Putting on record insights into the practice of Christian Science.
Editorials
In the January Journal we published a copy of the death warrant of Jesus Christ taken from a newspaper slip found pasted in an old Bible printed in 1822. Jesus' sentence to crucifixion was engraved on a copper plate on one side of which were written these words: "A similar plate is sent to each tribe.
We again remind our readers that we do not answer questions through the Journal . If they are answered at all the answers must be found in the general matter composing its columns.
Never since the days of early Christianity has there been a religious sect or denomination so misunderstood and misrepresented as Christian Science. A great many people unfamiliar with the teachings of the Christian Science text-book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, believe Christian Science to be the very opposite of what it in fact is.
It is a sad commentary on Christianity and civilization that after the lapse of almost nineteen hundred years after the utterance of those saving and redemptive words of the Master: "therefore whatsoever things ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them," the nations of Christendom should stand supinely by and witness such wholesale massacre as that which has taken place, and if latest accounts be true, is still taking place in Armenia. Had that mighty precept been only partly practised in individual and national life, such a spectacle would not now disgrace the name of Christianity and civilization.
Again let us make some suggestions which we should be glad to have our contributors observe during the coming year without further notice: 1. Do not send us articles signed with initials without also sending the full name and address.
WE are about to enter upon another calendar year. The light of Anno Domini, 1896 will, shortly break upon us.
The year 1895 witnessed many great events in Christian Science. The dedication of the Mother Church was the chiefest thereof for it signalled the erection to an unexpectant world, of the first Temple whose leading Tenet is the preaching of the Gospel by healing the sick and sinful through one and the same process, namely, the Christ Cure.
To the sincere Christian Scientist Jesus' immaculate conception, divine Fatherhood, and super physical birth, constitute the chief glory of Christianity. So far from depreciating these events, as he is so often mistakenly charged with doing, they have for him a significance and value which were impossible to him until his apprehension was quickened by the teachings of his text-book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, wherein the true intent and meaning thereof became manifest.
There are many analogies between ordinary warfare and the contest in which Christian Scientists are engaged, or, in other words between carnal, physical warfare, and metaphysical or spiritual warfare. In times when the nation's life is menaced, love of country inspires patriotism and patriotism impels the taking up of arms in defense of home and country.
There were admitted to membership in the Mother Church on last communion day two hundred and thirty-three applicants. The total number of members mentioned in the May Journal , 1895, should have been 4,365.