Article September 22, 1906 Issue

In noticing the progress of creeds and parties it will be...

Daily Press-Knickerbocker & Albany (N. Y.) Morning Express

In noticing the progress of creeds and parties it will be observed that some have sprung into existence "in a night," while others have taken years to obtain a foothold. It is also observable that those of a mushroom growth have rarely attained any permanency, while those of slow and laborious beginnings have become, in many instances, fixed institutions.

A notable exception to the former of these conditions is found in the existence of what is known as Christian Science, or the Church of Christ, Scientist, whose rapid growth, from small beginnings, is one of the social phenomena of the age. This church, or religion, has already passed beyond the stage of mere sectarianism, and for the future has to be treated as an important factor in the religious life of the day. Its progress has been most extraordinary. Its followers are largely of the well-to-do classes. Its influence upon them is generally beneficial. Its philosophy is not much understood by outsiders and is marked by a certain degree of conservatism that does not help to bring it in touch with the altruism of the times. Its historic significance among modern creeds rests principally upon its plea for spiritual living; as opposed to practical agnosticism, which trusts itself entirely to circumstances. It is, as such, an implacable enemy of materialism.

Because a woman, however remarkable, has been its Founder, people have been looking for some inherent weakness, which it has not so far displayed. ... That the movement Mrs. Eddy inaugurated can continue at its present rate of growth is more or less problematical, but if its present prosperity should continue it must be counted within the progression of creeds. In the mean time it deserves fair treatment in consideration of good it is doing for many men and women.—Daily Press-Knickerbocker & Albany (N. Y.) Morning Express.

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