We are not seeking to convert or proselyte

Henry Deutsch

Mankato (Minn.) Journal.

We are not seeking to convert or proselyte. We are not asking or seeking to change people's religious views against their wishes. We believe in the spiritual interpretation of the Scriptures. More particularly are we firmly convinced that when the Master sent his disciples to "preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick," he meant that we were under obligation to do both things and not one only; and that the Master emphasized the idea that if the gospel were properly preached and practised, the healing of the sick must follow. Therefore, the practice of Christian Science is not allied with any mental or suggestive therapeutic system, but is sui generis in this age, though claiming to be not in any wise different from the system practised by the Master.

Jesus held that the power of God was manifested or rendered efficacious by two means: First, by faith; second, by abstinence from sin. In other words, Jesus' statement was largely, "Thy faith hath made thee whole," followed by the command, "Go, and sin no more." It is fair to assume that Jesus intended to bring home the truth that diseases were caused by ignorance or sin. A fair interpretation of the Scripture leads directly to the assumption that sin consists in a lack of faith in God or a deflection from the worship of the one God, as well as the other phases of sin which are more commonly known, such as theft, murder, etc. Jesus saw clearly the relation between man and God. He understood that God is Spirit, infinite Love, and the infinite source of all real being. He realized that when man stood in his proper relation to God, man reflected God, and therefore was in a position to appropriate all things from the infinite source.

It is a historical fact that for three centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus, those who followed his precepts and walked in his footsteps performed the same marvels, or miracles, as they are now called, which the Master performed, and this was particularly true of those whom you say were first called "Christians at Antioch." It should also be remembered that these same "Christians at Antioch" had the term applied to them as an epithet of opprobrium and ridicule. The healing power of Christianity continued until it became institutionalized as a part of the political power of the state under Constantine, and it is a curious as well as an interesting historical fact that when the Master's simple religion became formulated into creeds and doctrines coincident therewith, it lost its virility and power as formerly manifested in the wonderful demonstrations of the healing of both sickness and sin.

Mrs. Eddy claims nothing further than to have rediscovered the Principle and rule of healing that was exemplified by the Master, and by his disciples for three centuries after. Whether or not Mrs. Eddy is correct, or whether or not her philosophy is to be accepted, is of course a matter of individual decision and consequence, but we are not trying to urge this upon any one. The standing that Christian Science now has all over the world ought to be sufficient warrant to demand for it at least courteous and respectful treatment, and to insure it from attempted ridicule or mockery. By the Master's test, "By their fruits ye shall know them," it has sustained its position. Surely, then, we have a right to expect that toleration from those who profess to be followers of the Master, whatever their creed, because he enjoined on his followers that charity and love which extended even so far as to the command, "Love your enemies."

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