The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-12-26
oHRIsr1AN SCIENCE GROWING.
Its Followers Have Doubled In Number Since
Preaching Was DISCONTINUED.

Preaching Was Discontinued.
An interesting decision affecting tho legal
status vi Christian Scientists was rendered a
few days ago by Judge Pennypacker in the
Common Pleas Court. Philadelphia, and it calls
attention to the astonishing progress of this
faith in the last two years. The First Church
of Christ, Scientist. of PHILADELPHIA, applied for
q charter, and Judge Penn, packer refused 1t on
the ground that to become a member of this
church the applicant must subscribe his belief
in the doctrines OF Christian science as con.
tanned in Mr.. Eddy's book.
"If the purpose of the proposed corporation
saidpudge Pennypacker, "were only to inculcate
o creed or to promulgate Il form of worship no
question could arise, because under the Consti-
tuition Of Pennsylvania private belief is beyond
public control, and there can be no interference
with the rights OF conscience. But 1t is quito
clear that what Is proposed is much more than
n church, since there Is besides to be established
a system for the treatment of disease to be
carried into effect by persons trained for the
purpose who may receive compensation for
Mary Baker G.. Eddy was tho founder of the
organization. and Christian Scientists now dis:
powers or t Q gift OF healing to an extent not
stained by many other Christitn Scientists.
Scientist. is regarded as the mother church. and
Its manner of worship Is a model for every other
CHURCH Of the faith. The forming Of Greater New
York brings seven societies. within its limits.
The Church Economist says that within a short
period the actual enrolled membership OF the
ronnd numbers from 10000 to- 500. 900. Mr..
Carol Norton. one OF the leading Christian Scien.
lists. was quoted by the Church Economist as
Just what is the cause Of this remarkable
tisls themselves. They do not encourage active
proselyting. relying rather on tho dissemination
Of literature, and the, instances of Christian
D h1Siiins Impulse MniSa my 4u SiS' af the the MiittSiny nSo is so s snt
Through the mails, but in addition there are
States, and Canada; over 1000 readers, mis-:
sIonaries, and heaiers form the ministry Of
s seS HsF'a are Greeting ne''t Ghri siiiss Scientific e n 1fss
churches So., W a. nv the sS,acdp present SsinH he time nnSi od the
The Organization is largely composed Of think.
ing men and women, n strong element being
enough Interest in the organization to read It's
literature and attend its meetings were to be in
aggregate, it is claimed. would be half a million.
Tho greatest strides In membership have
IN 1895. For y,nine years the readers 10.
liyered sermons OF the same general evangelical
character that distinguish other denominations.
societies has consisted simply OF readings. re-.
sponsive liturgy, and exposition of the Scrip
who conduct tho service throughout. The office
OF reader is, derived from a similar ono in the
SpoS the point that Il possesses no pastors,
but. q single iinporsonal one-.the Bible
with its Supplementary text book, tho
Rev. Mary Baker q. Eliy's Science AMI Health,
with key TO the SCRIPTURES. Every member ia a
healer. though some may make a regular profes.
sion OF mental healing. Every member Is Ike.
wise II missionary. though there are a large nun
Der of professional missionaries who devote
their entire time TO mental and physical heal
ing"
IN tho last year in this city there have been,
according to the police records. several deaths
that were TCDOrteu at the COFUneFA' Office rs
suspicious. and on Investigation proved 10 be
cases where physicians had been Ignored and
tho patients had been treated by Christian
4 science methods