Article August 29, 1914 Issue

In a recent issue the statement is made that the Rev. Mr.—...

Ezra W. Palmer—Colorado Springs, Col.

The Gazette

In a recent issue the statement is made that the Rev. Mr.—"took occasion to score Christian Scientists, Unitarians, Universalists, and many other sects." The evangelist declared, as a part of his attack on Christian Scientists and others, that "old-fashioned religion had done everything," to which we heartily agree. But the question naturally arises, Who is living and demonstrating old-fashioned religion, the religion which Jesus and the apostles instituted? This religion was a religion of works, not merely of faith or of words. Its adherents proved their faith by their works; they healed the sick, cleansed the sinners, and raised the dead. A careful reading of the sermon of this evangelist in the same issue in which he criticizes Christian Science, makes no reference to healing the sick by prayer or of proving our understanding of God by regenerative works.

The critic's concept of religion, from his public utterances, seems to consist in preaching that God forgives sin, but that healing sickness is no part of a Christian's duty. Christian Scientists believe the Master meant exactly what he said when he commanded his followers in all ages as follows: "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." Does the critic believe this? Does he practise it? If he does, he is doing what Christian Scientists are doing in every city of note in this country. If he does not, he can hardly call himself a Christian, because he does not obey all the commands of the great Teacher who founded Christianity.

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