Article November 19, 1904 Issue

Kind words may carry persuasion, but harsh words never

Clarence A. Buskirk

Marion (Ind.) News-Tribune

Kind words may carry persuasion, but harsh words never. There is so much sin, sickness, suffering, all around us, that those who are sincerely doing the best they know how to overcome them, ought to regard and treat each other as brethren, however widely they may differ as to the best means and methods to be employed. Christian Scientists are humbly seeking to obey the command of Jesus, to "heal the sick," according to the method which he employed, which was without drugs or other material agencies. Jesus carefully explained that the works which he performed were of the Father, not of himself, and that of himself he could do nothing. Christian Scientists do not claim that they perform the works of healing sickness. They claim that God is "the Great Physician," and that the Divine relations between God and man are the same to-day that they were nineteen centuries ago, when Jesus promised to his followers of all times and countries, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." They thoroughly believe this promise; also, the promise which Jesus made, speaking of himself as the Christ, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Christian Scientists do not claim that they can rival the works of Jesus. They are doing the best they know how to follow in the way which he pointed out, taught, and commended to his followers of all times. They may make some failures, but that does not impeach the Christ-healing which they are striving to follow and obey, any more than an erroneous addition of a column of figures by a student of arithmetic impeaches the rule in addition. A critic wants to have Christian Scientists straighten a crooked limb before his very eyes, to be convinced. He may be respectfully recommended to read anew the rebuke of Jesus to Satan when the latter asked him to prove his power by throwing himself from the pinnacle of the temple; also, to study anew the character of doubting Thomas; also, the refusal of the established religionists of Jesus' day to believe, even when the blind were made to see, etc., before their very eyes; also, to consider whether there may not be in this day scribes and Pharisees, and established religionists jealous of every change or progressive step.

Clarence A. Buskirk. Marion (Ind.) News-Tribune.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Kind words may carry persuasion, but harsh words never

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access