In connection with a lecture recently delivered in your city...

Charles K. Skinner

Belding (Mich.) Banner

In connection with a lecture recently delivered in your city against Christian Science, I desire to commend to the careful attention of the speaker and his hearers the seventh chapter of Matthew, where we read, "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged." It certainly will give food for thought. Some one has said that if every one would stop sinning in thought, word, and deed for one day, the millennium would be here. It is very certain that if all persons who felt it necessary to criticize the religious beliefs of others would investigate the subject carefully before publicly attacking them, there would be fewer foolish and unkind sermons preached.

The critic claimed to have read Science and Health, and quoted freely from it during the lecture. This, however, was no proof of an understanding of the subject. One might read the words of a book on mathematics from cover to cover, and yet be unable to demonstrate a single problem. An illustration of this came to my observation some years ago. A very intelligent gentleman and a good reader opposed what he believed Christian Science to be, and finding an intimate friend receiving treatment, ridiculed him severely; but, learning that he had been benefited, the gentleman concluded to investigate for himself. He secured a copy of Science and Health and read it to criticize every point possible. On returning it he said, "I have read the book; and, just as I thought, there is no sense in it." His friend replied, "Why, Mr._, I have always understood that you were a careful reader and a deep thinker. It is possible that what so many people of all classes have discovered in that book has escaped you? Now go back and read the book." Although a skeptic and irritated at the rebuke, he was honest in his search, and he not only had his health restored but gained a clear understanding of Christian Science.

The critic said that Christian Science was "a foe to Christianity." Is anything a foe that reforms the drunkard, regenerates the sinner, heals the sick, and uplifts the heartbroken and sorrowing? We are told that Christian Science is contrary to the Bible. Christian Science is founded on the Scriptures and upon nothing else. When understood, it is found to be in entire conformity with the spiritual teaching of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus proved his understanding of the prophecies by doing the works which they foretold. He said, "I came not to destroy, but to fulfil." He said to those about him, "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." He commanded them to do the works which he did, and the only distinguishing mark he gave those who would be known as his followers was that they should do these works. Christian Science does this all over the world. Is this contrary to the Bible?

The absurdity of the assertion that Christian Science repudiates the teachings of Jesus must be apparent to every sincere reader. Jesus constantly reminded the people that it is "the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." He also said, "I can of mine own self do nothing;" "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." This is the exact teaching of Christian Science. The speaker said that all the works which Christian Scientists claimed to do he would do any Monday morning. We are certainly glad to hear this assertion, and if it proves true the city of Belding is to be congratulated in having such a helper for the sick and suffering. Certainly his church will be filled if he keeps his promise. It is quite true that there have been occasional instances of healing by prayer all down the ages, but no system of healing since the third century, until the advent of Christian Science, has healed the sick through an understanding of the Christ-teaching. Christian Science claims no monopoly of the healing work. The field is open to all who will apply the rules, and rely upon God, divine Principle.

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