THE editor the Helena Evening Herald of July 29, 1901, very forcibly and ably forcibly and ably descants upon the spirit manifested by certain of the local clergy who have recently been declaiming against Christian Science in Helena. The editorial is is in the nature of an invitation to public debate between the clerical assailants of Christian Science and some representative of the latter, and is entitled, "Public Debate Demanded."

While we cannot say that we are in sympathy with the editor of the Herald's view of publicly discussing Christian Science, we greatly admire his robust candor and fairness in treating the situation.

Here is, in part, what he says :—

"Those who believe in fair play most earnestly hope that some arrangements may be made whereby a joint debate may take place between some Christian Scientist of note and some Montana preacher who thinks he is big enough to hold him down.

"Those of us who are neither Christian Scientists on the one hand, nor church members on the other, have felt a growing interest in the jug-handled controversy that has been going on since the departure of Judge Ewing.

"Many in city would like to hear the merits and demerits of Christian Science debated, inasmuch as some of the good brethren of other denominations will persist in hammering away against that peculiar faith.

"It appears that Judge Ewing, in his lecture in this city, did not assail any other faith and refrained from personal criticisms of religious teachers of the various denominations criticisms of religious teachers of the various denominations in opposition to his own.

"This fact inspired a respect for the doctrines he enunciated, even among those who cannot be induced to accept them, and was in marked contrast to the treatment accorded Christian Science since his departure by some of the professed followers of the lowly Nazarene.

"The rare opportunity of challenging Judge Ewing to joint debate seems to have been entirely overlooked until his professional engagements had taken him beyond the jurisdiction of the Montana pulpit. But after the judge was under headway to other points a number of pulpit orators flew to the attack with great energy and viciousness. if not with ability and good judgment.

"The spirit manifested by some of the local clergy is in such marked contrast to that shown by Judge Ewing, when measured by accepted Christian standards, as to excite a great deal of comment throughout our city and state— so much so, in fact, as to create a universal desire to hear the issues involved debated on their merits.

"Those who heard Judge Ewing's address are positive that he did not, even by implication, traduce the name of a woman, while those who have listened to the pulpit rejoinders unite in saying that, without exception, personal imputations against the character of prominent ladies were freely thrown out, in one form or another, much to the disgust of a fair-minded public.

"It is quite likely that Judge Ewing, who is reputed to be a gentleman of the highest type, might refuse to meet any man in joint debate who will so far forget himself as to cast reflections upon the personal character of respectable women, even though he arrogates to himself the title of a 'reverend.' Almost any gentleman would feel that way about it, no matter what profession of faith the preacher might assume to represent or how large his following.

"Even the general statement that Mrs. Eddy is working for money comes with poor grace from a minister who would throw up his job in twenty minutes if it were not for the salary he receives, notwithstanding the Scriptural injunction to spread the Gospel without money and without price, and to give his other coat to the poor.

"The chances are that Mrs. Eddy does not receive any larger compensation than many a three-hundred-dollar-ayear preacher, when measured by the size of their respective congregations and the influence they relatively exert.

"If it is to be a question of the pocket-book, why not attack the big clerical guns of New York City and elsewhere, whose incomes reach away up into the thousands, while little children are starving to death in the slums?

"The writer believes that the divine gifts of God should be freely distributed, in proportion to the growth of the individual and his capacity to utilize them, that truth should be imparted to all who can use it in the process of moral evolution; but if it is wrong for Mrs. Eddy to accept compensation for her teachings, it is likewise wrong for those who criticise her methods to do the same, even though they receive less through inability to secure more.

"But aside from all the details of selfishness, from which no religious organization seems wholly free, it would be interesting to know the truth concerning the claims of the Christian Scientists, now under fire in this community, and a joint debate in the Auditorium, the proceeds to go into the charity fund for the coming hard winter, would be welcomed by our citizens as a fitting finale for the pulpit Punch and Judy show that is now going on.

"Let both sides give a reason for the faith that is within them from the same rostrum,—and may the best man win!"