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372 When the latter was first issued, critics declared that it was incorrect, contradictory, unscientific, unchristian; but those human opinions had not one feather's weight in the scales of God. The fact remains, that the textbook of Christian Science is transforming the universe.

“Christ and Christmas” voices Christian Science through song and object-lesson. In two weeks from the date of its publication in December, 1893, letters extolling it were pouring in from artists and poets. A mother wrote, “Looking at the pictures in your wonderful book has healed my child.” Knowing that this book would produce a stir, I sought the judgment of sound critics familiar with the works of masters in France and Italy. From them came such replies as the following: “The illustrations of your poem are truly a work of art, and the artist seems quite familiar with delineations from the old masters.” I am delighted to find “Christ and Christmas” in accord with the ancient and most distinguished artists.

The Christian Science Journal gives no uncertain declaration concerning the spirit and mission of “Christ and Christmas.”

I aimed to reproduce, with reverent touch, the modest glory of divine Science. Not by aid of foreign device or environment could I copy art, — never having seen the painter's masterpieces; but the art of Christian Science, with true hue and character of the living God, is akin to its Science: and Science and Health gives scopes and shades to the shadows of divinity, thus imparting to humanity the true sense of meekness and might.