In your last issue a clerical critic gives Christian Science...

Rush City (Minn.) Post

In your last issue a clerical critic gives Christian Science a rebuff. He believes many things himself, judging from his writings, that many others of fair intelligence repudiate. But assuming that he is really a Christian, possessed of the clean, unadulterated "faith which was once delivered unto the saints," it naturally follows that he possesses powers which, if turned into the right channel, would have wonderful efficacy in affording relief to a sinful world. Let us go to the reverend gentleman's medicine-chest, and dig up a dose of his own kind and endeavor to administer it. "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly things, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." In these days of big doctor's fees it is a great thing to be in possession of a power from on high to cure disease, even if the state law compels one to practise without a fee.

The above quotation, from the Gospel of Mark, was one of the last utterances of the risen Christ, before he was received up into heaven. There is no chance for quibbling; it means either that a believer can exercise this power or that the whole fabric of Christianity is false. This power was conferred on the apostles; for in Acts we read: "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." Paul believed, and the "signs" followed. The "signs" were a clinching argument in favor of the genuineness of his conversion. Now hear what Peter said anent Christian Science: "His name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." The New Testament is full of Christian Science. The art of healing by faith was one of the chief credentials of a Christian.

Remember the Christian credential, brother, "These signs shall follow them that believe," etc. The Christian Scientists have put out the sign and are doing business under the old apostolic plan. "By their fruits ye shall know them." The writer is ignorant of just the way they go at the curing business, but he has seen results. Now stop contradicting, brother, and get your "sign" out and cure a few people in Minneapolis, and you will convert more people in a day with such a manifestation of power than did the apostles on the day of Pentecost.

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March 20, 1909
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