It has always seemed to me to be unfair to begin a discussion...

Carl E. Herring

Trenton (Neb.) Register

It has always seemed to me to be unfair to begin a discussion of any subject by discussing something not related to it, without regard either to antithesis or similarity. For instance, why should an advocate of vertical writing begin an argument in its favor by discussing cuneiform characters, leaving the inference that there is some similarity between slant writing and the primitive writings of the Persians?

Christian Science bears no more relationship to mesmerism or spiritualism than Methodist does to cannibalism, and an attack on the Methodist church, if any one cared to make it, should not be prefaced by a sketch of the decline of cannibalism, coupled with a suggestion that Wesley built on its ruins. The facts as to the origin and growth of Christian Science are too well known to be the occasion of any dispute. The world has accorded to Mrs. Eddy the rightful claim to be its Discoverer and Founder. Her wealth is not a "bone of contention," but is being used in the hands of trustees to promote peace on earth, "good will toward men," in accordance with the provisions of her will. There was litigation during her lifetime, but it was brought by interests opposed to Christian Science, who used that means to try to break it down and enrich themselves.

Our critic says that miracles were performed by Jesus to prove that he was God, and by the apostles in the name of Jesus "to prove that he has the power and will to save those who trust in him, from sin and all its evil consequences." For three hundred years after the crucifixion, or until the time Constantine, the followers of Jesus healed the sick. If it was done to attest the divinity of Jesus, why did it cease then? If it was done pursuant to the command of Jesus to heal the sick, as oft repeated in the gospels, why did it cease then?

Miracles were performed by Moses. For what purpose? The Bible says, "That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee." Elisha healed the leper, Elijah raised the dead; the Old Testament abounds with accounts of miraculous deliverances and cures. Shall we say that God's arm is shortened in these latter days, or shall we say that no suffering and misery exists now that calls for the attention of divine power?

Instead of believing that God has withdrawn Himself through the ages only to appear at rare intervals to prove His existence, or to prove the sonship of Jesus, or to prove something else by means of some supernatural exhibition, would it not be better to study the Bible in the light of an ever present God, whereby, as Mrs. Eddy says, "these mighty works" become "not supernatural, but supremely natural"? (Science and Health, Pref., p. xi.) Can it be said that Jesus gave his commands to heal the sick and demonstrated the divine power for the benefit of a few fisherman on the shores of Galilee? Christian Science is proving today that the Christ-power is for all time and for all people.

There is so much to commend in the article of our friend, and the quotations so apply define the purposes and aims of Christian Science, that we regret space does not permit more of commendation to balance the criticism; but we feel no conclusion can be better than that of our critic: "Oh, that Christians would follow the example of the first thirty years of our Saviour's life on earth, which he has promised to help us do."

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