Articles

UPON the occasion of the dedication of the new edifice of First Church of Christ, Scientist, New York City, November 29, 1903, the following letter was received by the Church from Mrs. Eddy and was read at each service.

Concord, N. H.

Since Christian Science deals with all the vital questions that concern mankind, it is important that its representatives should seek to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the exact meaning of words which stand pre-eminently for metaphysical ideas, as used in Christian Science. If words are inadequate to the expression of ordinary thought, with how much more care should we select words which are to express spiritual ideas, and acquaint ourselves with their origin and derivation.

The articles in late numbers of the Sentinel, regarding the existence and circulation of questionable literature purporting to be Christian Science, are a warning that is needed by every worker and student. None can question that an evil has existed in the form of the preservation and circulation of notes of lectures, extracts from a lecturer's talk to the church, paragraphs from letters intended for personal use, many of which purport to be from Mrs.

What is man's relation to God? Does he bear the same relation to his Creator that he did when God created man in His own image and likeness, or has that relationship changed? If so, what has changed it? Has man fallen from his high estate? Has he lost his God-given heritage? Can he regain that which has been lost? Will he ever become perfect as his Father in heaven is perfect? Questions more vital than these have never been asked. They have to do with the present, as well as the future of man's well-being.

Nineteen hundred years ago, Jesus said, "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. " Yet for nineteen hundred years since he spoke, and for countless years before, the world has tried to do the very thing he said could not be done.

Years ago, work was begun on a bridge which was to connect two sections of one our large cities; slowly the stone arches were formed, and, as it seemed to onlookers, after a long time the structure was completed which, stretching across a deep gully and high above many lines of railroad tracks, to-day forms a safe and pleasant passageway for pedestrians, and direct communication for transportation and traffic across the city. We stand before a fine painting or piece of sculpture and see the embodiment of an ideal; we read a beautiful poem and find thought wrought into expression, or listen to an artistic rendition of some musical work and trace the development of a lofty conception.

We are glad to publish the following interesting letter and enclosures received from our Leader. That legislatures and courts are thus declaring the liberties of Christian Scientists is most gratifying to our people; not because a favor has been extended, but because their inherent rights are recognized in an official and authoritative manner.

To the Editor. At no better time than now, when the whole country is recognizing the steady progress of Christian Science and admitting its interest in the movement as shown by the fair attitude of the press everywhere, could we ask you to give your readers the following communication.

In the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy, the author, makes the statement that "The central fact of the Bible is the superiority of spiritual over physical power" (p.