Article July 3, 1909 Issue

"UNDERSTANDEST THOU WHAT THOU READEST?"

SAMUEL GREENWOOD.

The Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, has many thousands of readers, but some evidently do not understand what they read or they would not rise from its perusal to criticize unkindly the book and its author. It is a serious thing to disparage a work which brings daily help and comfort to so many of its students, and one should ascertain beyond question that he understands it correctly before pronouncing judgment. One notable fact regarding the reception of this book is, that the large majority of its readers have so far grasped its meaning as to make Christian Science the rule of their thought and life.

The ranks of Christian Science contain numbers of cultured people, as well educated as can be found elsewhere, and as capable of detecting error in Mrs. Eddy's writings, if error there be, as are her critics. What, then, is it, other things being equal, that in the one case leads to joyful acceptance and satisfied adherence, and the lack of which in the other case leaves the reader in unbelief or downright antagonism?

It may be answered that the majority who read Science and Health do so with a hope for better things, in the desire to find the truth which makes free. Their dominant thought is not to pick flaws in its teaching, but to receive the good it holds for them. Such readers are not concerned about defending the fortress of their former beliefs, which affords but scant protection from the enemy, for they seek that perfect refuge, Truth, wherein no evil enters. Finding in Christian Science what they seek, experiencing its ability to meet human need, and discerning the higher thought of God and man which it unfolds, do they not act wisely and intelligently in accepting this truth as the Comforter sent them of God? It would be positive folly, held inexcusable in other things, to turn away from Christian Science simply because it does not accord with one's former views, because its logic is contrary to material philosophy, or because its teaching is not that of popular theology and dogma.

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