Article November 30, 1907 Issue

RECOMPENSE

WILLIAM E. BROWN.

ONE of the most frequent criticisms of the Christian Science method of healing is that Scientists make a charge for their work, while Jesus and his disciples did not. This criticism, like others aimed at christian Science. will not bear analysis. Perhaps it may surprise some of our critics to learn that Jesus not only sanctioned the receiving of pay for healing, but actually commanded his disciples to require it. as witness his instructions to the twelve in Matthew's Gospel, which are as follows: "Heal the sick. cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received. freely give: provide neither gold, nor brass in your purses. nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy: and there abide till ye go thence. We also have positive instruction in St. Paul's words. "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

The Foregoing quotations clearly establish the fact that the Christian Science practitioner, in making a charge for healing, is acting strictly in accordance with the instructions of the Master. The only difference that exists is in the method of recompense In former days those who devoted their time to preaching the gospel and healing the sick were taken in and cared for by their beneficiaries. and people are now living who can remember the time when school teachers were boarded and lodged from house to house as pay in part for their services. At the present time our manner of recompense is the "wage" system. wherein we pay the laborer a stipulated sum and he boards himself.

That the wage system is far more desirable and convenient is self-evident, and those who employ Christian Science practitioners would much prefer to pay for their treatments than to board and lodge the practitioners. So. after all. the only difference between the practice of Jesus and his disciples and that of Christian Scientists in regard to recompense is in the method: the ultimate results are the same, i.e., "they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. This practice is not new nor to be wondered at. as he clergy receive pay for preaching the gospel, and this is considered right and just and is not made the subject of criticism. If it is right to pay the elergy for fulfilling the first half of Jesus' command, "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick," why object in the case of the Christian Scientist, who receives recompense when he devotes his time to the fulfilment of the entire command? Paul says. "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?"

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