Article September 15, 1917 Issue

In the March number of the North American Review...

Judge Clifford P. Smith

Lawrence (Mass.) Tribune

In the March number of the North American Review there was an article headed, "What Are the Churches to Do?" by the Rev. S. D. McConnell, LL.D., D.D. This writer, whose viewpoint was indicated by his title and degrees, stated the present plight of the churches in these words : "Time was when their task was to win bad men ; now the task is to retain to good ones." This frank avowal by a prominent member of the clerical profession should be of special interest to the people of Lawrence. They have just had occasion to wonder what reason could induce professedly Christian churches to employ a practiced vilifier to speak against Mrs. Eddy and Christian Science.

It is now generally known that Christian Science is founded on the teaching and example of Christ Jesus no less than are the faiths that differ from it and from each other, and it is generally recognized that this religion has been of great benefit to many people. It has stood the Master's test of all religions, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Christian Science has not only conferred inestimable benefits on its adherents ; it has exerted a wholesome influence on the entire mass of human thought. That it has wrought beneficial changes in the theory and practice of medicine, has been admitted by more than one representative of the medical profession. That it has wrought profound changes in the religious beliefs of mankind, has been admitted scantily by members of the clerical profession ; but this fact can be clearly proved by comparing the teachings of Christian Science with the trend and change of religious thought since 1875, when the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, was first published. The article mentioned at the beginning of this letter is an item of evidence to this effect.

In this situation the progress of Christian Science cannot be checked by reckless and violent words. It is more blessed to be reviled than to be a reviler. Indeed, the only blessings that ensue from reviling Mrs. Eddy or Christian Science are those which come to people who are moved by it to seek authoritative information about this benefactor of the human race and the religion of which she is Discoverer and Founder. Instead of opposing Christian Science, other churches should adopt it. Fortunately for everybody, this process is going on in spite of opposition.

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