Freedom of religious thought has developed a multitude of diverse interpretations of Scripture, cach vigorously supported by numbers of converts forming various sects, so that the sincere seeker after truth becomes bewildered by the many different and contrary influences brought to bear upon him.
What shall he believe? Believe the teachings of Christ, and nothing that is not in accordance with them. Candidly read the divine Word, uninfluenced by interpreters, and then seek that sect which accepts the Word in its purest sense without interpolation and lives most nearly in accord with it. Discover where the teachings of Christ are not only accepted theoretically, but applied practically.
In searching for the true church attention will be directed to the Church of Christ, called the denomination of Scientists. Are these any better than others? Have they found the right way, or a better way than others? Let us test and see for ourselves. No harm can come from candid investigation of the ideas of any sect which bases its claims on the word and promise of Christ Jesus; but there may be danger in judging them if we still remain Ignorant of their tenets. We are told in the New Testament to prove all things and hold fast that which is good.
There are many who severely judge the Christian Scientists, simply because they do not understand their principles. Again, there are many Christians who believe in faith cure, but are inclined to denounce the healing method practised by the Scientists; for they think that their preconceived views disagreeing therewith, cover the whole ground, and settle the question adversely; while scientific men, (those versed in material sciences,) denounce it because they think there is in it no scientific method.
To those men of science, or others who put no faith in the teachings of Christ, there, is nothing to be said, for they have wilfully debarred themselves from acceptance of Bible truths; but to those who with open hearts are earnestly seeking truth, a few words explanatory of Christian Science may be satisfactory. Christian Science denies that the body as matter can suffer, inasmuch as it is made up of clay, minerals, and gases, which have no sensation either by themselves or in any combination.
Furthermore, it ignores the existence of the material body as the reality, if man was made in the image and likeness of God, and is, therefore, Spiritual, perfect and immortal.
Sin and sickness are classed as errors of mortality, to be overcome in the final conflict between truth and error.
The relationship between God and man is considered as somewhat analogous to that of the sun and its light; the sun, in giving light, does not divide itself, nor come down to us; it reflects its own characteristics in every direction; and its rays are infinite, even as the Soul emanations from God are infinite, while God remains the same— the Light of all, the great " Principle, Life, Truth, Love, substance and intelligence."
Upon these fundamental facts Christian Scientists base lives of purity and love, and try to relieve humanity from its errors of sin and sickness.
Thus it is seen that they live and work according to Principle and not blindly; and if the results of their Science are shown in manifest proofs, the seeker can judge for himself of the merits of their doctrines.
Every "new departure" has been as vigorously assailed at first as Christian Science, and yet it has brought forth for the people some new truth, or made some old truth clearer. The age is still advancing. None can yet claim to know all that is to be known. Remember therefore to judge righteous judgment, not condemning till all things have been proved: "Hold fast that which is good."
