The Christian Science Journal is a monthly publication representing the new sect, or that part of it which professes to receive the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's "Science and Health" as the only authorized text-books of religion. As the Bible is seldom appealed to except as it can be interpreted in the interest of a certain circle of ideas, the basis of this form of orthodoxy would seem to be sufficiently narrow. A recent number of the Journal contains a list of nearly two hundred and fifty places where services are held in that name, and of twenty-six institutes for the training of teachers and healers. We find also the business cards or addresses of sixty-three men and two hundred and thirteen women who are thus professionally occupied.
The number of pronounced adherents is probably much smaller than the number of interested inquirers, for there is an immense market for the books and papers published in this interest. Indeed, it is not often that the subject is mentioned in any company without bringing out a more or less sympathetic expression. The testimonials to the "healing of all manner of sickness and disease among the people" are so numerous that enthusiastic disciples do not hesitate to proclaim a new advent of the Christ, or, rather, a return to the methods of Jesus and a vast manifestation of the same power by which he wrought his "wonderful works."
A movement which has its origin in the new faith of Divine Immanence in Humanity is open to criticism, but is not to be treated with derision or suspicion. In its conflict with materialism the Church should not meet with hostility, but should hail as timely allies all who "lift up holy hands without wrath or doubting" to invoke the Eternal Powers that work for the perfecting of man in the image of the Highest.—Christian Register.
