Editorials

A Number of years ago Mrs. Eddy, as Leader of the Christian Science movement, inaugurated the present order of service in all churches of the denomination, and since that time the old-fashioned sermon has been a thing of the past in the Christian Science churches.

Article XXXIII Meetings. —Sect.

In the turmoil and "hastening change" of twentieth-century religious convictions one meets with some facts which give great promise for the future, and prominent among these is the willingness with which those who represent the most conflicting opinions "exalt together" the character and works of Christ Jesus. The whole Christian world is practically at one in accepting the ideality of his life and teaching, and in believing that men may find the essential faith and overcoming in an honest endeavor to follow his footsteps.

In the sublime poetry of Isaiah we find nothing grander than his description of the world when the kingdom of God shall be universally recognized, — all living creatures dwelling together in concord; the child playing "on the hole of the asp;" when nothing shall "hurt nor destroy, .

THE observant reader of current religious literature can but note the amount of attention which is being given these days to the consideration of the asserted place and purpose of disease and death in the divine plan for the education of humanity. In an article which appeared recently, headed "Not Enemies but Friends," suggestive reference was made to the "pathetic fallacy" underlying "some modern movements," that pain and sorrow and death are intruders, — "Uninvited guests who enter to blight the joy and overshadow the festivity," when, as the writer declares, pain should be thought of as a great and wise instructor, a true friend to all! He says, — Pain is incidental to all birth and to every stage of growth.

As there has been more or less misinformation extant as to Mrs. Eddy's relation to the international peace movement, it may be well to state the facts in a few words, so that there need be no further misunderstanding.

The  difference between Christian Science Mind-healing and hypnotism is clearly shown in our Leader's writings, and many of the students of her works have helped to illustrate this distinction by demonstrating what Christian Science is and what it does. Those who are most familiar with what is termed hypnotic suggestion are now admitting very readily that there is a fundamental difference between their methods and Christian Science.

Frankfurt-a-Main, Feldergstrasse 4t, March 31, 1907. Dear Mrs.

Concord, N. H.

[The following letter from one at present in Mrs. Eddy's home is so good that we know it will be appreciated by all Christian Scientists quite as much as it has been by the Editor.