The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1903-06-04
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.
Editor of the COLUMBIAN,
Bloomsbury, Pa,

Bloomsburg, Pa,
Dear Sir;-
Editorial opinion seems to be di-
vided upon the recent decision Of the
Supreme Court of our State regarding
the right of Christian Scientists 10 be
chartered. Many papers have taken
exception to the ruling, claiming that
it is unjust. In your issue of recent
date I notice reference to this matter,
and in view of its importance / would
like to add few words from the
standpoint of Christian Scientist
1t is unjust to assume that the
practice OF Christian Science violates
the laws of sanitation or any other
public health regulation. In no in
stance has infection followed this
practice which, on the contrary, has
effectively prevented the spread of
contagion as well as healed disease.
The Christian Scientist at all times
recognizes that disease needs to be
met and mastered. Its presence is by
no means ignored, and at no time
sent to endanger the health of his
ne:ghbor by omltting necessary pre-.
caution to prevent spread of disease.
Christian Science stands for purity
and cleanliness, and wherever under.
stood and advocated has resulted in
elevating the standard of citizenship.
In this connection DR.. Ernest lie.
derle, President of the Health De-
partment of New York City, recently
stated: "Slnce l have been at the
head of the Health Department l
have received no proof of any viola
ton of the rules and regulations Of
the Sanitary Code by Christian
Scientist. l know they are reporting
their cases of contagion, as required
by law, and are taking the necessary
precautions of isolation and disln-
lection"
Christian Scientists in their pro-
fession 60 no farther than other
Christians. Their works however,
are the logical outcome of this pro
fession, and should be SO recognized.
Gods word rightly understood ever
has healed and ever will heal the
sick, and neither Christian Scientists
nor any one else can alter this fact
any more than the sun can b, res
trained from casting its rays upon the
earth. To contend that Christians
are not justified IN relying entirely
upon prayer for the recovery of the
sick is to charge the Founder of the
Christian religion and his disciples
with being at fault. He advocated
no other means, and bade his follow
ers look to God throug gh the medium
of prayer for relief from all Ills.
Christian Scientists make no at
tempt to practice medicine. They
rely entirely upon prayer. They prac
tice only upon themselves and upor
others who apply to them for relief
and in no way do they try to enforce
theii beliefs upon others. The righ
of religious liberty granted by ou
Constitution insures all the protec
ton needed in the exercise of thes,
rights, and this liberty cannot b,
withheld by the Courts of any Com
monwealth. The present decision
changes in no way the present statu
of Christian Science. Many religion
organizations have never sought in
corporation. considering it unneces
sary. Withholding charter can il
no way interfere with the growth an
prosperity of this organization. Pre-
gress will some day demand that it b.
given legal recognition IN this State
Faith in God will ultimately triumph
and until better understood Christia
Scientists can afford to wait.
ALBERT E. MILLER.