Article February 21, 1914 Issue

In a recent issue is the report of a sermon delivered by...

John M. Henderson

The Seattle (Wash.) Times

In a recent issue is the report of a sermon delivered by Dr. — on the subject, "Assassinated by Isms," in which the speaker is quoted as classing Christian Science with pantheism, Mormonism, etc., and branding it as an influence "arresting the development of the orthodox church" and "denying every fundamental principle upon which the hope of salvation rests."

The general public is familiar with the fact that it is seemingly very difficult for theologians of different denominations to be fair to one another—the theological breach separating the various so-called orthodox churches being admittedly the cause of much confusion among earnest seekers after the truth in all ages. One of the strongest temptations to the human mind is to be content to travel in a groove which has been formed by early training and education. In nearly all the older churches, "My father's religion is good enough for me," is the slogan of many laymen, teachers, and preachers. It was so in the olden time. The Pharisees were "orthodox," and they cried out against Jesus, even though his teaching was everywhere supplanting sin and suffering and sorrow with joy and peace, health and holiness. The law and the prophets were good enough for them. The worshipers of Diana feared that her temple "should be despised," that "her magnificence should be destroyed," and, rejecting the teachings of Jesus, they continued to cry, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." The same mental habit obtains in our own day, and it is therefore easily explainable why it is difficult for one whose mind is absorbed in the effort to win the world to certain creedal enunciations, to see good in Christian Science, even though the elevating and purifying influences of this Science are as present in every community as the sunshine.

The writer was born and raised in the Presbyterian faith, and even studied one year in the divinity school of a Presbyterian university. In "The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly" he learned that "man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever;" also that "God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in His being wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth." With this early training no ordinary circumstances could have induced him to investigate Christian Science, of which he knew little, but which he ridiculed and criticized much. But there came a time when he was in sore need. The good family physician said he could not live. The prayers of relatives and friends proved unavailing. As a last resort, and under protest, a Christian Science practitioner was called, and he was speedily restored to health. The practitioner insisted on the patient making a daily study of the Bible in connection with "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. The patient was amazed that he should be expected to find physical healing by gaining a better knowledge of God and man's relation to Him; it was so contrary to his early education. Yet through this knowledge the transformation from sickness to health was accomplished, and with health came a higher understanding of the ever-presence and helpfulness of the one infinite God.

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