Editorial October 10, 1901 Issue

The North American Review

Editor

The October number of The North American Review contains another article from the pen of Mr. W. D. McCrackan, New York member of the Christian Science Publication Committee, entitled, "The Strength of Christian Science—A Final Word."

The editorial review of the contributors and contributions in this number thus refers to Mr. McCrackan and his paper: 'W. D. McCrackan, a short biographical note of whose career was published in the August, 1901, issue of the Review, contributed an article entitled, 'The Simple Logic of Christian Science' in that number, which attracted much attention as a reply to an article by Dr. J. M. Buckley, published in the preceding number. Dr. Buckley, writing a second article on 'The Phantom Fortress of Christian Science,' replied in turn to Mr. McCrackan, in the September issue, and now, in the present issue, Mr. McCrackan gives a final word on his side of the question. In these four articles, two upon each side of the question, the Review has opened its columns to probably the most exhaustive discussion of the subject that has appeared in current periodicals. And with this final word the discussion is closed."

We like the manner of Mr. McCrackan's "discussion." We would hardly so term it. It is rather an affirmation of what Christian Science is than a discussion of it. Its strongest feature lies in the fact that it answers criticism by a statement of simple truth. It gives facts; and the only way to negatively answer facts is to bluntly deny their verity. Such a denial is neither argument nor logic. Mere assertion weighs nothing against facts; especially when assertion is based upon misunderstanding and misconception and their resultant prejudice. Prejudice always unfits one for fair judgment or just criticism. He only can wisely or justly estimate facts who knows facts.

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