Editorial May 10, 1913 Issue

"LIVELY STONES"

Archibald McLellan

The Salem (Mass.) Evening News in commenting upon the changed attitude of the public toward Christian Science, and also on the fact that "not nearly so many bitter flings appear in the newspapers as formerly," said: "One reason for this changed attitude is the natural attendant of that enlarged knowledge which the public has obtained. Again, the striking advance made by the new organization in its membership and the visible evidences of its material prosperity cannot be without their influence in tempering either a flippant or a bigoted sentiment. We presume this sobering view on the part of many that were ready at one time to scoff or deride, is not entirely disconnected with contemplation of the walks of life from which the church has received its accessions. If the Scientists 'point with pride' to this particular feature of membership, it is not without legitimate justification."

While it is true, as the News points out, that the character and standing of those who have become Christian Scientists has had weight in convincing the public that Christian Science is not mere fad, as so many believed a few years ago, the real reason for the respectful concideration which Christian Science is now receiving lies in the "enlarged knowledge which the public has obtained." This enlarged knowledge has, of course, been brought about in various ways,—through the church services, the lectures, the work of the publication committee, and the wider distribution of our literature; but through no one of these agencies has there been so impressive a dissemination of knowledge of what Christian Science really is, as through the healing of the sick which is being done in its name in emulation of our Master and his mighty works. This healing work has reached to every quarter of the globe, and today, in the United States especially, it is the exception to find a person in the ordinary walks of life who has not in some way been brought into contact with some one who has benefited by Christian Science. The testimonies of healing through this Christ-teaching which are published in the Sentinel, Journal, and Der Herold, cover a wide territory, and evidence that practically every form of disease and sin has been healed.

The apostle Peter, writing to those early disciples of the word, those who had "tasted that the Lord is gracious," thus admonished them: "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, ... that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." So, too, it is because of these cases of healing,—these "lively stones" that witness to the ever presence and power of Christ, Truth,—that Christian Science is growing so rapidly in public confidence as an exemplification of the Christianity preached and practised by Christ Jesus. The Scriptures say, "The prayer of faith shall save the sick;" and this promise is being fulfilled in Christian Science. There is another saying of the Master, "By their fruits ye shall know them," which should at all times be a watchword for Christian Scientists, that they may be worthy to be called followers of Christ in words and deed. Nevertheless, although it is largely through its works of healing that Christian Science has won deserved recognition from the public at large, these signs are, as Mrs. Eddy points out on page 150 of Science and Health, "only to demonstrate its divine origin,—to attest the reality of the higher mission of the Christ-power to take away the sins of the world."

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