Article January 6, 1912 Issue

In these days it should be easy to view the life and...

John M. Dean—Memphis, Tenn.

Commercial Appeal

In these days it should be easy to view to life and achievements of Mrs. Eddy from an unbiased standpoint, and the impartial critic, however he may disagree with her premise and its inevitable conclusion, will hesitate long before charging her with either ignorance, superstition, or dishonesty. Contemporary historians rarely do justice to their subjects, but it cannot be said that Mrs. Eddy was without honor in her own times and country, even at the hands of those who opposed her teachings; though, after all, the true measure of one's worth must be left to the infallible scrutiny of time, and to this tribunal Christian Scientists are willing to refer the case of their Leader. That she was a marvelously enlightened Christian gentlewoman is the verdict of those who knew her best, and where can more competent witnesses be found?

It will be a surprise to Christian Scientists to be informed by this rabid critic that there is an "inner circle" in Christian Science, that they are mere "book agents," and that they regard "healing as if it were the be-all and end-all of human life." As one who is somewhat familiar with the operations of Christian Science, as well as with its church government, permit me to say that it is difficult to conceive of an institution more democratic and allowing a wider range of true "intellectual liberty." It is, par excellence, the religion of individualism in accordance with the Biblical injuction, "Work out your own salvation." No member of a Christian Science church was ever required to buy or sell a book of any kind, and if such have felt the desirability of owning a copy of the text-book written by Mrs. Eddy, they have also felt the necessity of owning a Bible, to which she only claimed this text-book to be a "key." Why not, then, charge them with being Bible agents?

It may also be said that, far from being the ultimate of Christian Science, healing is only an incident of its ministry, as was true of the work of Jesus himself. His works were performed in proof of his words, and the same divine Principle is potent today to solve every question with which mankind is confronted. In short, Christian Science stands the test prescribed by Jesus in the last chapter of Mark's gospel, and those who make no effort to approach this standard are placed in an awkward position by illogical attempts to discredit those who are honestly trying.

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