Article May 16, 1914 Issue

Unless I misunderstand the critic whose letter I have read...

Algernon Hervey Bathurst—Northwich, Cheshire, England

The Chronicle

Unless I misunderstand the critic whose letter I have read in a recent issue, he has given the most logical reason possible for his friend's having turned to Christian Science. Would his friend have studied Christian Science unless it had appealed to "the man's understanding"? Did not Christian Science obviously offer him something more tangible and attractive than he had found elsewhere? And would it not be natural for a man to accept that which appeared to him most practical and afforded the most logical proofs of man's ability to overcome evil, sin, and sickness, here and now? I quite agree that "this is the history of many" who turn to Christian Science.

The critic implies, however, that to turn to Christian Science is the same as "to leave Christianity." The question then occurs, What is Christianity? It is surely the practical application, with "signs following," of the teaching of Christ Jesus. Now there is no body of people on earth who accept and practise these teachings in a more practical or scientific manner than do Christian Scientists. What is filling the Christian Science churches, many of them to overflowing? It is the fact that Mrs. Eddy has given to the world the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the most remarkable commentary on the Bible ever published, because the apprehension of spiritual truth which this book awakens is enabling Christian Scientists to heal themselves and others of sickness, sin, evil habits, and all forms of discord. "Faith without works," the apostle said, "is dead." And Jesus the Christ said that his followers who understood his teaching would do the works he did. This is what the Christian Scientists are doing, in some measure at least, today.

The critic also complains of the price of the text-book, but he appears not to know that at most, if not all, of the Christian Science reading-rooms the book may be borrowed free, added to which it is to be found in practically all the public libraries,—and more than one copy in some cases. He will, I hope, sometime join the many thousands who are saying today that Science and Health is the cheapest book they have ever purchased, the best investment they have ever made.

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