Article November 14, 1908 Issue

The attack on Christian Scientists, their Leader and...

The Morning Telegraph,

The attack on Christian Scientists, their Leader and belief, by a minister of this city, is regrettable as showing the intolerance of the orthodox clergy toward another denomination. This intolerance, it was believed. had in a measure died out; but there is little doubt that it still exists, just as it did centuries ago, when men were burned at the stake and driven from their native land because they held different religious views from those in authority. But in another way this minister's words will be of benefit, as they will attract attention to Christian Science, its' work, and the people who believe in it. The more Mrs. Eddy's doctrine, or belief, is investigated, the higher opinion one will have of it. It is impossible for a person to talk with half a dozen Christian Scientists without being impressed by their earnestness and honesty and strong faith.

The truth is that a Christian Scientist is the real, the ideal Christian. With him there is no doubt, no foolish quibbing over doctrinal points, no halting. With his whole soul he believes what he says. He is trying to practise what he preaches. The Bible is the basis — foundation — of all Christian religions. Do you believe it? Do you believe all of it? If you do, you know that Christian Science is more in accordance with the teachings of that holy book than any other religious belief in all Christendom. Christian Science conflicts with no other belief; rather is it a strong addition, an increase of faith. You may be a Methodist or a Baptist, a Roman Catholic or a Jew, and have such a firm and abiding faith in the creator — the perfect One — that while you may not remove mountains you may remove bodily ills. We believe this has been done. The testimony of thousands of truthful and intelligent men and women prove it has been done — that Christian Science has healed the sick; that it has taken persons who were known to their friends as chronic invalids, and implanted hope and faith in their hearts, and from that hope and faith good health has come.

More than nineteen centuries ago there lived "a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet." He was a cripple from birth and "never had walked." He heard an address made by the zealous preacher Paul, a citizen of Tarsus, learned and eloquent. The words of the preacher made an instantaneous impression on the poor cripple. Paul was preaching the new religion, and his constant theme was faith, an unquestioned faith in the merciful One whose doctrine he expounded. The man with the useless feet heard him and believed; accepted his religion then and there. He had faith. Then Paul observed the lame man "steadfastly," and the account says that, "perceiving that he had faith to be healed," Paul said to the man, "Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked."

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