We have recently heard of a high ecclesiastic who severely denounced the practice of charging for healing or relieving sickness through metaphysical means. This also was made the turning point of the decision of the supreme court of Nebraska as shown in our last issue. Public opinion seems quite generally opposed to the right of Christian Scientists to charge for their services, and many Scientists have trouble in collecting their just dues for benefits conferred because of this prevalent belief and prejudice.
This subject has been often spoken upon and written about, and doubtless will be in the future. It seems to be one of the most stubborn claims Scientists have to deal with, and is a very effective weapon in the hands of those who oppose us. Nothing more warmly appeals to the mortal side than that which touches its purse or sympathizes with its cupidity. It gives willing and usually delighted ear to every suggestion which tends to relieve it of the necessity of parting with its dollars upon pretexts the most slight. Its conscience is easily mollified on this side of the question. It takes most kindly, therefore, to the pulpit utterances or court dicta that denounce Christian Science on this score.
The court referred to entirely overlooked such Scripture as that of the tenth chapter of Matthew and kindred ones as do also the others who declaim against us. We suppose they would interpret the language of Matt. x. 8— 10, somewhat as follows:—
