The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1903-03-05
DEFENDS CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.

McCraokan of New York, under the
title "Mrs. Eddy's Relation to Chris
tian Science. :" Mr.. McCrackan says
in part:
"The bond of love and gratitude
between Mrs. Eddy and the multitudes
who have been healed, reformed and
comforted by her spiritual interpreta
ton of the scriptures, grows more
secure and real as time goes on. If
any individuals, lacking proper un-
Outstanding of her teachings, have
thought too much of her human per-
sonality, they have either long since
corrected this fault, or their own over
weening sense of personality has re-
vealed to them as god to be aban
doned
Mrs. Eddy's life springs from her
discovery. The two cannot be sep
arated, any more than Christian Sci
entists can be seduced by any sophis
tries from acknowledging their indebt-
edness to one whom God has chosen in
this age to make known this good
news to them.
christian Scientists have system
atically given away a great many
books, periodicals, etc, and are doing
so today. But there is much evidence
to show that people appreciate more
highly tn for which they pay than
that which is given them, and sincere
persons, as a rule prefer to make some
sort of return for what they receive.
"That the business affairs of the
Christian Science denomination are on
a sound financial footing is conceded.
Is there any fault to find with that?
Is is not rather welcome mark of
stability and good faith that this de-
nomination can meet all its liabilities
as they grow, can erect its own
churches and at it's own cost maintain
free reading rooms and free lectures
to which the public have access with
out charge? Is it not a virtue that it
needs no fairs bazaars, ETC., and that
none of its churches are dedicated un-
til paid for? If the Christian Science
denomination called upon those who
have not had the benefits of it's Chris
tian healing to contribute towards its
expenses, or if it were in debt and I'M
able to pay its way, the critic might
Justly find fault with the status of its
business affairs, but under present
conditions, there is no such pretext "
Mr.. McCrackan deals in detail with
Mark Twain's criticisms but he gives
special attention to the humorist's
charge that the Christian Science or
ganization is to all intents and pur-
poses trust. Says Mr.. McCrackan;
"There is no doubt that executive
and business skill are needed to man.
age the affairs of so great and active
an organization, but because success
attends this management, is it neces-
sary to call the denomination a
"trust?"
christian Scientists, as all those
know who come in touch with them,
are what they are from individual eX
perience. The Christian Science de-
nomination grows as the result OF
definite, demonstrable mental, moral
and physical benefits, accruing to
those who come to it for our help.
"In helping others to escape from
the bondage of poverty, Christian
Scientists are daily performing great
number of acts of charity which are
for the knowledge of the giver and
recipient alone. 1t does not occur to
them to tabulate these acts and fur
nish reports of them to the public, nor
does the Christian Science denomina-
ton issue any bulletin of these acts.
1t was the advice Of Jesus not to sound
a trumpet when giving aims.
"Mrs. Eddy has never wavered and
never doubted. Judged by her actions
and her writings, she has never ques-
toned the validity of her mission to
the world, i'll spite of the suggestions
of foe or friend. She has stood I'M
daunted and undismayed, though of.
| ten mls1epresentou Decause mlsuuueI-
stood. Much of the value of her work
is still unknown to the world at large,
and will become known only as need.
ed. "
SIS there living writer who has
given the world book from whose
teachings million or more cures have
been effected? If there is such {
writer, let him come forward and OBJ
ject to the sale Of Science anC
Health. Let it be clearly understood
that no one is forced to take Christian
Science treatment, or TO buy or sci
the Christian Science textbook, t.
receive instruction in Christian Sci
ence or to contribute toward the build
ing or maintenance of any of thes,
purposes, they do so of their own FREE
will and in return for benefits re
ceived, / have never yet heard an.
one complain of the price of the Chris
an Science text book who really wante'
To buV the hook: the only complaint