Article October 17, 1908 Issue

Whatever may be said of Christian Science, for or...

Marion Howard Brazier

Marsh's Magazine

Whatever may be said of Christian Science, for or against, the one indisputable fact remains—that of its quiet, unseen influence in our communities. Its most strenuous critics admit that "there's something in it." when they encounter on all sides those who have unmistakably been "made over," as it were,—who see the "silver lining." who are no longer pessimistic, who no longer bore everybody with their tales of woe, and who have learned, like Mark Tapley, to be "cheerful under all circumstances."

The "doubting Thomas" may well look into this phase of the question, study it, think about it, and then practise a bit of it. Is it worth while? Try it, and see if your path is not smoother, the outlook brighter. This is one step toward becoming better morally, it gives food for thought, it puts you on better terms with yourself and every one around you, it makes you most desirable as a companion, friend, and comforter. A case in point is that of a Boston woman, a professional writer, brought up in the Unitarian faith, but who did not pose as a Christian; in fact, she was not a regular attendant at her church, going rather just when the spirit willed. She was of a highstrung. supersensitive temperament, impulsive, critical, more or less fault-finding, partly owing to the lack of a guiding hand when young, and to the absence of home influences.

When the new church in Boston was completed, in June, 1906, she was delegated by her newspaper to write up the dedicatory exercises; and she rebelled, having at the time no personal interest in Christian Science. It was a hot day, and she had to rise at half past five in order to attend the first service. On reaching the scene and finding herself too late to get in, she began to scold and fuss; then she looked at the long line of men and women, reaching as far as the eye could see. She noted first the serenity of their faces, their repose and patience, their well-bred and prosperous appearance, their absolute coolness. All this acted like an antidote; she suddenly felt herself humiliated, humbled, rebuked, and so she took her place in line, catching instantly the right thought, vowing to curb her selfishness and cultivate a better frame of mind.

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