Article January 24, 1920 Issue

In a recent issue an article is quoted from the American...

Miss Evelyn L. Webb—Belfast, Ireland

Missionary Herald

In a recent issue an article is quoted from the American Christian Advocate entitled, "The Christian Science Movement." I am appreciative of the broad and generous manner in which the writer deals with his subject from the Methodist point of view. At the same time I would point out that the writer is mistaken in his assumption that the large crowds of earnest worshipers which he describes as having seen at the Wednesday evening testimony meeting at the Christian Science church in his city are drawn there with no higher motive than to be healed of physical ailments. For if such were the case, why would they continue to attend after such healing had taken place?

It is possible that some, even many, among that congregation had come there in the first place with no higher desire than to be healed of some physical trouble,—you will bear in mind that in the days when our Master and his disciples healed all manner of diseases multitudes flocked to them for the purpose,—but it is a higher thought than merely the obtaining of physical relief which fills the Christian Science churches. It is true that Christian Scientists consider the demonstration of Christian healing as essential to the maintenance of their movement, because such healing is in obedience to the command of Jesus the Christ as a test of one's understanding of his teachings, for did not he say, "These signs shall follow them that believe"? It was looked upon as of such important bearing upon the teachings of Christianity by the writers of the four gospels, that these records are chiefly made up of accounts of spiritual healing of physical diseases.

The following paragraph from the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, will show what the Christian Scientist understands to be the vital part of his religion (p. 150): "To-day the healing power of Truth is widely demonstrated as an immanent, eternal Science, instead of a phenomenal exhibition. Its appearing is the coming anew of the gospel of 'on earth peace, good-will toward men.' This coming, as was promised by the Master, is for its establishment as a permanent dispensation among men; but the mission of Christian Science now, as in the time of its earlier demonstration, is not primarily one of physical healing. Now, as then, signs and wonders are wrought in the metaphysical healing of physical disease; but these signs are only to demonstrate its divine origin,—to attest the reality of the higher mission of the Christ-power to take away the sins of the world."

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