Editorial August 22, 1903 Issue

The Value of Good Example

One of the incidental effects of Christian Science is its marked influence upon Christian thought in other churches respecting spiritual healing. The undeniable demonstrations which are being seen and known of men can but prove gently suggestive to all the Master's earnest and sincere followers as they are thus reminded of his definite command to heal the sick, and see that its fulfilment is manifestly possible.

An interesting item in evidence has been brought to our addention by a friend who has sent us a Montreal paper giving a report of the meeting of an Anglican Synod in Quebec. Rev. Dr. F. G. Scott, a member, raised a question as to the propriety of anointing the sick in keeping with the habit of the early Christian church. In support of a motion to that effect, we are informed that, "he went on to cite at some length the injunction of the Apostle James to anoint the sick, which was among the special commands of the Lord in Holy Scriptures, that applied to the healing of both the body and the soul. ... He also strongly pointed out that many members of the church were having in the present time to identify themselves with the sect of Christian Scientists and other new denominations, who practised the healing of the sick by the laying on of hands and prayer."

Dr. Scott's motion was approved by a considerable number, and the consideration given the subject indicates that, owing to the spread of Christian Science, a large body of the clergy and laity are looking for and seeking to revive the practice of healing as in the days of primitive Christianity. This movement points to the fulfilment of the prophecy of our Leader: "If the lives of Christian Scientists attest their fidelity to Truth, I predict that in the twentieth century, every Christian church in our land, and a few in far-off lands, will approximate the understanding of Christian Science sufficiently to heal the sick in His name" (Pulpit and Press, p. 31).

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