Article June 12, 1926 Issue

In the report of a sermon printed in your paper having...

Frank J. Linsley, Committee on Publication for the State of Connecticut,—Stamford

Advocate

In the report of sermon printed in your paper having for its topic, "What we may learn from Christian Science," a minister commends the works of Christian Science in a broad and kindly way. He said, however, "I see no reason why our evangelical churches cannot give to seekers after Truth the same values which Christian Science affords, without the intellectual difficulties which a denial of matter, pain, evil, and death involves." While Christian Scientists appreciate the minister's recognition of the healing work which is being accomplished throughout the world, we would point to the fact that Christian Science is the whole and undivided garment of the truth taught and practiced by Christ Jesus, and that by the rejection of any part of its teachings (as suggested by the minister) the same results could not be attained. The fundamental ideas of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy based upon her spiritual interpretation of the Scriptures. She declared that God is Spirit, Life, Truth, Love, Mind, all-presence, all-power, the perfect divine Principle of all action, and that therefore matter, sin, disease, and death must be unreal, because they are not of the nature and character of God.

To-day, the advanced thinkers and teachers of physical science are confirming Mrs. Eddy's statements regarding the unreality of matter. Lord Balfour said that "we explain matter by explaining it away." Grant Allen wrote, "The universe as known to us, consists wholly of mind, and matter is a doubtful and uncertain inference of human intelligence." In "Unity of Good" (pp. 9, 10) Mrs. Eddy says: "By knowing the unreality of disease, sin, and death, you demonstrate the allness of God. . . . The reality of these so-called existences I deny, because they are not to be found in God, and this system is built on Him as the sole cause." And in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 239) she writes, "The watchword of Christian Science is Scriptural: 'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts.'"If men would cease from evil thoughts and acts, what would remain of evil? Would it have inherent power to exercise influence in any direction? When Jesus said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life," he indicated that he did not consider matter substantial or real. Did Jesus give any reality to sin, sickness, or death when he forgave the sinner, healed all manner of disease, and raised Lazarus from the tomb? To emphasize that these mighty works were not confined to himself, he made the profound declaration, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

Although recognizing that sin, disease, and death seem real to the human consciousness, Christian Scientists are proving that these conditions can be overcome, not through "dreamy" idealism, nor "intellectual difficulties," but through the practical application of spiritual law as demonstrated by Christ Jesus. Christian Scientists do not claim to have emulated all the might works of Jesus, but it is true that millions of people are to-day receiving the benefits of Christian Science, shown in better health, better morals, and increased longevity, through the daily study of the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy; are gaining an understanding of the reality of things spiritual and the unreality of things material, and of the truth that "in him [God] we live, and move, and have our being."

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