Los Angeles herald., 1907-03-13
MRS. EDDY AND HER RELIGION
BY A. WILLIS PAINE.

For nearly forty years Christian Sci
ence has, in some degree, attracted pub.
lie attention. Laymen, pulpit and
press have discussed it pro and con
and are still discussing it, each from
his own standpoint of understanding OF
prejudice 1t has been repeatedly at
tackled from every seemingly vulner-
able point and has thus far withstood
every assault and came out victorious
IN the presence of strenuous opposi-
tion, organized and unorganized-op-
position from pulpit, press, medical
men and laymen, the Christian Science
cause has prospered and built up a
church Of vast proportions that is sec
ond to none in the character and
standing of its participants.
In olden times, when men were fight
ing against this same Interpretation
and manifestation of truth, Gamaliel,
wise and learned Pharisee, said: "Re-
frain from these men and let them
alone; for If this council or this work
be of men it will come to naught, but
If 1t be of God ye cannot overthrow it."
From the days when Jesus taught
this religion of love-taught men TO
love their enemies and to do good unto
those who treated them unkindly, until
the present time, all who have advo-
Gated or practiced this doctrine have
been prosecuted. When PLATE had
questioned Jesus he said unto the peo-
pie, IT find in him no fault" yet they
cried the more, Cruelty him! cruci-
fly him!" and demanded that a noted
and dangerous criminal be released
unto them rather than this godlike
man.
Human nature is the same today as
then, and need we be surprised that
Rev. Mary Baker G.. Eddy, the discov-
erer and founder of Christian Science,
Is being maligned and prosecuted by
the same element that maligned, per-
secuted and crucified Jesus? She has
taught and is teaching none other doc
trine than that taught and practiced
by him. He healed the sick and re-
formed the sinful, not in accord with
medical theories or rabbinical customs,
but through his absolute faith and un-
derstanding of Gods infinite power.
This brought down upon his head the
wrath of those welded to their old
creeds and dogmas. The same Is be-
ing re-enacted today She who has
the understanding and the temerity to
proclaim to the world the same doc
trine taught by Jesus and prove it to
be the same by doing the works that
he did, is being prosecuted as he was
prosecuted.
Only a few days ago one mot fully
persuaded said: "This persecution of
Mrs Eddy is the best evidence 1 have
had that Christian Science is the
truth"
The doctrine taught and practiced
by Jesus nearly 1000 years ago, and
being proclaimed through the writings
of Mrs. Eddy, now, as then, runs
counter to the theories of both medical
men and theologians. Consequently it in
ours their condemnation. 1t is a fact
we'll known that every system of cur
ing disease, no matter how efficient,
has met with ridicule, and strenuous,
unfair and unlind opposition from
those who practiced other systems. On
the part of the churches history. is re-
plete with evidence showing that no
warfare has ever been so relentless,
cruel and barbarous as has been the
so-called religious wars. No class of
men, not even those of the uncivilized,
savage tribes, has ever resorted to
such inhuman prosecutions and cruel
ties as have religious bigots in the
name of Christianity. If any one
doubts this let him read the Book of
Martyrs" or 1.-THE Crusades."
In the early days the Jews thought
to down the truth by Staying him VINO
taught it. Now some are trying to
bring Christian Science into disrepute
by traducing her who is re-echoing