Our Master taught no mere theory, doctrine, or belief. It was a Principle that he revealed. His proof was no form or system of religion and worship, but Divine Science, working out the harmony of Life and Love. Jesus sent a message to John the Baptist, which was to prove beyond a question that the Christ had come: “Go and tell him the things ye see and hear; how the sick are healed, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and to the poor the gospel is preached.” In other words: Tell John what the demonstration of power is, and he will at once perceive that God is the Principle in the Messianic work.
Medicine claimed the ability to heal, and the Pharisees claimed to know and teach the divine will; but they only hindered the success of Jesus' mission. Even many of his students stood in his way. If the Master had never taught a disciple, he would not have been crucified so early in his career.
While I love Jesus' character more than language can tell, and my heart overflows with gratitude for what he has done for mortals, — treading alone his loving pathway up to the throne of glory, in speechless agony exploring the way for me, — yet I cannot see that Jesus spares me one individual experience, if I follow his commands faithfully, or that all will not have the cup of sorrowful effort to drink, in proportion to their demonstration of his Truth.
To keep the commandments of our Master, and follow his example, is our proper return to him, and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done. Personal worship is insufficient to express gratitude, since he has said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
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