Article October 30, 1902 Issue

Charity

Lloyd B. Coate

Dayton (O.) Herald

A RETROSPECTIVE view of religious history, the large number of different denominations, all professing to follow Christ, the struggle each had coming into existence, and when once in power the lack of tolerance each had for the other, wielding the lash of persecution with the cry of "heresy," against the new ones who stepped aside from the long cherished and beaten paths of the forefathers; the envy, strife, and jealousy that has arisen on doctrinal points between professed Christians disrupting the brotherhood of mankind, all show the need of Charity. Had there been a greater exemplification of this Christian trait our Master would not have been crucified, and instead of the cross and crown forming the central emblem of Christianity, it would have been marked with charitable toleration for those who honestly differ with us. Every stain on the pages of sacred history, all misrepresentation and denunciation of the motives of reformers, show a lack of toleration, a lack of Charity, and a violation of the Golden Rule to give unto others the same rights which we ask for ourselves

Among the signs of the times at the dawn of the twentieth century is the death of the embers of religious persecution, and a greater demonstration of Charity. The more spiritually minded clergymen are taking in a wider scope of vision and recognition of good wherever found, regardless of denomination. Despite some accusations made against Christian Science, and the fact that some denominational editors positively refuse to correct errors published regarding Christian Science, yet, nevertheless, the Christian Scientist is striving and will continue to demonstrate to the world in a most practical way that "God is Love." In due time true worth and work will be recognized, and the Christian Science cause will be honored in accordance with its fruit, the standard by which all things are to be measured.

If one person looks through a more spiritual lens than another, as is often the case, then there is need of Charity on the part of both that the one gazing through a more material lens does not accuse his brother of being too "ideal;" and the other display a lack of Charity in patience until his brother becomes more spiritually minded. If one has attained that point of growth where they have more confidence in God than in material medicine, there is need of Charity toward those who have not reached that point; if one has a brighter glimpse of the spiritual significance of the Scriptures there is need of Charity toward those who have a more material concept of God, and give the Bible a more material rendering. Our Master manifested the greatest Charity toward all who opposed his work, even those who maligned and persecuted and crucified him, and he prayed the Father to forgive them because they knew not what they did.

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