The
expressions of gratitude so frequently heard at our testimonial meetings are perhaps, for outsiders, the most unusual part of the Christian Science services.
Assuming
that a Christian Scientist has reached the point where he daily strives after reformation and complete redemption from sin, granted that he is willing to make every sacrifice for holiness, and to subordinate every lesser desire to the supreme one of working out his salvation, should this warfare seem to be grievous and discouraging?
A subtle
argument which often presents itself to the Christian Scientist is to the effect that it is best not to resist certain phases of evil for fear of resorting to human will-power.
Christian Science is founded on the understanding of Truth, and teaches strict adherence to the spirit of the Mosaic Decalogue and to the teachings of Jesus.
The suggestion conveyed is that Christian Scientists are unsympathetic with those who suffer, and that they are fanatical and dogmatic in preaching the doctrine of Christian Science to others, and arbitrary in insisting upon its practice by those around them.
In these tolerant days with so many varying religious beliefs, it is not an easy matter in any progressive state to get a law on the statute-books that seems in any way to trench on any of them.
Christian Science teaches that pain is a mental effect, and in doing this it follows the long line of idealist thinkers, who have upheld the theory stated by Huxley in the words that "nothing exists beyond the facts of consciousness and the substance of mind.
It is not pleasant to think that one professing to be a follower of the Master would wilfully distort and misrepresent the teachings of other professing Christians.
It is to be regretted that some members of the medical profession should allow themselves to believe that any Christian system which aims at—and accomplishes—the lessening of disease in this country, is an enemy.
