Since becoming a student of Christian Science it has been my observation, with few exceptions, that among the most liberal, interested and rational people with whom I converse or have correspondence upon the subject, outside of Science, are members of the medical fraternity; especially those whose minds have been broadened and matured by years of experience in their profession. The exceptions, however, have been radically reversed when I have happened to come in contact with an ecclesiastic. Many of them manifest such boundless self-confidence and positiveness of judgment, such imperious disregard for opinions outside their own range of thought and knowledge as to imply their inward belief in the maxim of the egotist —" Difference from me is the measure of absurdity."
In the discussions of the merits of Christian Science practise with my medical brethren, it is my aim always to impart its principles to them in their purity, and they have displayed a spirit of fraternity and commendable liberality concerning them. As I have now been practising Christian Science long enough, I am supposed by my confrérés to be legally qualified to judge whether it is of the pure sort. It was purified and refined in the mental laboratory of its Discoverer and Founder long before it was recommended for general use, and under divine guidance burnished into splendor. And let us be ever watchful and guarded against any contamination from spurious imitations, under whatsoever fashionable garb they may come, as we would quarantine against a deadly infection. Not only should we protect ourselves against the false, but the true teaching should be followed with strict adherence to the rules laid down by our Leader and Guide, never deviating therefrom. If the temptation to experiment ever presents itself it would be well to recall to memory the history of the foolish adventurer in the Arabian tale, who, when as he was bidden, anointed one of his eyes with the contents of the magical box and all the riches of the earth, however widely dispersed, however sacredly concealed became visible to him; but, when in reckless defiance of solemn warnings from the dervise, he tried the experiment on both eyes, he was struck with blindness.
The Rev. Mary Baker Eddy has given to the world something more than an enchanted elixir, and if used according to Principle and Rule, it will open blind eyes to the marvelous splendors of that realm of spiritual harmony where Love is law and Christ is King.
