Article June 7, 1913 Issue

I would like to make a few remarks on a sermon on...

Arthur L. Worthen

Vinita (Okla.) Chieftain

I would like to make a few remarks on a sermon on Christian Science as reported in a recent issue of your paper. It seems strange that any one should object to Christian Scientists for trying to relieve poor suffering humanity from its burden of pain and sorrow, and I cannot believe that our clerical critic does. What he objects to, I believe, is the method which he thinks Christian Scientists employ. He seems to be under the impression that Mrs. Eddy denies that there is such a thing as disease. What she does teach regarding disease is very clearly stated on page 460 of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," as follows: "Sickness is neither imaginary nor unreal,—that is, to the frightened, false sense of the patient. Sickness is more than fancy; it is solid conviction. It is therefore to be dealt with through right apprehension of the truth of being."

She does teach, however, as did Jesus, that disease and sin are not from God, and are to be overcome by knowing the truth about them. Jesus denied the evidence of the physical senses on every hand, and annulled so-called physical law by his clear understanding of spiritual law. It was through his understanding of these laws that he was enabled to heal those who were infirm, both in body and mind. Furthermore, he said that all those who understood' these laws could get the same results which he did, and even better. St. John reports him as saying: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."

Jesus preached a gospel that healed the sick; or rather, he preached the gospel by healing the sick, and that is what Christian Scientists are trying to do. Christian Science employs the same method in destroying sin that it does in destroying sickness; for we find that the one is the cause of the other. One must not think, however, that the physical healing is the consummation of Christian Science, by any means; but it is part of the work to be done by those who would keep his commandments. It is to be a mark of discipleship; for "faith without works is dead."

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