Article January 18, 1919 Issue

It seems a pity that Malcolm was not in a more companionable...

George R. Lowe—Ontario, Canada

St. Thomas Times-Journal

It seems a pity that Malcolm was not in a more companionable and genial mood when writing of Christian Science, "The Open Road,"—not that such writing hurts Christian Scientists, but because no man can be happy or do himself justice while indulging unkind thoughts of his neighbors. Christian Scientists do not claim any special shrewdness,—unless it be shrewd to appreciate at its true value what they have proved to be good,—but they do claim or at least aim to be religious. They do pray to understand God and Christ, and they try to be good neighbors; hence it seems rather unfair to say that they cannot be classed as religious. Just how religious anyone is, must be proved by his daily conduct, and we wish to shun mere religiosity,—the talking of religion and not the living of it. As for shrewdness, we remember that it has a good meaning, that of being sagacious, intellectually keen and discerning. The wise man wrote in the book of Proverbs, "Get wisdom, get understanding," and also, "Riches and honour are with me;" and much more in praise of wisdom.

The absurd talk about Christian Scientists making "several million dollars profit" out of Mrs. Eddy's writings should cease. Profiteering is utterly inconsistent with Christian Science, but honest compensation for valuable services rendered has Christian sanction. To call something muddy because one does not understand it, is as if a schoolboy, whose aptitude for mathematics is undeveloped, were to attempt tempt to criticize higher mathematics. It is regrettable that any writer should fail to see in Mrs. Eddy's books the accuracy, lucidity, and strength of style which is discerned by those who have gained an understanding of her meaning. Certainly her writings are not superficial but require prayerful study in order that they may be appreciated. The beneficiaries of Christian Science unanimously agree that her works express the truth which heals. Competent literary critics have commented favorably on the individuality and felicity of Mrs. Eddy's style. That her books are more widely read after forty years than ever before is some indication of their permanent value. That the study of her books leads to a closer and wider study of the Bible is attested by many witnesses.

The writer referred to The Christian Science Monitor as if it were published only recently, whereas since the first of November ten years ago the Monitor has been issued regularly; and twenty-five years previous to that, Mrs. Eddy conceived the idea of such a newspaper. It has achieved a unique place in the world of journalism as an international newspaper, whose interpretation of the events of the world is distinctly valuable. Leaders in many lines of human endeavor, scholars, statesmen, and artists, have expressed their hearty appreciation of this paper. It is no parochial organ, nor is it in any sense a poverty-stricken affair. Christian Scientists are not afraid to support their publications loyally. Has your writer ever known Christian Scientists to solicit financial aid for their church from other people? Has he ever heard of schemes to raise or to extract money from the general public in behalf of Christian Science? On the other hand, has he not heard of free reading rooms maintained and public lectures given by Christian Scientists? Is he aware that Christian Scientists have contributed gladly over a million dollars for war relief and camp welfare work, besides forwarding comforts and the like to our soldiers? The enjoyment of these services is not limited to Christian Scientists.

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