Editorial September 21, 1899 Issue

Responsibility of All

Editor

The avowed enemies of Christian Science can do no harm whatever in attempting to turn others against it. The selfish motive sticks out so plainly that their attacks tend to awaken public interest in Christian Science rather than antagonism to it.

In the long run, the world's verdict, for or against Christian Science, will depend, not upon what its enemies say, but upon the character of Christian Scientists. Upon the followers of Science largely must the blame rest, if the heart-hungry men and women of the earth turn away from it unsatisfied, unfed. The responsibility rests not upon one or a few, but it rests equitably upon all followers of Christian Science, each bearing a share of responsibility proportionate to his or her understanding.

The influence of even one Christian Scientist, who exemplifies his faith in his daily life, earnestly and honestly striving to be "meek, merciful, just, and pure;" helping the sinner and healing the sick—will antidote the enmity of a neighborhood, and if all of us who call ourselves Christian Scientists were faithfully reflecting the Truth in our lives, envy and malice as well as ignorant antagonism would be swept away like a fog before a gale.A correction was made in the September 28, 1899 Sentinel:"In the editorial page of the Christian Science Sentinel, Vol. 2, No. 3, occurs the following statement:— 'If all of us who call ourselves Christian Scientists were faithfully reflecting the Truth in our lives, envy and malice as well as ignorant antagonism would be swept away like a fog before a gale.' While this, in substance, states a truth, yet as phrased, it is misleading, and we regret that it should have found a place in our publication. The statement as it reads is in accord neither with the teachings of the Bible nor 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.' According to this teaching sinners cannot be saved through the efforts of others. The statement, as made, although not so intended, would almost re-affirm the doctrine of sacrificial atonement, or substitued salvation. Whereas the Scriptures affirm that each must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling.According to Science and Health the only pardon for sin is its destruction. This destruction can be wrought only through the cessation of sin by the sinner. While Christian Science does not teach eternal damnation, it does teach that the final destruction of sin depends on the obduracy of the sinner. It may be countless ages, or cycles of time, before some sinners will surrender their sinful natures to the demands of divine Love. Until they do, they continue in sin, and their sins will be expiated only through suffering, through pangs unspeakable, for there is no escaping the penalty for sin. Read this on pages 310 and 311 of the text-book:—'Sorrow for wrong-doing is but one step towards reform, and the very easiest step. The next and great step required by Wisdom is the test of our sincerity,—namely, reformation. To this end we are placed under the stress of circumstances. Temptation bids us repeat the offence, and woe comes in return for what is done. So it will ever be, till we learn that there is no discount in the law of justice, and that we must pay 'the uttermost farthing.' The measure ye mete 'shall be measured to you again,' and it will be full 'and running over.' Saints and sinners get their full award, but not always in this world. The followers of Christ must drink his cup. Ingratitude and persecution will fill it to the brim; but God pours the riches of His love into the understanding and affections, giving us strength according to our day. Sinners flourish 'like a green bay-tree;' but, looking farther, the Psalmist could see their end,—namely, destruction.' This teaching is reiterated in varied phrase throughout this book, and the other writings of the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy."