Editorial September 10, 1904 Issue

A Sign of the Times

We have been favored with a newspaper clipping which tells of a movement in England to form an association "within the Established Church to revive the teaching and practice of the early centuries concerning Divine healing." This clipping says that "a number of meetings have recently been held, and, as a result, a number of clergymen of all schools of thought, including Evangelists, like the Rector of Brompton and the Vicar of Potter's Bar, and those more closely connected with the High Church Party, such as the Revs. Percy Dearmer and Conrad Noel, have become sympathetic helpers." Mr. Noel, in an interview with the representative of the London Daily News, said that at present there is only an informal association of clergymen and doctors interested in the question, but that a guild is being formed. When asked, "Will there be any restriction as to membership?" he replied, "Yes, it will be for members of the Church of England, although we shall heartily welcome all Christians to our meetings." When asked to state the objects which this proposed association has in view, Mr. Noel answered, "We have two principal objects: First, to study sympathetically and critically the movements of mental and spiritual healing, and to examine alleged cases; and, secondly, to develop and extend the knowledge of Scripture and church tradition on the subject."

All this is very interesting because it points to a recognition in some measure of the all-embracing character of Jesus' teachings, and discloses a demand within the older denominations for the fulfilment of his entire gospel, but to those who can "discern the signs of the times," it has further interest, and this question presents itself: Would this effort to "revive the teaching and practice of the early centuries concerning Divine healing" have been made if Mrs. Eddy had not written and published Science and Health? We do not mean that this movement has anything to do with Christian Science: in fact, those having it in charge expressly disavow any intention of following Mrs. Eddy's teachings, but we do claim that the recognition of this need for healing within the church is but one of the manifestations which have followed our Leader's discovery. Whether this be recognized at the present time or not, the fact that Mrs. Eddy has discovered the Principle of true Christian healing must, in accordance with the law of divine justice, be seen and acknowledged by all, sooner or later. M.

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