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.

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