Surely "the world do move," and the changed attitude of the great body of intelligent people toward Christian Science is in evidence. The time when it simply amused, and the period of more serious indifference or contempt, has long since passed, as has also, well-nigh, that of offensive criticism. Now and then a reportorial news manufacturer displays his exclusive wares, or an assuredly "annihilating" magazine review appears under conditions and with a flavor which clearly reveal the purposeful pen of a well-meaning but uninformed zealot, who represents some "vested interest" which has reached a state of alarm over the logical possibilities of the growth of the movement; but these are becoming exceptional, and both the pulpit and the press are speaking of Christian Scientists with ever increasing frequency in words of kindly interest and goodwill.
A theologian still comes upon the scene at intervals, however, and takes occasion to point out the far-removal of the teachings of Christian Science (as he misapprehends them) from the ideas which a wholesome Christian man should entertain; but when couched in courteous terms his declarations are often of more than passing interest. Such is the case with a leading editorial in a prominent religious weekly which lies before us. Referring to life as always having "a touch of tragedy in it," the writer says:—
"Bolt the doors as we may, sorrow and death knock at them and the immortal strength of love cannot keep them shut. . . . There are those who seek not to minimize but to obliterate anxiety and sorrow by denying their existence and treating them as illusions. There are many whose lives are overshadowed by apprehension, who are devitalized and blighted physically by unwholesome mental conditions; but while this is true, it is also true that there is no real escape in denying the existence of realities of universal experience. The profoundly religious spirit cannot rest satisfied in any interpretation of life which does not include all the facts. Nothing is gained by shutting the eyes to disagreeable things; the resolute, open-eyed facing of things as they are is the first step towards rational faith. . . . The education of life is severe, exacting, inexorable, because we are being trained for work and peace and growth beyond the utmost reach of thought. . . . These are the conditions of our mortality, but they are also the evidences of our immortality. . . . If we could sound the depths of love, how the glory would fade from life! If we saw the end of the road, how insignificant would be the journey!"
