A constantly recurring objection against the work and methods of Christian Science is that Scientists charge for their service. This objection is founded upon a twofold fallacy: a fallacy as to fact and as to theory. The fallacy as to fact is that Jesus and the apostles worked without compensation. Jesus and his followers, as a rule, had no means of support except that which came from their work. They did not charge a fee, for that was not according to the custom of the time.
The Jewish Rabbi was forbidden to have or to hold property. But wherever he went he was an honored guest. He had a guaranteed place and support in the social fabric of which he was a part. Jesus came and fitted into this social organization. But he enforced the principle of just remuneration. "The laborer is worthy of his hire" is his instruction whenever sending forth his disciples without purse or scrip.
But the more fundamental fallacy is one that runs through the whole course of our experience. It focalizes itself in regard to Christian Science thus: "If this healing is God's work, it is too sacred a work to be profaned by making it a common business transaction and charging a fee." Now this error is far-reaching. It is two-fold. It assumes that a sacred service should not be justly rewarded; and assumes that ordinary service, service in the usual routine of business, is not sacred.
