Article February 26, 1903 Issue

A Reply in Explanation

Clarence A. Buskirk

Goshen (Ind.) Democrat

Mr. Editor.

In the News-Times of the 10th inst., a Christian clergyman of your city is reported to have declared from the pulpit that Christian Science is "from the evil one," and that "it will ultimately cause the loss of the soul." When it is considered that in the last quarter of a century nearly seven hundred Christian Science church organizations have been established in this country alone, and that several hundreds of thousands of people are now worshiping God according to the religious tenets of Christian Science, the public accusation made by the reverend gentleman must be regarded as a very grave one. It is but fair that its position should be briefly defended.

What personage stands forth in history as the great exemplar in the healing of the sick by spiritual methods without the aid of drugs or other material agencies? Jesus of Nazareth. Did he teach that he healed the sick because of special powers belonging to his own personality? No. He expressly taught that his works were of God the Father, not of himself. Did he teach, like the reverend gentleman in your city, that for others to imitate his example in the healing of sickness by spiritual methods would "Ultimately cause the loss of the soul"? No. He commanded, "Preach the Gospel," "Heal the sick." And this command was not limited to any country, or race, or generation. And he gave the inspiring promise to all: "He that believeth on me [the Christ or Christ-truth], the works that I do shall he do also."

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