Article May 31, 1919 Issue

When an attack of misrepresentation and vituperation is...

W. Stuart Booth

The Fort Collins (Colo.) Express

When an attack of misrepresentation and vituperation is launched against Christian Science and its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy, one wonders what the impelling motive can be. When such an attack is made by a professed follower of Christ Jesus, the wonder increases with any unbiased observer; for it is now generally recognized that through Christian Science the work of redemption from sickness, sinful habits, sorrow, and fear is accomplished, as was promised by the Master to all believers. Perhaps the missionary who has been misled into making unchristian remarks about those Christians who are showing their faith by their works, was disturbed by Mrs. Eddy's words found on page 328 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Christian Science textbook: "Our missionaries carry the Bible to India, but can it be said that they explain it practically, as Jesus did, when hundreds of persons die there annually from serpent-bites? Understanding spiritual law and knowing that there is no material law, Jesus said: 'These signs shall follow them that believe, ... they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.' It were well had Christendom believed and obeyed this sacred saying. Jesus' promise is perpetual. Had it been given only to his immediate disciples, the Scriptural passage would read you, not they. The purpose of his great life work extends through time and includes universal humanity."

To Christian Scientists it appears more consistent and is far more satisfying to prove the availability of the Bible promises, as they are doing, than to indulge in unjust and untrue criticism of others. Those who knew Mrs. Eddy personally, whether or not they were Christian Scientists, were impressed by her purity, unselfishness, consecration, and spirituality, and surely such testimony is accepted by fair-minded people in preference to that of a traducer. Governor Felker of New Hampshire, in paying a tribute to Mrs. Eddy, had this to say: "The Granite State's greatest woman. She has left the impression of her work, not only on New England but on the entire world, and we are proud of her."

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