Article October 8, 1910 Issue

In a little discussion recently on the subject of Christian Science...

Charles K. Skinner

Boston Times

In a little discussion recently on the subject of Christian Science with one of the orthodox clergy, the writer was told that Jesus' followers were first to preach the gospel. This is true, and it is what Christian Scientists are doing daily. According to dictionary authority, "preach" means to "declare, proclaim, or publish," and "gospel" is defined as "Godspell, good spell, or good tidings." As Christian Scientists invariably tell the good tidings of release from the bondage of sin and disease through the marvelous love of God to His children, they are surely preaching the gospel, which if accepted is followed by the "signs" Jesus promised should attend it. Our critic quibbles over our rendering of the word "believe" as in many instances conveying the meaning of "understanding, firmness, and trust." If he prefers the ordinary sense of "believe" we will accept his choice, while reminding him of the assurance that "these signs shall follow them that believe." Do these signs follow our brother? He has seen fit to criticize his brethren (in the face of his Lord's command, "Judge not, that ye be not judged") who are doing, to the best of their understanding, the works commanded.

This writer contends that the healing was to come from the laying on of hands,—personal contact; that "there was no absent treatment." Our brother has read the Scriptures to little purpose if this is his understanding. In Matthew's

Gospel, 8th chapter, it is related that a certain centurion sent to Jesus to heal his servant; but when the Master said he would go and heal him, the centurion said, "Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed;" and Jesus said, "Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." In John, 4th chapter, is recorded the healing of the nobleman's son who was in Capernaum when Jesus was in Cana. Jesus' words to the boy's father were, "Go thy way; son liveth." In Psalms cvii. 20, we read, "He sent his word, and healed them." In John's Gospel is the promise, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do." Does our brother believe this? Is he doing the works? The clergyman's reference to "hard cash" is ill-fitting from one who doubtless never refuses the quarterly stipend for doing half the work commanded, while Christian Scientists, to the best of their ability. are fulfiling all the commands.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

In a little discussion recently on the subject of Christian Science...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access