Article March 11, 1916 Issue

I note that one of the accusations of a local evangelist...

W. G. Watkins—Oshkosh, Wis.

The Northwestern

I note that one of the accusations of a local evangelist about Christian Scientists is, that they are "backsliders." We are glad to admit this charge, but would immediately explain that we find it to be an action that makes for progress, as it is a getting away from preconceived opinions about a far-away God and the attainment of a larger realization of God's ever-presence and all-power which furnishes proof that the "kingdom of God" is indeed within. We are getting back to fundamental facts—to the "stone which the builders rejected," namely, the allness of Spirit and the nothingness of matter with its attendant train of sickness and sin.

Jesus was ever busy because he was about his Father's business, and on every hand he gave to the sick and sinning the proof of a present-day salvation from troubles of every kind. He also commanded his followers to do likewise. To say, as does this evangelist, that Christian Scientists should not be classified with Christians, is therefore equivalent to saying that that which bears fruits in accordance with the Scriptures is contrary thereto.

The unkind reference to Mrs. Eddy finds a splendid answer in the following recognition in an editorial in The Boston Traveler, which is only one of many tributes to her worth: "Mrs. Eddy has been one of the world's greatest benefactors. Her followers will say more than that, perhaps, but there is no reason why even her enemies should say less. Regardless of differences of faith or philosophy, the world must recognize in her work a vast contribution to human happiness. Certain it is that Mrs. Eddy found the world full of doubt and despondency, and gave it a larger measure of brightness and hope. She taught the weak that they need not be weak, the sick that they might be well, the suffering that they had it within themselves to end their wretchedness. Those who were ailing physically or mentally were enabled, as she herself had been, to become strong in soul and body. Neurasthenia and melancholy yield to the gospel of optimism. Call it what you will, it is a fact that Christian Scientists, as a class, are healthy, hopeful, happy, and prosperous. And Christian Science modes of thought have permeated the thinking of the world, outside the pale of the church. It is a great thing to be a teacher when the teaching bears such fruit."

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