Article September 11, 1902 Issue

Living the Truth

L. M. EARLE.

Hearing frequently of instances where over-zealous, well-intentioned Christian Scientists have unwisely presented thoughts of truth, in their impetuous desire to lead sufferers and seekers to its light, one is very forcibly reminded of the injunctions to bridle the tongue and to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Truly "the best sermon ever preached is the practice of Truth and the demonstration thereof" (Science and Health, p. 201).

One suffering from an accident which necessitated the using of crutches was thus addressed by a Scientist, "You don't need to use those crutches: there is nothing the matter with you; get up and walk;" when to the sufferer's physical sense that was an impossibility, and the apparent cold heartedness and absurdity of these statements aroused very naturally a strong antagonism to Christian Science.

Another, suffering from deafness for which it seemed necessary to use an ear-trumpet, desired to attend services at a Christian Science Church, but refrained from doing so because he felt that the trumpet would look out of place. When the matter was spoken of to a Scientist, the sufferer was told to go and use the trumpet as long as it seemed necessary to do so; that it would look no more out of place than the several pairs of glasses he might see there, or the occasional crutch or wheel chair. When sufficient understanding of Truth had been gained, or demonstrated, then he could lay it aside as no longer necessary. In this instance, much gratitude was expressed for a comforting, kindly word. Sympathetic feeling had been shown, and it won where the other had repelled, yet the intention and desire was the same on the part of both Scientists.

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