Article May 18, 1918 Issue

There is surely no occasion for doubt as to the stand...

W. Stuart Booth

Saguache (Col.) Crescent

There is surely no occasion for doubt as to the stand taken by Christian Scientists in the present world conflict, for many months ago The Christian Science Board of Directors of The Mother Church, in Boston, issued a widely published statement to the effect that no one could claim exemption from war service on the ground of being a Christian Scientist.

Consistent with their teaching, individual Christian Scientists have put their words into practice, and are gladly serving in the cause of liberty in the various ways presented, many in the ranks, many working through the Red Cross, while still others are bending their energies to the relief work carried on through the Comforts Forwarding committees organized by Christian Scientists in various localities. The War Relief fund established by The Mother Church has been the means of bringing comfort to a large number in the war stricken countries. All of these activities, together with the Camp Welfare work now being carried on, furnish abundant opportunity for service. At the time of the recent Halifax disaster a relief train laden with supplies and workers with several thousands of dollars, was furnished by the Christian Scientists. At the request of the mayor of Boston, city surgeons and Red Cross material were taken to the stricken district on this train.

No student of Christian Science who has gained a clear concept of its teaching could do other than support every righteous endeavor to obtain and protect the liberty of all peoples and that democracy of government which most nearly approaches the spiritual ideal. That idea of Principle, which gave our nation birth, and which has led us like a pillar of cloud in the day of prosperity and like a pillar of fire in the night of trial and adversity, is identical with the animating ideal of scientific Christianity. Christian Science, which brings not only the promise but the realization of complete liberation from every bond of evil, was surely heralded in that inspired and inspiring statement of truth in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident,—that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

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