There is a division of opinion just now in regard to the name which forms the subject of this paper.
Some, hearing the name Christian Science, and attracted by the peace and comfort it brings, come to it, hoping to still hold all they seem to possess of earthly riches and fame; but when they find that "ye can not serve God and mammon," they are like the young man who had kept all the commandments, from his youth up, and yet went away sorrowful, because Jesus told him the one thing more, needful to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven, was the selling of all he seemed to possess, — and giving it to the poor, or those who seemed to have nothing good.
Who is to blame if such as these meet with no success?
Many who take up the cause — like Peter, in his zeal to reach the Master — try to preach or teach it before understanding the simpler rule of healing. By your works, more than by your words, shall you be known; and, though we ought at all times and in all ways to give the lie to error, let us remember that "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding," and that "good understanding giveth favor."
Others, at the mere mention of this subject, freeze with seeming terror, as though encountering something horrible. Is this because those who practise it claim to follow the example of Jesus, by healing sickness as well as sin? Let them listen to the Master's words, "Heal the sick." Is it then blasphemy to do the bidding of Christ?
Others seem to have the idea that Christian Science is violating what they call the Laws of Nature. In looking into this matter, if we are to follow the example of Jesus, will not this very violation, so-called, occur? Jesus demonstrated the nothingness of so-called natural law; and he showed, by his life, that complete trust in the infinite, divine Principle never leaves man desolate. Think of the three days spent in the tomb; and that, too, after receiving the worst ontrages which could be thought of in that day! Was the trust, then placed in Immortal Spirit, misplaced? The answer should certainly and emphatically be, No, when we remember the glorious resurrection and ascension which followed that hour of prayer and fasting.
Is it only ignorance, or is it indifference to what appears new, that keeps one in the darkness of fear in regard to this Science?
The name Christian Science, like many another which originally had a good signification, has been purloined by those who seek only fame or wealth, so that even the very elect would almost be deceived by their so-called interpretations of it. Can we wonder then, when these misinterpretations and misrepresentations seem to have the field, that honest and deep-thinking men and women should hesitate to investigate what seems to be a humbug? To all such doubters let us say, that it is not wise to trust to appearances, which are ever deceiving us. In order to have an imitation there must be a reality, which, when found, will so eclipse the false, that what at first seemed a humbug becomes the "light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts."
Twenty-two years ago such a star arose in the east of this American Continent, leading again the wise to the place "where the young child lay," by the interpretation of the risen Christ.
Ye who would know the Truth, come to this fountain, and it shall be to you "a well of living water," whose source is in the secret place of the Most High.
John Bunyan had a great dread of pride. Once, after preaching a fine sermon, his friends crowded around him to express their admiration of his eloquence. He interrupted them, saying: "Ah, you need not remind me of that: for the Devil told me of it before I was out of the pulpit."
