In your issue of the 17th inst., under "Christian Forum,"...

Frederick H. Astley Woodward, Committee on Publication for Devonshire, England,—Newton Abbot

Mid-Devon Times

In your issue of the 17th inst., under "Christian Forum," a request is made for your estimate of the teaching of Christian Science. Your correspondent "Vita," in reply, makes certain statements on this subject which are somewhat misleading; and I shall be glad of the opportunity to reply.

First, Christian Science is not a cult, as "Vita" states, but is recognized generally as a Christian denomination, having been founded over half a century ago, when, as shown in the Manual of The Mother Church (p. 17), it was voted, on the recommendation of Mrs. Eddy, "To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing."

Christian Science heals all manner of disease, whether it be labeled "functional" or "organic." Jesus overcame every condition of evil that was presented to him, and promised his followers that they should do likewise. One cannot heal in the way Jesus did, and taught, by material methods; for, as Paul said, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

"Vita" further states that Christian Science treats sin not as a reality but as an illusion. In reply to that, may I quote from the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. On page 447 the author states: "A sinner is not reformed merely by assuring him that he cannot be a sinner because there is no sin. To put down the claim of sin, you must detect it, remove the mask, point out the illusion, and thus get the victory over sin and so prove its unreality."

Sin is unknown to God; for as we read in Genesis, "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Jesus said, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Christian Scientists are to-day following in the footsteps of the great Exemplar, Jesus the Christ, and in a measure doing the works that he did; and "by their fruits ye shall know them."

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