The Washington herald., 1908-01-06
Christian Science.

Editor The Washington Herald.
Please allow me space FOR d few words
about the subject of Christian Science.
not so much a reply TO Or. Kittredge Gin
last Mondays issuel as the presentation
of a few pertinent facts that are under
stood and accepted by thousands Of in
Jelligent people in our land to-day
There is no need, perhaps. to remind
Dr. kttredge that there are on record
vast numbers OF conflicting statements
by leading physicians OF the same school
about nearly everything concerning the
theory and practice of medicine; and
several issues Of The Washington Herald
could be filed with them and not a thing
be proven. With all due respect to the
medical faculty, none are quite as severe
upon its limitations. theories. and failures
as they themselves, as recorded In pub
lished statements. We don't get far in
proving anything when Drs Smith and
Jones argue violently over conflicting
theories and then DR.. Brown comes along
and differs with both Of them. For in
stance, while some physicians have great
faith in the germ theory OF disease, DR.
George ". Carey a well known scientist
and physician of the Pacific Coast, in an
address before the Indiana Medical AssO-
citation Ut Indianapolis said in substance
that disease, as commonly understood Is
not due 10 the presence OF germs. but
ewes its origin 20 a divergency in some
OF the chemical constituents employed in
the human organism.
The best physician the world ever knew
said naught about germs, bacteria. or
medical diagnosis. but ascribeG the cause
OF disease 10 mortal mind Caith IN and
fear Of "a power separate and opposed to
Cod. and the cure was always imputed
to immortal, divine Mind, even God. in
finite and eternal Good. And he also
taught that the operation of this power
is according TO law. a logical and exact
system that all could learn, saying. Eye
shall know Understand the Truth. and
the Truth shall make you free" Chris
tian Scientists believe that Mrs. Eddy. in
Science and Health" has reduced this
scientific Christianity 10 a demonstrable
system. and through the understanding
thereof. the students are enablbed. with
divine aid. to heal all manner Of diseases
because the divine Mind wOTketh through
them.
But while they are trying to have un-
limited faith in God, and none at all in
matter or materia medica, they have
great respect for those honest physicians
and patients. and believe with Lot, of
old, there should be no strife. for all are
brethren. children Of one common Parent
We rejoice that the sick are cured and
the suffering relieved by whatever method
they may choose: We reserve only the
right 20 select for ourselves our method.
believing it to be Gods way and because
Of iris viii in time be the universal one
cures. in Christian Science. Of sO-called
ncurable diseases that have occurred
with the present slight understanding of
Him and His law, and feeble spiritual
progress, and argue that time and future
progress will show far greater demonstra-
tions.
J can assure DR.. Kittredge that divine
Mind operating through spiritual law
(or Christian Science) has healed many
cases Of the three diseases he mentions
namely, malignant cancer chronic
Brights disease and locomotor ataxia,
and in answer to his request, have sent
him literature containing reports of such
healings. II &c will attend First Church
of Christ. Scientist. Of Washington. he
may hear of heaiings told by those who
suffered from eli manner Of diseases. and
afterw8Td question them about it, Every
Wednesday evening well known citizens
Of our city tell of these things. are al
ways glad TO do it. and feel grateful to
the Giver Of all good that they are able
to do so.
What is the matter with Dr. Kittredge?
Is he vexed because physicians patients
are being healed by Christian Science?
Surely he Is not troubled because people
are learning 10 trust God more and mat
ter less, for he must admit that an in
telligent faith is desirable. and most
suitable TO this twentieth century. But
the fact remains that strong faith in
matter tends TO obscure faith in Cod
ability and willingness to heal, and sucn
healing, even when knowingly performed
through Christian Science IS at times
ascTibed to material results
For instance: The committee on publi-
cation has on file a clipping from the
Medical Record, Thomas II. Stedman.
editor. and published by William Wood
& Co, 81 Fifth avenue, New York City.
dated October IS. 1865. which gives an ac-
count Of what they call a Spontaneous
cure Of cancer, noted by DR.. c. c. Fred
erick, of Buffalo, n Y
After describing the womans symptoms
and attesting 10 the undoubted diagnosis
Of cancer. the doctor records the fact
that she was healed without an opera
ton and without drugs lie examined