Article November 14, 1908 Issue

If the reverend critic has something better to offer, a...

John M. Dean—Memphis, Tenn.

Commercial Appeal,

If the reverend critic has something better to offer, a hungry world is waiting for that very thing, but experience has shown that no great religious movement was ever advanced by virulent attacks on the real or supposed beliefs of others, instead of a Christianly, dignified exposition of one's own belief. It may be remarked in passing, however, that it is almost incredible that in this twentieth century there could be found a scholarly exponent of the religion of the gentle Jesus who could find it in his heart to make even the least slighting remark about a whitehaired gentlewoman who is beloved by hundreds of thousands of people redeemed from sickness and sin, and whose only crime is that she interprets the Bible spiritually instead of materially and proves her faith by her works.

The gentleman seems to be poorly informed regarding the nature of the gratitude felt by the beneficiaries of Christian Science, but the writer assures him that if he will take the slight trouble to attend a Wednesday evening testimonial meeting in any Christian Science church he will hear honest men and women of high standing in their respective communities fervently praising God for their release from the ills of the flesh. And he will hear not one word of unkind criticism of another religion at these meetings. These people are too busy minding their own affairs and trying to love their fellow-man aright to indulge in wanton thrusts at their neighbors' belief. They are grateful to Mrs. Eddy, to be sure, and if they were not it would be unnatural, but they are yet more grateful to our loving heavenly Father for sending her as His humble disciple to throw light and health on every page of a Scripture long rendered obscure by "the traditions of the elders." After all, the true test of any religion lies in what it accomplishes for mankind, and on this ground Christian Science invites the closest scrutiny. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

In regard to the insinuation that Christian Scientists are "base imitators" of Jesus, it might be pertinent to inquire if our critic has even attempted to imitate the Master in his injunction to "heal the sick," coupled with the promises, "These signs shall follow them that believe," and "Greater works than these shall he do."

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