PROBABLY one of the most comprehensive and effective answers that can be made to the question so often asked, What is Christian Science and how does it operate? is to quote the crystallized definition which Mrs. Eddy gives on page 1 of "Rudimental Divine Science": "The law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony." God, divine Mind or intelligence, created "all that was made," and in the realm thus instituted nothing unlike good has either place or power, consequently universal harmony must prevail. What Christian Science does is to endeavor to bring this rule of harmony to bear on the chaotic mortal thought which alone is responsible for the problems and perplexities which sometimes seem to render human existence a veritable "vale of sin and sorrow."
Modern scientific thought dwells on the dangers to the physical body through the entrance and entrenchment of certain microbes and germs supposed to be productive of disease, even while it ignores the tangible proof which Christian Science offers that discord and disease are the product of the mortal belief which, far more insidious and dangerous in its effects, and masquerading as fear, ignorance, or hatred, sows broadcast the germs of sin, disease, and death. The Christian Scientist learns that this mortal belief must be combated and cast out, through the power of Truth and Love, if the harmony which is man's birthright is to be demonstrated not only in his own experience but in that of his fellows.
Mrs. Eddy laid down a very simple and logical rule for this accomplishment when she gave to her followers this sage counsel: "Keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter . . . Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort" (Pamphlet, What Our Leader Says). In Science and Health (p. 571), she writes: "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you." All this is in direct line with Paul's urgent appeal to the brethren to "put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil;" "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."
