Popular
theology argues that "freedom of the will" is a great blessing to mankind: that God has allowed man freedom to choose between good and evil, in order that he shall grow morally strong; that the plan and purpose of God for man is a succession of such choosings, coupled with certain conditions of creedal belief, until enough evil shall have been overcome to entitle man to a future heaven.
In
various parts of the Scripture, the act of putting off and putting on is employed symbolically to impress with graphic distinctness many lessons respecting purity of life and conduct,—putting off "the old man" of sin, putting on "the new man" of righteousness; putting off the foolishness of childhood, putting on the full vigor of Christian manhood; putting off materiality with its selfishness and its failure, putting on spirituality with its selflessness and its triumphs; putting off mortality and corruption, putting on immortality and incorruption.
An
experience which the writer had some time ago yielded a great lesson, and has encouraged him to study Christian Science more and more, in order to be worthy to be known as a Christian Scientist.
In
the fourth chapter of the second book of Kings, Elisha is recorded as being importuned for aid by a poor woman whose husband was dead and whose creditors were about to seize her two sons "to be bondmen" in payment of the debt which otherwise she could not pay from her scanty store.
The account of Christian Science given in the sermon printed in your paper is calculated to cause more astonishment to a Christian Scientist than to any one else.
Jesus said, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil," and then proceeded to destroy sin and sickness, thus giving an object-lesson of their unreality, well knowing the impossibility as well as the undesirability of destroying any part of God's creation, which alone is true or real.
In reading the published criticism on a Christian Science lecture recently delivered in your city, I am impressed with the extent to which one's statements may be misjudged and misinterpreted by a critic whose motive in attending is not to be informed, but to gather material for disputation.
You report the president of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association of Baptist Churches as saying at Oldham that Christian Science attracted by being incomprehensible.
I wish to correct an erroneous impression contained in the article in a recent issue of your paper, in regard to a criminal who, the article says, has embraced Christian Science and thereby "hopes to cheat the electric chair," etc.
In a recent issue appeared a sermon by a clergyman on the occasion of the opening of the new Chalmers church, in which he alludes disparagingly to Christian Science.
It
has been said that the more healing work there is done by Christian Scientists, the greater will be the growth of the movement and the greater will be the consequent benefit conferred upon humanity.
Nothing
is more distorting to judgment, more despoiling in the long run to happiness of heart, than the habit of looking at things from a petty point of view.
In
the fourteenth chapter of Revelation we read of an angel who was sent forth to proclaim the everlasting gospel to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people"—none being unprovided for by divine Love and wisdom.
with contributions from R. R. Ross, George M. Clough, Charles A. Michener, David F. Fox, Frank Percival Lloyd, Troy Davis, J. W. Wartman, E. E. Cavanaugh
Henry Gyles Turner, retired bank manager, introduced Bliss Knapp, who lectured on Christian Science to a representative audience of fifteen hundred people in the Melbourne town hall.
My first investigation of Christian Science was more in the form of a jest than otherwise, a friend saying she would visit a practitioner if I would; but after five minutes' conversation with the practitioner I saw that my opinion of Christian Science was entirely wrong, that there was nothing in it savoring of superstition or that is uncanny.
I desire to express my love for the cause of Christian Science, and for the many benefits I have received through the understanding of this teaching I am most grateful.
The gratitude one has for the expression of divine Love given us in Christian Science, is best shown by a truthful, patient, and just endeavor to do unto others as we would that they should do unto us.
I know
it waits for me,Exquisite thing;High, high I climb,My steps ne'er faltering,So dear the prize,Hid in a crevice there,A pale, soft star,Dropped from the Alpine skies—Fair bloom of edelweiss!
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with contributions from R. R. Ross, George M. Clough, Charles A. Michener, David F. Fox, Frank Percival Lloyd, Troy Davis, J. W. Wartman, E. E. Cavanaugh