It is necessary for the student of Christian Science to maintain a proper perspective in his study in order that he may progress steadily and consistently. One definition of the term "perspective" is "the interrelation in which parts of a subject are mentally viewed." Sometimes there is a tendency for one to confine his attention to certain phases of his study and consequently to neglect other areas which may be just as important.
For instance, one might assume that because Christian Science declares that God is Love and that evil is unreal, one does not need to be watchful over his thinking and prayerfully protect his experience. In such case the student is due for a rude awakening. We are all in a relative position in the overcoming of evil; and in order to counteract false suggestions intelligently, each one needs to have his eyes open to the ways in which evil presents itself.
Mrs. Eddy was divinely led to include a chapter dealing with the subject of animal magnetism in the textbook, Science and Health. She herself demurred from uncovering evil in this manner, but under God's direction she proceeded to portray the way evil presents itself and the way it should be handled. It is in this area of the proper attitude toward evil, or animal magnetism, that some students run into an unbalanced point of view. Hence it is in this area where the proper perspective is most necessary.
