Article November 8, 1913 Issue

Permit me to write a word in answer to the reference to...

Henry Deutsch—Duluth, Minn.

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Permit me to write a word in answer to the reference to Christian Science that appeared in the report of a sermon preached in a local church. With so much redemptive work necessary in the world, and so many still so far from the desired goal described by the Master as "the kingdom of God ... within you," it is surprising that a professed follower of the Christ can find time for attacks on and abuse of other members of the Christian faith, who are not only earnestly striving to exemplify the teachings and works of the Master, but are actually proving their work and fulfilling the demands of the test which he instituted, "By their fruits ye shall know them."

Christian Scientists are enemies of no one, preferring to heed the injunction of the Master, "Love your enemies," rather than to waste their energy in seeking occasion to condemn those who have differing opinions. Jesus prescribed certain rules by which his followers might be judged: "If ye love me, keep my commandments;" "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also;" "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover;" "Preach the gospel;" "Heal the sick."

Inasmuch as it is conceded that Christian Scientists, to a degree not deemed possible in this world, are obeying and demonstrating their loyalty to these precepts, it cannot be possible that they are enemies of the cross which symbolizes the life and work of the Master. In the symbolism of his blood shed upon the cross they find the incentive and the need for proving their baptism in his blood by following in his footsteps and doing the works which he did and commanded his followers to emulate. In this respect, at least, they are one step in advance of those who are satisfied to let words instead of actions, professions instead of practise, manifest their allegiance and loyalty to the Master. As James said, "Faith without works is dead."

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