As an argument against the consistency of Christian Scientists receiving recompense for services rendered, this text is often quoted: "Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come ye! buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price." (ISAIAH iv. 1.) Glancing over the remainder of this chapter we see that the Prophet's exhortation is not to those who are working as the ministers of divine Love, that they should not ask or receive remuneration, but a general exhortation to all to give up what of so-called worldly things are held most dear, and labor for "that which is good," or spiritual Substance.
Jesus being the best expounder of the Prophets, for he came to fulfil what had been said by them, let us look to his teaching and example on this question.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, there is no account given of Jesus' taking, or not taking, money, or other compensation, for his services. So we are left to decide this question through his teachings.
In looking into these teachings, some account is to be taken of the manners and customs of that age, and Jesus' conformity thereto. As is generally known, it was customary for the Jews to pay tribute at certain times and places. In this Jesus sets a very clear example, by always paying the tribute wherever demanded. Even when it appeared that he and his disciples had not the wherewithal to meet this demand, he showed Peter just how to get what was asked, without trying to avoid taxation, or have the dues lowered for his accommodation.
There is a law of compensation which all must meet; for if it is not met, no good follows. Then let not Christian Scientists, through a false idea of charity, help those to evade the law who come to learn the Truth; but rather let them remember to look at charity from both sides of the question, and see how the exercise thereof belongs not alone to the healer or teacher, but also to the one who is healed or taught.
It is well to remember that trying to get without giving is a species of falsity, which leads one to break the commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
When Jesus sent forth his disciples, as related in the tenth chapter of Matthew, he said: "Provide neither gold nor silver nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey; neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves, for the workman is worthy of his meat." This certainly does not imply that they were not to receive compensation for services rendered; but rather to do the work given to them, and know that it was worthy of recompense. In fact, the last clause of this instruction says explicitly, that the workman is worthy of his meat. Another thought, suggested by these words, is this: that those who are chosen to fulfil a mission are the ones for that work; and it is well for those looking on not to interfere with this mission, thinking to better it by a way of their own.
