The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-24
UNJUST CRITICISM OF
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.

Inasmuch as the Providence Journal
has published some discourteous state
ments in reference TO the Christian Sci
entists assembled In Boston the past
week, in attendance upon their annual
meetings, desire to present. through the
courtesy of The News. a few statements
OF facts. so that the people or our city
may Judge for themselves, whether
Christian Scientists are rational men and
women, or fanatics.
In the first place IL does not require any
solicitation to induce Christian Scientists
TO toin the ranks that represent their
faith: nor TO be in attendance at the an
nual communion services OF the mother
church They deem 1t a blessed privilege
20 be identified with their denomination
and have for many years found the as
sembling OF themselves together In Bos-
ton. to be most profitable. Even newspa-
per men sometimes meet In convention
for the good OF their cause. The scrip
lures counsel us not to leglect this Chris
tan duty.
The insinuation that Christian Scientists
meet because OF any financial arrange
ment; or because OF any fanaticism. Is
not based upon truth. or any knowledge
OF facts.
The only financial arrangement which
these people have with the mother
church, Is that they pay the enormous
amount OF one dollar yearly, per capita
tax. Like privileges are accorded 10 All
members, rich or poor While Chrisuah
Scientists are liberal givers, and falthtui-
ly support their cause. not one penny IN
exacted from any member of the denom-
ination. We think the occasion Justihes
our asking the question, why should
not Christian Scientists have the privilege
OF conducting their own affairs. I'm their
way; why are they not entitled TO the
very self-same respect and consideration
accorded 10 other religious denomina-
tions, while governed as they are. by the
same rules OF Christian life and fellow
ship7
We believe the Providence Journal
claims TO stand for the principles under
lying Christianity and the Bible II SO, we
beg to ask where In the Scriptures, they
find the teaching that when others speak
evil OF us. we stand condemned until We
have vindica ted ourselves, by libel suits.
IL il said that our Lord, when he was re-
yiled reviled not again. And that he also
taught His disciples TO turn the other
cheek when they were smitten.
We are free TO confess that IL tests the
forbearance, even Of Christian Scientis's'
10 be constantly and maliclousy misrep-
resented.
But whatever the future may neces-
state we have not yet seen mt TO seek
the protection OF the courts, as means
~ defence against the brutal attacks OF
the enemies OF Christian Science.
one OF the strong proofs OF the Chris
,ianity of Christian Science, and, It's al
herents Is that they have been mailgned'
Is Il less Christian to meekly endure tho
persecution OF people who gather up
scandal about their neighbors ana ala
its circulation. than II Is 10 set ASIDE us
Tho Providence Journal Is doing, every
rule OF courtesy and charity; even TO
aIude 10 falsehoods. which have been
long dead and buried I'm order 20 find n
vehicle for their venom; when have they
ever gone TO the Christian Scientists 10
learn the facts concerning the unfavora o.
hle rumors which have come Go their
ye would enter a kindly, though ear
neat protest against the words 'Eddyite
ana Eddvism" IL is no more sensible
to applv these terms 60 Christian Science
than 20 call the triumps OF applied cleo
tricity "Tdisonism.' wireless telegrepny
"Marconiism" Christian Science mas
bocn nroycn by its adherants so convinc-
,rsiv that ~ Is not TO them mere
Ian " but "a demonstabs ,sCience. Fur
,berrore. these terms arc not approved
by Mrs. Eddy or her followers. Their
use therefore. is ephetical and as such,
should not be INDUCED In by any reputable
publishing medium.
Never was there more fragrant misrepre-
sentation: never was there greater In
Justice done another. than Is being done
nv the Providence Journal 20 the person
and character OF Rev. Mrs. Baker Eddy.
Thi. has been made plain TO the manage
ment. but with characteristic magnani-
nifty, the Journal has refus>A 70 correct