Article January 9, 1904 Issue

Wise and Unwise Statements

J. E. FELLERS.

One fruitful source of prejudice against Christian Science unquestionably lies in the fact that many well-meaning Scientists too often make statements which other people do not understand, and which might bear better fruit if expressed differently and with greater care.

On one occasion recently in a general conversation, a Scientist, among other things, said to a man who was hesitating about trying Christian Science for his sick wife, "All is good." The man looked somewhat puzzled, and the Scientist added, "Sickness is unreal—an illusion. Jesus never recommended a physician or medicine." The man was still puzzled, and manifested a spirit of criticism. He had been well impressed by some testimonies of healing he had heard and by a lecture he had read, but after the Scientist left the office in which these statements were made, the man challenged what had been said. Having declared himself against these statements which he did not understand, it required tact and judgment to overcome the discouraging effect they had produced.

The first statement "All is good," fell heavily upon his ears, and he questioned it because he could not believe that sickness is good, and he had not yet learned that it is an illusion, and therefore no part of the All. The other statements, "Sickness is unreal—an illusion. Jesus never recommended a physician or medicine," aroused his antagonism even more. The following explanation was made and he was satisfied.

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