Isaiah had declared re- garding the divine power:-"Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, 1 that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increas- eth strength"
 When fainting down to the gateway of death Mrs. Eddy felt the impulse of Spirit which comes unseen like the winds breath. She was impelled to turn to the Scriptures, and guided to read the story of the healing of the paralytic man laid by his friends at Jesus feet; and she was enabled to realize that the power then present to heal could not change through the ages, nor be ever absent. Upon this power of God she relied for her help, since all other aid was unavailing; and God gave power to the faint, and increased strength for her, till with the thrill of renewed life she arose, declaring herself healed. # This experience illumines the words of Paul when he speaks of Christ the power of God, and the wis., dom of God" It makes clear to us what Luke meant when from his standpoint as a physician he was try ing to make clear the spiritual meth- cd of the Master, and said of his work ''The power of the Lord, was present to heal"
 Discovery of the Law
 It is not claimed that the exper- fence of Mrs. Eddy was unique in Christian history. Wherever there has been uplifted spiritual faith men have been able to oEdiscern and prove Ito some extent the goodness of God. In times of the revival of religion