Article October 14, 1916 Issue

The assertion of a New York clergyman, which the Eagle...

Judge Clifford P. Smith—Pittsfield, Mass.

Berkshire County Eagle

The assertion of a New York clergyman, which the Eagle has reported, that Mrs. Eddy did not know what was in the Bible, had no other basis than the fact that she used the Bible, but not the books called the Apocrypha. He said, "Whatever Key to the Scriptures she wrote really is not to the complete Scriptures, but to the American Bible Society Scriptures." In other words, he denounced the Bible as it is commonly known, because it does not include the books of the Apocrypha, of which Webster's New International Dictionary says: "As they are not part of the Hebrew Bible, Protestants reject them as inspired sources of doctrine or as reliable history." In short, this gentleman found in the Apocrypha certain passages favorable to physicians, and used them as an argument against Christian Science.

With reference to this sermon the New York Telegram made the editorial comment that this clergyman "would do better, if he wishes to carry on an argument, to confine himself to the Scripture. His whole argument against Christian Science is based on what anonymous writers had to say in that collection known as the Apocrypha. Christian Science, as set forth by Mrs. Eddy, is based on the Bible."

The sermon or lecture in question was brought to a close with this question: "What has the Christian Science church done to relieve the wounded and the sick and the suffering in this war?" Probably this matter was intended as a rhetorical shell loaded with asphyxiating gas; but it can be answered, nevertheless. The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, has received from its members and expended for the relief of sufferers from the European war more than $187,000. This church has a considerable sum still on hand for this purpose, and further contributions to this fund continue to come in. Besides this, the Christian Scientists of France, Germany, and Great Britain have been fully as active and useful as other citizens in their endeavors to alleviate suffering and mitigate the consequences of war. In these countries, also, more than a few men in their armies and navies have given grateful testimony to the direct benefits of Christian Science in times of need.

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