Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1898).djvu/50

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SCIENCE AND HEALTH.

say that I am?” that is: Who or what is it which is thus identified with casting out evils and healing Ancient spiritualism. the sick? They replied, “Some say Elias, others say John the Baptist, others say Jeremiah.” These prophets were considered dead, and this reply may indicate that some of the people believed that Jesus was a medium, controlled by the spirit of John or Elias.

This ghostly fancy was repeated by Herod himself. That a wicked king and debauched husband should have no high appreciation of Divine Science, and the great work of the Master, was not surprising; for how could such a sinner comprehend what the disciples did not fully understand? But even Herod doubted if Jesus were controlled by the sainted preacher. Hence his assertion: “John have I beheaded; but who is this?” No wonder Herod desired to see the new teacher. The disciples apprehended their Master better than did others; but they did not comprehend all that he Doubting disciples. said and did, or they would not have questioned him so often. Jesus patiently persisted in teaching and demonstrating the Truth of Being. His students saw this power of Truth heal the sick, cast out evil, raise the dead; but the ultimate of this wonderful work was not spiritually discerned, even by them, until after the crucifixion, when their immaculate Teacher stood before them, the victor over sickness, sin, and death.

Yearning to be understood, the Master repeated, “But who say ye that I am?” This renewed inquiry meant. Who or what is it that is able to do the work, so mysterious to the popular mind? In his rejection of the