In the brief book review published in your issue of...

Newton T. Burdick, Committee on Publication for the Province of British Columbia,—North Vancouver, Canada

Review

In the brief book review published in your issue of March 31, it would appear that an author attempts to portray and analyze the life of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

This author reveals a complete lack of understanding of Christian Science and its Leader, and is, therefore, not competent to pass judgment. Christian Science ascribes all power to God, and its students try to have that Mind in them which was also in Christ Jesus. An understanding of this teaching is discernible in the manner described by Paul, "not with excellencey of speech or of wisdom . . . but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

The impression given by the author in classing Mary Baker Eddy with Messrs. Freud and Mesmer as "mental healers" is misleading. Mrs. Eddy cannot be placed in the same classification as these men, for the basis of her teaching is diametrically opposite to anything in the nature of the "indomitable will." In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 144), "Human will-power is not Science. Human will belongs to the so-called material senses, and its use is to be condemned."

In your review Mrs. Eddy is referred to as the "supreme opportunist." This choice of words is incorrect, unless the writer means to convey the idea that Mrs. Eddy never lost an opportunity of doing good. Christian Science may be judged by the result it produces, and the crucial test was furnished by Christ Jesus when he said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits."

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