Article November 11, 1916 Issue

I have read the account of the attack made by a critic...

Avery Coonley

Paris (Ill.) News

I have read the account of the attack made by a critic upon a religion whose adherents are quietly going about their business of doing good, and against the noble woman who founded it. He has been doing this sort of thing for years, and the falsehoods he permits himself to spread have long been current. They were concocted by those who maliciously desired to tear down Christian Science, and have been perpetuated not by this critic alone, but from time to time by various persons who were so unhappily disposed as to wish to injure this religion if they could. They have not even succeeded in checking its growth.

Mary Baker Eddy is recognized as one of the greatest benefactors of mankind. A prophet was said by Jesus not to be without honor "save in his own country," but Mrs. Eddy was conspicuously honored by the city of Concord, N. H., where she lived for nineteen years, and was well known and highly esteemed for her public spirit, good deeds, and noble character. The various falsifications regarding her early life had all been made and published broadcast before she left Concord. Had they been true, their publication would have discredited her with her neighbors. The fact is, however, that when she moved her residence from Concord to Boston, the Concord city council did her the extraordinary honor of meeting and passing resolutions of appreciation of their friendly relations and regret at her departure. When she passed from this sphere of usefulness her life and remarkable service to mankind were eulogized by the press of the entire country.

The religion founded by Mrs. Eddy has been declaring its character by its works for nearly half a century. In that time it has spread not only from Massachusetts to California and from Canada to the Gulf, but practically around the world. The fact that it is healing the sick as well as the sinning, in accordance with the promises and commands of Jesus, has made its teachings the subject of considerable controversy; but it is not only generally admitted but commonly remarked that it is making its adherents better and happier as well as healthier,—in short, that it is a vital force for good in the world. That which is purifying, uplifting, and ennobling did not spring from baseness, dishonesty, and selfishness. Jesus declared: "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"

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