Article March 7, 1908 Issue

In simple justice, let me say first that our critic deserves...

Clarence B. Hadden

Findlay (O.) Republican

In simple justice, let me say first that our critic deserves the thanks of Christian Scientists for his honest recognition of the great part that Christian Science is taking in the present generation in healing the sick and reforming the sinful. Among other statements he made, he recommended "all of its truths" to the medical profession, declaring that "if they embodied all the truths of Christian Science, there would be no room for so-called Christian Scientists or professional faith-healers." This is literally true, but not for the reason the doctor evidently had in mind, but because there would be no physicians at all, in the present meaning of the word, but only those healing the sick according to all the truths of Christian Science; in other words, only those relying on prayer to Almighty God, coupled with faith and understanding. But as yet our friends, the physicians, have not realized the efficacy of such prayer, as evidently our critic has, sufficiently to grant Christian Scientists in Ohio even the right to practise their profession of healing on an equal basis of freedom with the schools of allopathy, homeopathy, osteopathy, etc., without their being in danger, if they heal any one for a fee, of being sent to jail as criminals. This is not justice, every one will admit, and this un-American law now in force should be repealed at once by the very physicians themselves who were responsible for its enactment. Christian Science teaches the Golden Rule, love to all men; and it has only sincere love, therefore, for the good works and especially the good motives of all physicians, who as a rule are endeavoring to the best of their ability and knowledge to alleviate the sufferings of mankind, and all the doctor says along this line is therefore endorsed heartily....

The failure, on the part of all those who believe in and recommend and practise the use of material remedies of every kind, to rely absolutely on God as the "great Physician," to heal the sick and reclaim the sinner, prevents the human race from giving up its false beliefs in matter (false gods), and further prevents humanity from learning the truth that God is not the author of sickness or sin; that He is infinitely good, and has made everything that really is after His likeness,—good and perfect. This conception, which Christ Jesus taught and demonstrated, is utterly at variance with the ordinary human belief that sickness and sin and death are just as real and necessary as goodness and health. Jesus taught and healed the sick on the basis that God is the Father, creator, and preserver of man, giving life (not death) to man, and abundantly able to keep him in health, holiness, and happiness, without any human intermediaries or agencies, if man will only cling steadfastly to God in every moment of need, and have faith and understanding, even as a grain of mustard seed, in the omnipotence and eternal goodness of God. One of the greatest lessons for man to learn is that "evil is not power" (Science and Health, p. 192). Christian Science is the Science of Christianity, in other words, the study and practice of the real laws of God, good, as Christ Jesus has shown us the way. Mankind will improve in goodness and health and increase in length of life exactly in proportion to its comprehension of and obedience to these real and eternal laws of God.

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