Practical Considerations

C. S. K.

The question is often asked, "Where does the Christian Science denomination get the money to build and maintain such handsome churches free from debt?" and a prominent minister is quoted as having said that the Christian Scientists certainly deserve great credit for the loyal support, both moral and financial, which they give to their churches.

Of course we all know that the large financial contributions come as voluntary expressions of love and gratitude from the many who have been healed or helped in some way by Christian Science, but this explanation often gives rise to another query, as to how the contributors themselves can afford to be so liberal, since while the majority of Christian Scientists seem to be in comfortable circumstances, yet there do not appear to be more wealthy people among them than may be found in other denominations.

Light is thrown upon this subject by a testimony given at a Wednesday evening meeting, in which a gentleman said that he had been a sufferer from a so-called incurable disease for ten years, had been under the care of skilful physicians, had taken the most powerful medicines, had traveled vainly at home and abroad in search of relief, and had paid out an average of five hundred dollars a year in doctors' bills, drugs, and traveling expenses. Finally he came to Christian Science, was healed in a short time, and at a total outlay of about thirty-five dollars, which sum included a pocket edition of Science and Health.

Another instance in point is that of a man who had been a steady user of tobacco and liquor for about twenty years, and who did not average less than a dollar a day for these luxuries, to say nothing of other expensive habits which usually go hand in hand with them. This man had been in Christian Science less than one month, when both habits entirely left him, and that, too, without the exercise of will power and without a word being said regarding them to the practitioner who was then treating him for a physical trouble. It might be well to add that five years have elapsed since then, and there has been no desire on his part for either liquor or tobacco since.

These are only two of many similar cases which might be quoted, to say nothing of those who have been taught to solve the problem of poverty and financial limitations by learning that God is the true and only source of supply; but they may explain why Christian Scientists can afford to be, should be, and are liberal to their Cause.

Certainly, "he who runs may read." To the writer it seems to be a plain, practical proposition, with only one side.

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