We had a scientistEditorial Note: Christian Scientist meeting in my study last evening, and forty persons were present.
I have been thinking over the divisions and strifes among the disciples of great teachers. I foresee that this will in some degree be inevitable among your followers. I wonder whether you cannot say something clear and strong and striking which shall unfang this serpent. I know not what to suggest.
One thing however appears to me quite clear, that they ought not to anathematize each other. Mohammedan As Written: Mahometan sects do this. The various ChristianAs Written:Chrn. bodies have done and still do the same. PapistsEditorial Note: Roman Catholics denounce all Protestants and trinitarian Protestants denounce Unitarians and Universalists and so on. Some of these are no doubtAs Written:no-doubt more correct than others, and some excel As Written: excell in one point and some in other points. But they are all ChristiansAs Written:Chrns. in holding to the supremacy of Christ; and they ought to cherish a perfect mutual charity while they differ in their interpretation of the Master'sEditorial Note: Jesus Christ thought.
What if the Master had said distinctly and in unmistakable As Written: unmistakeable terms: Let no one denounce or separate from his brothersAs Written:bros or be forcibly separated on account of any differences in the interpretation of my words; for whoever holds to my Messiahship As Written: Messiah-ship is my disciple and entitled to recognition by all the Brotherhood, unless his moral conduct belies his profession by contradicting my moral teaching. Now by establishing a ChurchAs Written:Ch. with the very simplest of creeds, you virtually affirm that all who accept this creed accept each other as Christians; by establishing the Association you imply that all who accept its platform are ChristianAs Written:Chrn. Scientists. Now if you should make a clear record to the effect that all division and strife on points between those who admit as a whole these great and general utterances should never debar them from mutual fellowship, it strikes me this would prevent much evil and promote the harmony of the scientific Chrn. Ch.
My love and zeal for you and the causeEditorial Note: The cause of Christian Science. has prompted this. You will give it such attention as it merits.
Will Mr. Frye be so kind as to send me two copies of the programmes of last SundayAs Written:Sinday; and I wish he would be kind enough to select the hymns for me and convey them to Bro. Troupe: Subject of discourse, "The Reign of God and the Joy thereof"