Article November 2, 1912 Issue

In your report of the discussion at the Dayton Baptist...

Lloyd B. Coate

Dayton (Ohio) News

In your report of the discussion at the Dayton Baptist association, reference is made to Christian Science, and the Rev. Dr. Bustard said so many good things that it seemed somewhat out of harmony with the rest of his remarks for him to speak disrespectfully of the body of Christians known as Christian Scientists. Christian Scientists heartily agree with him in saying that "all truth we teach must be backed by the lives we live. The world does not need definitions of religion, but it does ask for demonstrations of religion. We demand that every new theory be demonstrated before we accept it." This is precisely the reason why the Christian Science church has grown so rapidly. Its members have reached a demonstrable apprehension of the Master's teaching, one that helps them out of sickness suffering as well as out of sin. The Christian Science church is founded upon Christian healing.

This critic is reported as having said of Christian Science and some other teachings, that "these cults are simply trying to invest ten dollars in religion, hoping to get a return of ten thousand dollars on their investment." The great Master, Jesus the Christ, said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." There are in Christian Science today quite a large number of people who have found health instead of sickness, happiness instead of sorrow and trouble, contentment instead of worry, an abiding faith in God instead of doubt and distrust, a love for the inspired word of the Bible instead of skepticism, a desire to put into practise the teachings of Christ instead of a theoretical acceptance, and an abiding consciousness of the truth of the Scripture, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," instead of fear that they will come to want and poverty. When we count our blessings, we must admit that Christian Science has brought us splendid returns for our investment; to wit, faith in God.

We agree with the critic that "the greatest power in the world is love, and that the gospel is built upon it." Because Christian Scientists believe this, they have no unkind word to speak against any other body of worshipers of the true and living God, whether they agree with them or not.

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In your report of the discussion at the Dayton Baptist...

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