Boston Transcript

Page 50

9          [Boston Transcript, December 31, 1894]

         [Extract]

         The growth of Christian Science is properly marked by

12    the erection of a visible house of worship in this city, which

         will be dedicated to-morrow. It has cost two hundred

         thousand dollars, and no additional sums outside of the

15    subscriptions are asked for. This particular phase of

         religious belief has impressed itself upon a large and in-

         creasing number of Christian people, who have been

18    tempted to examine its principles, and doubtless have been

         comforted and strengthened by them. Any new move-

         ment will awaken some sort of interest. There are many

21    who have worn off the novelty and are thoroughly carried

         away with the requirements, simple and direct as they are,

         of Christian Science. The opposition against it from the

24    so-called orthodox religious bodies keeps up a while, but

         after a little skirmishing, finally subsides. No one religious

         body holds the whole of truth, and whatever is likely to

27    show even some one side of it will gain followers and live

         down any attempted repression.

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1      Christian Science does not strike all as a system of truth.

         If it did, it would be a prodigy. Neither does the Christian

3      faith produce the same impressions upon all. Freedom to

         believe or to dissent is a great privilege in these days. So

         when a number of conscientious followers apply themselves

6      to a matter like Christian Science, they are enjoying that

         liberty which is their inherent right as human beings, and

         though they cannot escape censure, yet they are to be

9      numbered among the many pioneers who are searching

         after religious truth. There is really nothing settled.

         Every truth is more or less in a state of agitation. The

12    many who have worked in the mine of knowledge are glad

         to welcome others who have different methods, and with

         them bring different ideas.

15    It is too early to predict where this movement will go,

         and how greatly it will affect the well-established methods.

         That it has produced a sensation in religious circles, and

18    called forth the implements of theological warfare, is very

         well known. While it has done this, it may, on the other

         hand, have brought a benefit. Ere this many a new project

21    in religious belief has stirred up feeling, but as time has

         gone on, compromises have been welcomed.

         The erection of this temple will doubtless help on the

24    growth of its principles. Pilgrims from everywhere will go

         there in search of truth, and some may be satisfied and some

         will not. Christian Science cannot absorb the world’s

27    thought. It may get the share of attention it deserves, but

         it can only aspire to take its place alongside other great

         demonstrations of religious belief which have done some-

30    thing good for the sake of humanity.

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1      Wonders will never cease. Here is a church whose

         treasurer has to send out word that no sums except those

3      already subscribed can be received! The Christian

         Scientists have a faith of the mustard-seed variety.

         What a pity some of our practical Christian folk have not a

6      faith approximate to that of these “impractical” Christian

         Scientists.