Article February 26, 1903 Issue

A Firm Foundation

Alfred Farlow

Boston Times

A Few critics seem to have the impression that Christian Scientists discard medicine and medical attendance because of their fanatical observance of a religious belief. This is incorrect. The class which represents the Christian Science movement is acknowledged even by critics, to be highly intelligent. It is because of their large experience that they have arrived at that state of mind necessary to the acceptance of new ideas. They are farther from dogmas, creeds, and beliefs than the average people, farther from these at the time of their acceptance of this Science than at any previous period. They have outgrown many of the superstitions that are common to mortals. They have relaxed their hold upon many of the traditions of the elders, and have learned to think themselves. Continued failures, and disappointments in the employment of material means and methods have caused them to grow weary of waiting for results from such sources, and they are ready to look beyond the veil of matter into the spiritual realm. The effects of depending upon divine Providence for wisdom, happiness, and health have convinced them of the efficacy of Christian Science, and they are loyal to it, not because of mere promises or religious convictions, but actual results. Indeed, a Christian Scientist never entertains any religious convictions, except those which are the outcome of demonstrable understanding. If Christian Science were a mere will-o'-the-wisp, something which promises but never pays, its adherents would speedily abandon it. They are a class of people who are not looking for mere assertions, theories, creeds, and beliefs. They have outgrown these and have entered the field of inquiry, investigation, and demonstration. They will not be convinced except by actual proofs. They indorse and adhere to Christian Science because it has not failed them, but has kept its promise of health and happiness and the overcoming of physical and mental troubles.

Christian Scientists note that while they may be permitted, consistently with their own conscience and unmolested by the world, to think for themselves and to pray according to their own peculiar understanding, yet such a revolution in the general affairs of mankind as Christian Science predicts to be inevitable, can only be enforced in proportion to the general concession of the people and mutual compromises between Christian Scientists and the general public.

Alfred Farlow.
In Boston Times.

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