Article July 26, 1913 Issue

"LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE."

JUDGE JOHN D. WORKS.

When Christian Science was in its infancy it was sometimes the subject of obloquy, ridicule, and most unjust misrepresentation and abuse. If Mrs. Eddy, its Founder, had not been a firm and fearless woman, sustained by unshaken faith and confidence in the truth of her religion, this movement which has done so much for humanity would probably have been overwhelmed by a well-nigh universal repudiation of it, especially by preachers and members of other churches. But our great Leader did not falter. She was never afraid to declare and stand by her convictions. She did not do it offensively or obtrusively, but lovingly, and with charity for the assailants of her most sacred beliefs.

As in all other cases, her example is worthy of the highest praise, but it is not an example that has always been followed. Many of those who came after her could not withstand the attacks made upon them and their new departure from the old beliefs and customs of the churches from which most of them had come out. It is not for us who have come into the fold later, when the stress of establishing a new church has passed, to criticize those who faced the earlier and more bitter onslaughts upon their faith. It was not a time for weaklings, and, fortunately, enough of the strong and faithful were found to hold up the emblem of the new-born faith in the Master and his teachings.

Now it is different. Christian Science is so firmly established, as a church, its adherents are so generally respected as sincere in their beliefs and worthy representatives of the Christian faith, that, as it would seem, none should be afraid to proclaim this faith at any time or under any circumtances. And yet to the writer the timidity, or apparent fear, of some to say openly and unhesitatingly that they are students of Christian Science, and to maintain its teachings, has been a matter of no little surprise. In the earlier time, when so many people, good people, looked upon one who had espoused the Christian Science faith as disgraced, such a failure on the part of the weak and timid might at least have been excused, but not now. The time has come when one loses none of the respect or confidence of his fellow men by saying, "I am a Christian Scientist." The writer feels that he has proved this, at least to his own entire satisfaction, by his actual experience in announcing his faith, and defending and supporting it under the most trying circumstances and at a time when he was being cautioned and advised not to do so because it would deprive him of the respect of his associates and lessen his power and influence when both were much needed. The sequel proved exactly the contrary. The stand taken was not condemned, but strongly approved and respected by those who were expected to scoff or ridicule.

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