TO one acquainted with the genius and teaching of Christian Science, it seems strange that those who are endeavoring to follow this teaching should ever be accused of narrowness. Such a charge is sometimes made, however, and while it may occasionally be the result of prejudice or unkindness, let us in charity hope that it more frequently arises from misunderstanding. It may not be unprofitable, therefore, to examine the grounds on which such a charge is supposed to be based, and see if there is any good reason for it, or whether, on the other hand, that which is, called narrowness, may not be justifiable.
One criticism offered is that Christian Scientists too frequently introduce into their conversation subjects or experiences relating to their faith and teachings. There is some ground for this statement, for there is perhaps no class of people more ready to turn their conversation into a spiritual line of thought, and neither is it surprising that such is the case, when we consider the wonderful benefits that have been derived from an understanding of these spiritual teachings. When those who have suffered for five, ten, or twenty years from some severe malady, never having been able to find relief from any source, have at last found that which has set them free from their suffering in a few days or weeks, is it any wonder they talk about it? Or when we have studied and worried long over difficult problems in our lives, unable to discover anything that would give us light, and suddenly find a method by which we are able to work out a solution, are we not likely to make mention of it somewhat frequently? Further, when we find that the rules of this new method can be satisfactorily applied to every phase of life, helping us in business and in pleasure, in office and home alike; making our burdens lighter, our hopes brighter, and our joys sweeter, does it seem unreasonable that it should drift into our every-day conversation? No doubt it is well to season our enthusiasm with discretion and be wise in our well-doing, but how can we help giving a benefactor the chief place in our hearts, and "of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaksth." It is certainly a more wholesome topic of conversation than many that we frequently hear discussed; why then is it to be deplored that this subject should be so much in evidence when Christian Scientists are found talking one with another?
It is objected again that Christian Scientists confine themselves too closely to their own literature, that they do not read anything else, and are therefore not well informed. Such an assertion is without facts to sustain it, however, for, taking the average body of Christian Scientists, it would be difficult to find a class of people better informed on general topics. That they do confine themselves somewhat steadily to the perusal and study of their own literature is not to be denied or regretted. Do we blame a lawyer for reading closely his law-books, or the musician for diligently studying his music? Since Christian Scientists find that in their text-books they are taught the philosophy of life whereby they are enabled to keep themselves healthier, happier, and holier, what could be expected but that they should give close attention to this particular line of reading? At a meeting of three thousand people, held in Tremont Temple, Boston, a few years ago, about three hundred of the number rose to testify that they had been healed by the reading of Science and Health alone, which certainly proves this to be good, healthful literature. How many could be found in ten times that number who could say that they had been healed by simply reading medical text-books, theological treatises, natural science, or political economy?
