Article September 15, 1906 Issue

GIVES REASONS FOR HIS FAITH

W. L. Swan

The Westerly (R. I.) Sun

Some time since The Sun contained an anonymous communication asking me to define just what was the distinctive Principle of Christian Science. While appreciating the kindly spirit of the article, I felt that a reply might open the door for numerous anonymous letters, and precipitate a religious controversy, the fruit of which I believe would not be good. Nevertheless so many since that time have privately repeated the request, and have said that a great many of my friends desired to know what I considered that fundamental Principle which distinguishes Christian Science from other denominational beliefs, that I ask you to please insert the following statement.

I have decided to identify myself with the Christian Science movement because I believe it is destined to be a great blessing to humanity. The distinguishing doctrine of the Christian Science denomination is the Scriptural teaching that God "is All in all," and "there is none else beside him;" that there is "one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." The fundamental premise underlying the great commission given by Christ is "all power is given unto me, in heaven and in earth." The Father gave to him "the fulness of him that filleth all in all." John said of the Word, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." God made all and pronounced it good. Good never becomes evil, as gold is never changed into dross. Therefore evil can have no creator. It is not eternal. It is negative nothingness, as darkness when contrasted with light. In the presence of light, darkness becomes absolutely non-existent. In the presence of truth, a lie becomes non-existent. It has no foundation in fact, and so no real creator. Drunkards declare that when they see clearly the truth that God is All in all, and that man is His spiritual offspring, offspring, their appetite leaves them, never to trouble them again. It no longer has any seeming existence even.

In proportion as this truth is understood and applied, sin, disease, and death disappear before it as darkness before the rising sun. The proof that this is true is that many have tested it from all parts of the world. Their testimonies are constantly appearing in the Christian Science Sentinel and Journal, two of the periodicals of the Christian Science denomination. The name and address of the persons healed is given, and investigation is invited. A large number of similar testimonies are given at the regular Wednesday evening testimony meetings of the denomination that are being held all over the world. In almost every instance thanksgiving is rendered to God for blessed spiritual experience that has come with the healings.

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