THE HAROLD FREDERIC CASE AGAIN

The general fermentation over the Harold Frederic case, although subsiding, has not yet entirely ceased to attract public attention and discussion. Many newspapers are still active in publishing opinions for and against, and it is still made the text of many newspaper editorials. So far as Christian Science itself is concerned, with some notable exceptions, it cannot find fault with the average of newspaper comment. If Christian Scientists were to view this question solely from the standpoint of the individuals themselves, they would be obliged to say that any agitation which calls attention to Christian Science must redound to its ultimate advantage. When opinion on any subject goes out into general thought, in such a way as to cause discussion, whether it be talked up or talked down, the subject is nevertheless becoming established. The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and the author of its text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, of Concord, N. H., in that book clearly foretells just such conditions in connection with the history and growth of the Christian Science movement as we now witness.

Christian Scientists have never expected that views so radically different from those generally prevailing as are the teachings of Christian Science, would be accepted without more or less resistance, doubts, and questionings, which at times would manifest themselves in general upheavals. The agitation growing out of the Harold Frederic case, therefore, is neither surprising nor dismaying to Christian Scientists. They look calmly on, knowing that Christian Science is divine Truth, and that out of the seeming fermentation and chaos will come clearer, better, more healthful conditions, which shall be but the forerunners of that ultimate harmony foretold in Scripture by prophet and apostle, and by Jesus of Nazareth in his repeated declarations. In other words, the present upheaval is among those signs of the times which Jesus plainly foretold, and which the sincere religious thinker construes to be among the conditions preceding the millennial dawn. Knowing this, and feeling sure that God's hand is moving and controlling, Christian Scientists can afford to and do look on with the calmness and dispassionate judgment, born of faith and hope.

We have already published in the Journal and Weekly much upon the Frederic case, and we trust that we shall be pardoned for devoting some additional space to it, not so much because of any peculiar features of the case itself, but because, involved in it, is a great lesson for the future.