Your last Sunday's editorial on the recent incident in...

Detroit (Mich.) Free Press

Your last Sunday's editorial on the recent incident in New York, while exceptionally fair in its review of the case, seems to entertain a pessimistic view of the future of the Christian Science church as an organization. The earnest Christian Scientist has, however, no foreboding for the future of his faith. His confidence in divine Principle, God, and his understanding of Christian Science and its rules, which enables him to apply them successfully in his daily work, supports him in his belief that no problem can arise which cannot be harmoniously settled by the application of this teaching.

Christian Science as a practical religion is not founded upon any personality. Had such been the case, it would long since have ceased to be. No one has labored more strenuously to bring this fact to his followers, than has Mrs. Eddy to Christian Scientists. Her words to them are. "Follow your Leader only so far as she follows Christ" (Messages to The Mother Church, p. 78). Her message to the New York church, and the action of the Board of

Directors of The Mother Church, were but the voice of the Manual of that church, which has been provided to cover all cases of misdoing. The rules of this Manual will speak again and again, if occasion demands, for government and discipline, and all who are Christian Scientists in spirit and in deed will cheerfully obey. The defections of others may come, as the Free Press states, but they will be those who either do not understand the rules, or are unwilling to meet the demands of their teachings. This will by no means cause a new Christian Science church, for no organization can prove its right to this name except it is bringing out the fruits of Christian Science teaching and practice.

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