Article June 8, 1907 Issue

Paul declared, after his wonderful conversion to Christianity,...

Estelle R. Freeman

The Needham (Mass.) Chronicle

Paul declared, after his wonderful conversion to Christianity, when referring to his previous life, "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." Just at this present time there seem to be many who feel the same way about Christian Science. For these Christian Scientists would say, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." As for those who are actuated by malicious or other inferior motives, neither Mrs. Eddy nor those who have accepted her teachings feel that it is their business to judge them or their works; and they are not disturbed, knowing that the truth cannot be touched. Honestly believing that Christian Science is the truth, they are willing to wait for that fact to be revealed to others. Their only reason for noticing these misleading statements is that the proper antidote for a lie is the truth about it, and if people go on repeating falsehoods, after knowing the truth, they have the matter to settle with their own consciences. ...

Another reason for not being disturbed is that, not many years ago, the great body of those who are now firm in their loyalty to Christian Science were bitter in their denunciations of what they thought it was, and yet, when the hour of trouble came, they dropped all prejudice and turned to this source for help; so it is confidently believed that others will do the same, when the time comes that what they now depend upon fails to satisfy. The effect upon the lives of those who have thus turned, is most interesting. First "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy is placed in their hands, and soon a Bible is brought into daily use and ere long by them declared to be "A lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path;" life becomes illuminated with a new meaning and they begin to comprehend what is meant by the command, "Acquaint now thyself with him [God], and be at peace." ...

To those who scoff at absent treatment and tell amusing stories about it, we would say that the Founder of Christianity gave several examples of healing spiritually, though absent from the patient, notably the case of the centurion's son. Christian Scientists, and their friends who are associated with them, know that there is nothing ridiculous about this, for it is not the influence of one human being over another that heals, but the power of God, which is omnipresent. The practitioner claims no more for himself in healing the sick than in reforming the sinner, but the understanding that enables the student to do these works is not gained by trying to tear down a brother Christian's religion or in any other way than trying to be Christlike.

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THE LECTURES
June 8, 1907
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