To-day, when the entire world is beginning to recognize and acknowledge the power of mental action over material conditions in every department of life, it is not strange that there should be a decided increase in the development of various attempts at healing by mental means. This recognition of the ability of the so-called mortal or carnal mind to correct its mistaken beliefs of limitation, wherever manifested,— mechanically, atmospherically, or in human thought and bodies,—brings in its wake many attempts to rectify these errors through the medium of so-called mind-sciences. One is confronted on all sides with manifold forms of human philosophies, different isms and ologies, all of which claim to offer freedom from the restricted beliefs of the past. Many persons who have heretofore refused to consider any mode of mental help or healing are, at the present time, interested and enthusiastic investigators of each new method which presents itself. The student of today is compelled to be ever on guard, in order not to be swept off his feet by these current and popular theories which, at first glance, may present alluring and promising results, but on examination are found to deal wholly with the supposititious power of the so-called human mind, and for this reason are subject to its erroneous beliefs.
Much of the effort to interest and influence the thinker along the lines of these different teachings is directed toward the student of Christian Science, with the voluntary or involuntary attempt to deprive him of his treasure of truth, which his revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, labored so long to establish and protect in its purity. To one comes a book, to another an invitation to a lecture on some popular subject, with the message that neither the book nor the lecture can possibly interfere with his study of Christian Science. On the contrary, each will help to "broaden" his vision and quicken his mental faculties! At this point arises the necessity not only of choosing between the essential and the nonessential study and knowledge, but also of realizing the pitfalls attendant on close or intimate association with the thoughts of those who follow systems that deal wholly with the beliefs of mortal mind. Only through spiritual discernment and perception can a wise choice be made.
To the new investigator some of these "systems" appear to possess characteristics similar to Christian Science. In fact, adherents are prone to state that they contain all or part of the fundamental teachings Of this Science. Others claim that their method is a stepping-stone to it, and of great benefit to those who wish to learn a quick and easy way—a short cut—to the higher demonstration of the Christ, Truth, as given in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.
