Article September 1, 1923 Issue

Instead of Christian Science being an invention, it was a...

W. Truman Green, Committee on Publication for the State of Florida,

Tampa Morning Tribune

Instead of Christian Science being an invention, it was a discovery, or revelation, to Mary Baker Eddy. On page 108 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy, commenting on her discovery, says: "Whence came to me this heavenly conviction,—a conviction antagonistic to the testimony of the physical senses? According to St. Paul, it was 'the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.'" For several years after her discovery, Mrs. Eddy secluded herself from society, and, alone with God, she searched the Scriptures to discover a positive rule for the demonstration of this Christ-method of spiritual healing. Not until after she had thoroughly tested and proved this rule through healing all manner of sin and sickness by its means, did she give Christian Science to the world. In speaking of the incident, Mrs. Eddy, on page 109 of Science and Health, says: "The search was sweet, calm, and buoyant with hope, not selfish nor depressing. I knew the Principle of all harmonious Mind-action to be God, and that cures were produced in primitive Christian healing by holy, uplifting faith; but I must know the Science of this healing, and I won my way to absolute conclusions through divine revelation, reason, and demonstration."

Christian Science is not imperious, but its rule for demonstration is unchanging. The science of numbers is not imperious, yet its rule must be rightly applied to obtain a correct answer. Christ Jesus was not imperious, yet his teaching was most exacting. On a memorable occasion, when his critics were accusing him of being dictatorial and arrogant because his teaching differed from their religious forms and ceremonies, the Saviour gave to the world the test or proof of Christianity when he said, "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works." Christian Science is following in the footsteps of the Master by reforming the sinner, healing the sick, uplifting the fallen, and giving to tired, sin-sick humanity "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Christian Science should also be tested according to the Master's rule. Christ Jesus wanted his disciples to think, not at random, but scientifically. He labored and taught by precept and example that his students might understand Truth. It is self-evident that there can be but one truth about God and His creation. Theoretical Christianity can never measure up to the standard of the Master, who said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Mrs. Eddy, in discontinuing the ordinary form of preaching in Christian Science churches in 1895, wrote, "Humbly, and, as I believe, divinely directed, I hereby ordain the Bible, and 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' to be hereafter the only pastor of The Church of Christ, Scientist, throughout our land and in other lands" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 313). At such a service one can listen to the reading of the Holy Bible, and commune with God. Nor is this all,—he can then go to his home, take his Bible and the Christian Science textbook, and ponder, reason, and accept for himself this heavenly message to humanity. At no church service is the Holy Bible given more prominence than at a Christian Science service.

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