Editorials

A Remarkable feature of the progress of the Christian Science denomination is that very few of its members have accepted the distinctive teachings of Christian Science for no better reason than that some relative or friend is a member of the denomination. Comparatively few have called themselves Christian Scientists without having had to overcome a sense of opposition and prejudice that rendered them well-nigh incapable of passing sane judgment upon the facts coming their attention.

The test to which every new idea is subjected by business men as well as by physical scientists, is this,— How does it work? and the answer given is determinative, for this is the final court of appeal. The suggestion, however, that religious theories are amenable to the same practical test, has not been received without protest, and it is only in recent years that the pursuit of a scientific method in the study of the Bible and of religious phenomena has been acceptable to any considerable proportion of Christian believers.

In his talk to the Boy's Brigade of Glasgow, Henry Drummond said "Boys, banish forever from your minds the idea that religion is subtraction. It does not tell us to give things up, but rather gives us something so much better that they give themselves up.

The standpoint from which Christian Science has been most vigorously and persistently assailed is that which denies its efficacy as a system of healing, therefore its position in this regard must find justification through its success. A marked peculiarity of human nature is shown in the fact that criticism has continued despite the testimony of the ever-increasing army of those who affirm that Christian Science has healed them after all other means had failed, that it has done for them what medicine and surgery had failed to do.

OUR escape from the enslavement of material sense is made possible by the fact that Truth leads all the way. though our feet are yet within the territory dominated by error.

LET us be glad and thankful for our holidays! They come to us variously laden with the sentiment of patriotism, gratitude, or devotion. But whatever their special mission, they each and all call a halt upon the world's mad chase for gold, for fame, for fashion, and give tired humanity a moment for rest and reflection.

WE find in Nave's Topical Bible, under the sub-heading "Love of man for man," reference to sixteen verses in the Old Testament and three hundred and seven in the New which urge upon mankind the necessity for loving, and which are in exemplification of the love of man for man. It has been truly said that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the gospel of Love.

Since many of the branch churches will hold their annual meetings within the next few weeks, and since some of them contemplate changing their by-laws in order to meet new requirements, a few words of counsel will not be amiss. It is of great importance that the by-laws conform to the laws of the state in which the church is incorporated, and if the state law prescribes a line of procedure to be followed in the amendment of by-laws, it should be ascertained, and strict attention should be paid to it.

As Christmas time draws near, the cherished impulses of every Christian heart lead thought away to Bethlehem of Judæa, and we rehearse again, with an ever new delight, the incidents of the world's sweetest story. It is well if our pilgrimage must needs be one in thought only, for a personal visit to the hallowed place brings keen disappointment as well as great satisfaction, and quite as much of pain perchance, as of pleasure.

He is a freeman, whom the Truth makes free, And all are slaves besides. As we grow in the understanding of Christian Science, the consciousness of possible dominion through Spirit impels us upward, out of the mists of sense into higher altitudes.