STUDENTS of Christian Science soon discover that through its teaching not only are ills of every sort overcome, but what is equally important, that discords of every sort can be prevented by the understanding of divine Truth. They find in the Scriptures as scientifically explained, practical rules for the working out of their personal problems, as well as assurances of safety and security at all times and under all circumstances,—as, for instance: "Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."
In spite of these assurances, however, we find that in every realm of endeavor people are predisposed to count on unfortunate things as sure to happen, and therefore to be expected at all times. The universality of this mental attitude renders it wise under present conditions of thought for the state to regulate conditions pertaining to accident and to care for those who have suffered therefrom. In assenting to the asserted probability of accident from the mortal point of view, Christian Scientists do not intend to convey the idea that an accident is not the result of a definite cause, since the first questions asked are invariably with respect to the reason for the occurrence, whether this be a child's tumble or the most serious of calamities. All that these people intend to imply is that accidents are the result of no one's direct intentions. They are clear-minded enough to admit that nature exhibits no accidents; all the phenomena in her realm are explained as the result of "laws" of various kinds. They are effects of causes. Just so in human experience men seek to explain accidents, and to place the responsibility where it belongs.
This placing of responsibility is an exceedingly important thing: but from a human standpoint it is very unsatisfactory, because the study of the cause must necessarily follow the effect, and except as this study leads to the prevention of future mishaps it is of no special use. It is no use to lay the blame on a train despatcher for giving a wrong signal, or to punish an engineer for mistaking a correct one. The cause lies deeper than the carelessness of either despatcher or engineer. It lies in the character of thought that has no business to be occupying the attention of one or the other. Thought does not appear upon the surface; indeed, lack of thought is often claimed, but wrong thought is always present as the cause of accidents. For this reason only such men as can keep their wits about them are wanted in positions of responsibility; and, to the great credit of railways, steamship companies, and large manufacturing establishments, be it said that the emphasis these have laid upon clear-headedness has not only tended to promote the worthy, and set in activity a compelling force for the safeguarding of life and property, but it has tended to develop a higher standard of temperance and morality among employees.
