Christian Science

Watkins (N. Y.) Express

The following appreciative words' from a brother editor speak volumes for the value of the educational work which is being done by the Board of Lectureship, and for the far-seeing wisdom of our Leader in making this provision for the advancement of our Cause.—[Ed.]

The Express has not been in sympathy with Christian Science, so-called, and yet we have never been ready to take the position, assumed without investigation by many people, that the system was all folly and folderol. That it has some basic truth of value we are driven to admit in advance by the fact that so many people of intelligence subscribe to its tenets. So much as this, however, can probably be said of every belief which has won the approval of any considerable number of persons of average intelligence. Even some systems of rites or worship which might appear entirely absurd to thoughtful people are no doubt, relatively to the former belief of their converts, a step in advance.

These reflections are induced by the fact that in Rochester, the other day, one Edward A. Kimball delivered what seemed, all in all, the most sensible talk on Christian Science to which our attention has been called. He says that Christian Scientists are trying to do, as followers of Christ, what Christ said that his followers and disciples could and ought to do; that the works of the Saviour were not miraculous in the sense that they were in contravention of natural law, but that in fact his system of healing was natural, practical, scientific, and that it was within the power of human beings to attain similar results. Considering the causes of disease, Mr. Kimball says, very truly, that physiology takes no cognizance of the mental, moral, and spiritual natures of man. Herein, he adds, Christian Science differs from all material theories and beliefs, declaring, as it does, that much disease is caused primarily by ignorance, superstition, sin, and fear; many causes of sickness being thus to be sought in the mental realm instead of the material. This dictum suggests, at least, a recent utterance of Doctor Hill, late president of Rochester University and Assistant Secretary of State, who seems to regard good morals as merely an extension of good health into the realm of mind.

Christian Science, continues Mr. Kimball, is demonstrating the verity of its own disclosure, which is that hatred, grief, remorse, envy, fear, and kindred evils cause inevitably, if persisted in, bodily disorder and suffering. With these enunciations of the eloquent defender of the cult even if we do not accept them all, there is nothing to criticise as absurd and self-evident error. Other claims, however, are attributed to Mrs. Eddy and many of her followers which are far from commanding our assent. As to Christ's method of healing disease, the position of Mr. Kimball appears to be that the Master cured by virtue of powers which God has bestowed on all men. Without endorsing or, at this time, discussing this doctrinal notion, the suggestion occurs to us that Christ enjoined men to be perfect as he was perfect, an injunction which seems inconsistent with any theory other than that he spoke as a man to hearers who had it within their power to imitate him and attain to his perfection.

Editorial, Watkins (N. Y.) Express.

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