Recently my attention was called to a printed sermon which had been placed conspicuously for free distribution, and the words "Christian Science" led me to take a copy home for review. Having been a member of the church from which it came, until I was nearly forty years of age, my heart goes out to the dear people who are so conscientiously struggling to know God. In the sermon under contemplation, the objection was raised that any one outside the church should "claim to save souls." According to historical records it would be difficult to locate "the church," and we all appreciate the efforts of Luther, Calvin, Wesley, and many others to establish a consistent church.

Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health (p. 583) says that the church is "that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick." It was Peter's recognition of the healing Christ that led Jesus to say, "Upon this rock I will build my church;" and our recognition of the healing Christ is the "rock" upon which we must build today, if we would be saved. It is in Mind, not in any externals, however beautiful, that we must find our church, no matter to what denomination we may belong.

It is good that some of the churches are awakening to the perpetuity of Jesus' command, "Heal the sick." The time will come, and that at no distant day, when all Christians will acknowledge the logic and the spiritual healing influence of Mrs. Eddy's writings. They will study them and practise them, for those who are honest will see that the integrity of any church must tear away the veil that would obscure spiritual power. Mrs. Eddy says that "honesty is spiritual power" (Science and Health, p. 453), and this will reveal to them the fact that God has many channels through which to pour the healing truth. To call Christian Science a "sugar-coated compound" shows a lack of intimacy with its workings, for it certainly takes away a sense of flattered vanity and self-righteousness and uncovers and destroys "ravening wolves," a process which is just the reverse of sugar-coating. Our text-book tells us (p. 559) that we find the healing "sweet as honey," but that we must also digest the "bitter." (See Revelation x. 9, 10.)

Mrs. Eddy has shown us how to find in the Bible the instructions for healing the sick and casting out evil, and such work cannot possibly be done through a "false interpretation," and at the "expense of truth." Such statements recall the old accusation that Jesus' healing work was through Beelzebub, and his answer was that such a kingdom must of necessity be "divided against itself." Christian Science healing is accomplished in harmony with the truth. Christian Scientists are not alone in their contention that "there is no matter." Physical scientists have been working in this direction for some time, and are rapidly nearing the conclusion that this statement is the only explanation of the "atom" which can be relied upon; so that one must be guarded in calling this an "absurd claim" if he would be considered awake to the signs of the times.

The statement in this sermon that physical diagnosis is a "science, the wisdom of which is of God," would almost tempt one to believe that a clergyman should make a better diagnosis than a physician, although it is stated that the church does not attempt to diagnose physical ills, but leaves them to the physician, in which case we "must be sure the diagnosis is right;" but that, after entire lives spent in earnest study, "physicians fail to master this difficult problem of medicine" and, in spite of all they can do, they "find themselves baffled." Most of the testimonies of Christian Science healing have not been of "self-diagnosed" diseases, but thousands of patients have been healed of diseases previously diagnosed by physicians, through the practitioner's understanding of how to diagnose from the standpoint of Mind and not of matter. Does it not seem strange that the church should "acknowledge limitations"? Mr. Burbank seems to acknowledge no limitations in the floral world, and Mr. Edison none in the electrical world, and why should our clergy acknowledge limitations in God?

A special point for grievance, according to the sermon quoted, seems to be that Christian Scientists are prosperious, notwithstanding poverty has not been proven synonymous with virtue. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," and Christian Scientists are rejoiced to have proven this to be true. Industry, honesty, wisdom, etc., are of God, and they do bring blessings from God's infinite storehouse. Jesus said, "The laborer is worthy of his hire," and if the work of a Christian Scientist is good it should bring him adequate reward. When Jesus selected his disciples, the one whose duty it was to be treasurer for the twelve found the money thought too strong for him, even with our wonderful Master as a daily companion and guide. If that one out of twelve could not resist temptation, did this prove Jesus' whole statement to be untrue? So, in the rank and file of Christian Scientists, if we should some time be shocked to find we have harbored a Judas, this would not prove the Science to be valueless.

We may not have reached the point where we can multiply loaves and fishes scientifically, but we should not be robbed of the privilege of working earnestly and honestly to learn more of the Principle by which Jesus accomplished this and proved that God is the source of infinite supply. If a better understanding of God has been made possible by the self-sacrificing efforts of one noble woman, why should any eyes or ears be closed to the marvelous possibilities of Christian Science, just because it has not been presented in the way of their appointing? Clergymen, above all men, should be most careful not to offend God's little ones—the infant thoughts that are humbly asking for proofs of God's omnipotence.

The method of the abundant life must be like the method of springtime and summer—the method of growth. The sunshine and shower fulfil the tree. They do not destroy it. So Christ fulfilled life. He implants it, causes it to grow. He makes the fragmentary complete. He makes life abundant, abounding. Let us get more of him, that we may have this abundant life.

Rev. H. K. Overton.