The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-02

"JuSt why Christian Science should have been subject of a Lenten lecture is difficult to appreciate" states L. N. Denniston of the Christ ian Science Committee on Publica- tion in a letter to the Democrat in which he takes to task Dean Emeri- tuls Charles R. Brown of Yale Divin- ity School for his discourse at the First Church Thursday evening, March 24
 His letter follows:
 The Waterbury Democrat
 Waterbury, Connecticut
 The word menace is a strong one. It was used in headline ill your issue of March 25 as a Header" to a report of Lenten lecture by a prominent, retired clergyman. form erly dean of the Yale Divinity School. The speaker was reported to have used this term in his lecture. The menace" referred to was the teachings of Christian Science. Just why Christian Science should have been subject of Lenten lecture is difficult to appreciate. This par ticular season in the Church calen- dar is generally understood to be one of restraint, with emphasis or an effort to understand the great love of God for mankind, as exem- plified in the words, works and sac- rifice of Christ Jesus, and to seek unity among "brethen." Instead, we find a religion having for its main objective the reinstatement of "prim- tive Christianity and its lost ele- ment of healing" (Church Manual of The First Church of Christ Scientist), subjected to ridicule and scorn.
 Lecture Read From Books
 The lecture has been a consistent opponent for more than forty years of what he thinks Christian Science to be. He published a book in 191C containing a chapter devoted large ly to exposing his views and opin- ions concerning this religious move ment. He read his lecture from this book. He told your correspondent ir May of 1886 that the book had moi paid; at least to judge from the roy alties he had received. If we are tc determine the value of thing by the standard set by the Master, "Yt shall know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16), then may we not conclude that the eminent theolog- ian's efforts have been unprod- uctive? This should appear to be SO since the number of Christian Science churches has increased four fold during the past thirty years (since l91O. While this great relig- ious movement, founded by Mary Baker Eddy nearly sixty years ago is well known "by it's fruits, it may be well to relate some experiences of one who has been enriched beyond measure.
 The one feature of the Christian Science church that sets it apart from all others is not based in some point of theology. Rather, that Christian Science insists on using and proving all of the teachings o1 Christ Jesus. Whenever a Christian Scientist is asked for proof of his faith (religion), the answer is the same that Jesus gave to the follow CTS of John. the Baptist who, in prison, sent friends to inquire of Jesus, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?' Jesus answered and said unto them Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: tLo hli,,J J rocaivo tI,air ciott on6 tbe lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear. the dead are raised up. and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And bless ed is he, Whosoever shall not be of- fended in me" (Matt. 11:3-6).
 Similarly, anyone who has earn estly sought healing in Christian Science may tell of a renewal of strength of mind and body; the building up of moral standards; re- placing of sin, and disease-forming habits, with the assurance that God healeth all our diseases" CPS. S.103:3 The writer knows personally those who have been healed, not only of imaginary ills, but of organic as WCAl do 1ullSJlOAldL iAAuAAJ headings after efforts towards heal ing (and diagnosis) by the regular school of medicine had failed. You should not be asked to give space for more than a few headings, - stomach ulcers and chronic appendi- citis; gall stones; a variety of liver disturbances, and tuberculosis; one case that appeared to be in the last stages.
 Cites Another Instance This man is still employed by the insurance company whose physic- ians sent him to sanatorium little thinking that he would leave alive A case of alcoholism had so depict ed its victim that he was supposed to be mot worth saving" This man while in a municipal hospital, asked for help in Christian Science. He was healed; restored to his wife from whom he had been separated for two years. He now lives in g western city, useful citizen wher