Article September 4, 1915 Issue

A writer in a recent Register-Leader "Signs of the Times"...

Thomas F. Watson

Mountain View (Cal.) Register-Leader

A writer in a recent Register-Leader "Signs of the Times" shows a lack of understanding of the subject of Christian Science, for nothing could be farther from the truth than the charge that Christian Science is a "mental narcotic," which "narcotizes the conscience and puts it to sleep;" rather does Christian Science quicken the spiritual perception and moral sensibilities of mankind. The study of Christian Science, as set forth in Mrs. Eddy's writings, arouses a greater desire to know more of God and man, and an earnest longing to know more of that truth which Jesus said shall make us free.

On page 342 of Science and Health we read: "Christian Science awakens the sinner, reclaims the infidel, and raises from the couch of pain the helpless invalid. ... Who would be the first to disown the Christliness of good works, when our Master says, 'By their fruits ye shall know them'?" Science and Health does not teach us to disregard or ignore pain or disease, as this writer claims, but shows how they may be healed through a right understanding of God and His law; nor does it teach that sin is not real to mortal consciousness, for on page 426 we find this statement, "Sin brought death, and death will disappear with the disappearance of sin." Then in "Rudimental Divine Science" (p. 2) Mrs. Eddy states, "The emphatic purpose of Christian Science is the healing of sin."

The teaching of Christian Science that God is infinite good, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, is demonstrable truth, and our demonstration of it is in proportion to our understanding. Jesus commanded his followers to "preach the gospel" and "heal the sick." He also said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Christian Science rests more upon demonstration than upon profession. That it is demonstrable truth is being daily proved by the signs which Jesus said should follow them that believe (understand). In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 25) we read, "Christianity is Christlike only as it reiterates the word, repeats the works, and manifests the spirit of Christ."

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