I find the book very useful, as the translation is generally clearer and more exact than the common version. For home study I value it highly, and would cheerfully recommend it, but experience has caused me to conclude that it is not best to quote this translation in Christian Science publications -- nor do I see any necessity for doing so, since the spiritual signification of the common version is identical with that of the Rotherham.

Opposers of Christian Science take advantage of popular ignorance regarding this recent translation, and denominate our use of it "misquotation." In view of this fact, would it not be better to use exclusively for study, and refrain from published quotations in Christian Science literature until more fully introduced?... If we, as Christian Scientists, make too strong a claim upon this translation before it is properly introduced, will it not be called a "Christian Science Bible"?

We are taught to "Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." In view of the results I have seen, I could more freely circulate literature wherein quotations are made from a translation known to the public.

Note: In the early 1890's Rotherham's translation (now known as the Emphasized Bible, published by Kregel Publications), was being regularly advertised in the Journal and was becoming very popular among Christian Scientists. At that time it only included the New Testament. In 1902 the Old Testament was finished Rotherham's translation was published as a complete Bible. In The Christian Science Journal of January, 1891 (page 460), Alfred Farlow wrote the above article regarding Rotherham's translation, under the heading, "Editor's Note Book."

Alfred Farlow later became the first Manager of Christian Science Committees on Publication and "worked closely under Mrs. Eddy's direction for twelve years." ("Mission of the Committee on Publication: Duties and Responsibilities," by The Christian Science Board of Directors, 1974) Robert Peel commented, "Two men who, by the turn of the century, would stand before the general public as Christian Scientists more prominently than anyone save Mrs. Eddy herself were Alfred Farlow and Edward A. Kimball." (Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Trial, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1971, page 219)