The Literary Digest of July 20, 1901, was good enough to republish from the Christian Science Sentinel the following extract from the able and admirable sermon of the Rev. DeWitt T. Van Doren. We, in turn, herewith republish in The Journal the extract from The Literary Digest:—
The recent attack on Christian Science by ministers of various New York churches appeared to indicate that Protestant ministers were unanimously opposed to the teachings of this new religious body. One clergyman, however, the Rev. DeWitt T. Van Doren, referred to by the Christian Science Sentinel as a New York minister, has come to the defence of Christian Scientists. From his recent address on this subject we quote from a reprint in the Christian Science Sentinel. He says in part:—
"The criticisms of New York clergymen of different denominational views concerning Christian Science as a religion are not nearly so damaging to that cult as to the Christian churches, if it be true that these criticisms represent the spirit of evangelical Christianity. I am not in any sense a follower of Mrs. Eddy; yet there is much of her teaching that must command the respect and admiration of every candid and unprejudiced mind. These criticisms may be well meant. Nevertheless they are unwise, as they must inevitably react upon the churches represented by these critics. 'They that take the sword shall perish with the sword.' 'For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.' 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall lie also reap.' There is no escape from this law. 'Be not deceived: God is not mocked.' These criticisms are untimely, since they disclose a temper inimical to the spirit and teaching of Jesus Christ, whose servants all ministers are supposed to be, and whose spirit they are supposed to imitate. They reveal a sensitiveness, amounting to almost irritability. toward an institution which seems to them to threaten the 'traditions of the elders.'
