Editorial August 1, 1908 Issue

A NOTE OF WARNING

Archibald McLellan

THERE should be no need, in view of the By-law forbidding the use of formulas, to caution Christian Scientists against assisting in the circulation of so-called "endless chain" prayers, but from the fact that these formulas are being received by many persons it seems necessary to sound a note of warning.

One of these "prayers," which started on its devious journey several years ago, is accompanied by the statement that it was written by Bishop Lawrence, who recommended that it be copied and forwarded to nine other persons by each one who received it. Notwithstanding Bishop Lawrence's utter repudiation of the prayer and its circulation has again and again been published in the daily papers all over the country, the cleverly veiled proscription on "him who breaks this chain" continues to impose on the credulity of even the irreligious, and the fraud still goes on.

Another and more recent addition to these prayers is couched in language intended to convey the impression that it is identified with Christian Science, but this is emphatically not true. Christian Scientists who are familiar with their Manual know that the use of formulas is forbidden, and those who have learned anything from the chapter on "Prayer" in Science and Health must know that nothing could be more contrary to the teachings of Christian Science than the use or circulation of such petitions.

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