Faithfulness in Testimony.

A fruitful result of faithful testimony is exemplified in the following incident, which I relate for the help and encouragement of our young readers especially.

C. W–had a very dear friend, L. C–, who was a member of the same congregation as she was. C. W– was led into the knowledge and enjoyment of the truth in which we rejoice-though I fear, not as highly prized by some as it should be, not having cost them what it cost many who received it years ago.

But L. C–, while retaining her membership in the denomination to which she belonged, became deeply interested in the miscalled " Christian Science," and accepted much of its evil teachings-not apprehending its evil character-and, like many others, not knowing the depths of evil which are concealed under the fair guise of attractive appearance and kindness.

C. W–, realizing that the Word of God forbids any fellowship with those who bring not the doctrine of Christ (2 Join;, ver. 10), refused the fellowship and company of her old-time friend, and finally, would not answer her letters. L. C– felt it very much, and became very bitter toward " a religion which could separate her from her friend," whom she had loved so well. In meeting a Christian friend, well-known to both, she said to him, " Isn't it dreadful that C– will not come to see me now, nor have anything to do with me! "

"Are you not associated with what is called ' Christian Science?' he asked.

" I have read some of its books," she answered, " and I know many lovely people who follow it. I am sure there is a lot of good done by it; and I think it most unkind and unchristian for C— not to speak with me."

" Don't you see, Miss L—, that faithfulness to the Lord, her Saviour, would compel C– to take such a course? You do not realize that ' Christian Science' is a wicked system."

" How can you speak that way? I know some of the loveliest characters who belong to the Christian Science Church."

" Yes, lovely characters, deceived by Satan, and on their way to perdition. Do you not know that 'Christian Science' positively overthrows the very foundation of Christianity?"

"No, indeed! I do not believe any such thing."

"Well, then, let me show you in a few words what ' Christian Science' really teaches. As an Episcopalian you know, or should know, that the foundation of Christianity rests upon the person and work of our Saviour, Jesus Christ-on the truth of His deity, and on His atoning death upon the cross for our sins, to deliver us from our guilt, and make us fit for God's holy presence. If you take away these two things, His Godhead and His sacrificial death in atonement for sin, you overthrow all Christianity, for these are the foundation-facts on which Christianity is established. This is what' Christian Science ' is doing. It says Jesus was just the mental conception of God which His mother had. It denies that He was indeed God manifested in flesh-having taken a body that He might on the cross die for our sins. In fact, it denies the need of His death at all-because, according to it, there is no such thing as sin. Adultery, murder, theft, lying, and the host of evil of which the world is full, according to 'Christian Science,' do not exist at all-it is only our poor mortal delusion which makes us think they exist, and as soon as we realize our error we will know that everything in the world is good, because God is all, and all is God; God is good, therefore all is good! ' Christian Science' would make our Lord Jesus a deceiver instead of a Saviour, for they deny His death on the cross for our sins, and as He did not die, they deny His resurrection. They blasphemously assert that Mrs. Eddy's book is more true than the Word of God, and is needed to teach what the Bible means. Now are you willing to give up the fundamental truths of Christianity and take Mrs. Eddy's book instead? "

" Well, this is new to me," answered L. C–. " I shall have to look into these things and ask a Scientist friend all about them."

"Yes, do. Ask her if she believes that Jesus Christ is our Creator, and to be worshiped as such? Ask her if she believes that the only way of salvation is by faith in the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross? Meanwhile I will send you a few pamphlets,* which I trust you may read carefully, and compare them with the Scriptures." *"The pamphlets sent were " A Few Words on Christian Science," comparing what Scripture says and what Christian Science says, 5 cents., and "An Analysis of Christian Science,"10 cent.*

Not long after this, C. W— received a letter from her friend, L. C–, containing the following:"You can tell Mr.– that I received the books he sent me, and have read them. I understand now where Christian Science is wrong about the blood of Christ, so I have discarded all thoughts of it entirely."

Thank God for a soul delivered from this snare of Satan. Let us be faithful in our testimony, and use the printed helps which God has graciously given us. F.