Article August 29, 1908 Issue

In a recent issue you published a despatch from Baltimore...

J. V. Dittemore

New York American

In a recent issue you published a despatch from Baltimore containing the statement that two medical students of that city have announced the fact that they "are perfectly willing, in order to demonstrate the fallacy of the doctrines of Christian Scientists, to allow themselves to be inoculated with a pure tested culture of streptococcus pyogenes, provided any two followers of the faith do the same." They say, "We are to rely upon medical treatment and our Christian Science friends upon their mode of treatment for relief." They add, "It seems to us that a test fair and square is the only means to prove or disprove the value and properties of medicinal treatment or the foolishness and fallacy of the faith-cure." In an interview on the subject, Mr. Alfred Farlow of Boston gave out the following statement:—

"Will the gentlemen allow me to say that they are several years late in their proposal. Christian Scientists have already made this test for themselves—that is, they have had their experience first with medicine and then with Christian Science; hence their choice. If these students are yet in need of a test, they have our permission to inject all the poison into their system that is acceptable to their taste. When they have failed to cure themselves by their material remedies, they can then turn to Christian Science as a last resort, as we have done. ... Christian Scientists, in so far as they are able, are practising in accord with the precept and example of our Lord, and I know no instance where he accepted a challenge to prove his power over the devil's propositions. His reply was, 'Get thee behind me, Satan,' and I know of no reason why this same reply should not be made to those who are to-day making the same challenges. ... Wilfully to enter into a combat which jeopardizes the life of a neighbor would be equal to manslaughter, to say the least. It is quite as scientific and quite as Christian to keep out of trouble as it is to seek a way out after one has fallen into it. Christian Scientists, like others, have enough troubles which come uninvited, and have, therefore, no necessity for seeking trouble."

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