My Dear——:—For a long time I have wanted to write you a real Christian Science letter, because I have felt so strongly the great benefit even a little understanding of the subject would be to you in all ways. Of course I am not unmindful of the difficulties which beset one trying to meet the natural objections to any new teaching, as I have been m the Science now for nine years, and during that time have, of course, argued the matter with many people. The greatest hindrance to the recognition of "Thy Kingdom come," is that people in general are not seeking for more light. Conservatism is perfectly content to "hold the fort " to be comfortable in self-satisfied blindness, and stubbornly to resist all that would disturb its false peace. Just as they did in the days of Jesus, so now vested rights and the traditions of the elders resent the exposure of their emptiness, and would crucify whoever dares to present a higher understanding of the way of salvation.
But God overrules the wrath of man and makes even it to praise Him. Jesus was the victor over all the obstacles the Jews threw m his way; and so to-day, the Science he taught, lived, and demonstrated for our benefit, goes marching on, in spite of misrepresentation and persecution. Christian Science is what every church in Christendom sorely needs; it is the vital part of Christianity, which they have omitted from their teachings. And because they lack this, they have to resort to queer expedients to attract people to hear the Gospel.
What was the attraction originally? Was it not the power of the Word of God? Now that this lost element has been restored and presented to the churches, what do they do? Just what they did in the first century; they turn their backs upon it, and defame the personality through whom the light comes, thinking this is going to stop the progress of troublesome Truth. The world cavils over personality, and so fails to see the healing Truth when they ought to let personality alone, and grasp the glorious understanding which will make free. If the church refuses to listen to the blessings offered, what is there left for those who know the whole gospel of salvation from sickness, as well as sin, to do? They must establish their own churches, and teach and practise the whole of Christianity as Jesus taught it, or else be false to God and man. If the established churches had accepted the Truth that was freely offered them, there would never have been a Christian Science church built; whereas to-day they are going up all over this broad land. It was a case of "Lo, we turn to the Gentiles." "The maimed, the halt, the blind" from "the by-ways and hedges" are the guests at the great supper. And so it is with each individual; when we realize that we are maimed, —unable to walk physically, or in the path of Truth,—and blind,—physically,—or mentally unable to read the word of God aright, and so unable to follow the right path, then we are ready for the blessing, and to be saved. Then we learn that Truth makes us free, physically and spiritually, when it is discerned aright.
