The sermon delivered by an evangelist at Greencastle, as...

Judge Clifford P. Smith—Greencastle, Ind.

The Herald

The sermon delivered by an evangelist at Greencastle, as reported in a recent issue, contains several references to Christian Science which show that he was tempted to speak without knowledge. The propriety of an attack on Christian Science by a spokesman for other denominations may be left to him and to his employers, or it may be referred to all members of the community who are able to discern the signs of these times. The majority of the people are likely to hold that one who does not want Christian Science for himself is not thereby licensed to hinder other people who do.

In the present case, the attack consisted chiefly of the speaker's personal opinions, so expressed as to be liable to acceptance for statements of fact. For example, the statement that Christian Science is a new name for Buddhism, cannot be more than a personal opinion; it was evidently uttered as a mere matter of invective. Christian Science and what is commonly called Buddhism are not the same, or even similar.

Any one who will read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, will find that Christian Science is based on the Bible no less than are the faiths which differ from it and from one another. This book, the Christian Science text-book, can be found in most public libraries or in any Christian Science reading-room; and the sincere reader can observe for himself that Christian Science is simply an interpretation of the religion which was taught and practised by Christ Jesus. There are many interpretations of his teaching and example; hence it is fairly to be concluded that Christian Scientists prefer the one presented through Mrs. Eddy's writings, because they have found it most satisfactory. No compulsion rests upon a Christian Scientist concerning his choice of teaching or preaching, other than the force of reason, revelation, and demonstration.

This evangelist's public statement respecting the former church relations of the members of The Church of Christ, Scientist, evinces but little knowledge of the actual case. Christian Science is distinctly Christian. It has therefore appealed to many people from the different variations of Christian faith, but it has been accepted by a considerable number of Jews as well as by many thinking men and women whose concept of God had not previously been satisfied by the creed or doctrines of any church.

The attitude of a Christian Scientist toward the item of human experience called death is simply the view inculcated by original and unadulterated Christianity. When Christ Jesus said, "If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death," and when he said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," he lifted up an ideal which will sooner or later draw all men. But no one has been drawn to it by losing sight of its perfect Principle, or by accepting mortal beliefs as if they were the living truth. The truth of man's being exists; it has now become known in a practical degree; and "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear" will be the manner of its perfect attainment.

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