Articles

PHYSICAL diagnosis, or the art of classifying symptoms of disease, as defined by materia medica, is so wholly at variance with Christian Science practise that a discussion of the subject in its literature would seem to be entirely out of place were it not for the fact that the phenomena of disease force themselves upon the attention of the practitioner in nearly every case that is presented for healing. The general belief in the reality of these phenomena, the erroneous conviction that disease is an intelligent something operating in or upon the physical structure, and the consequent attendent fear,—these have impelled the unfortunate sufferers thereof to seek the healing ministrations of Christian Science.

JESUS was a scientific practitioner, one who never made a mistake either in theory or practise. Anointed by Spirit, God, and controlled by the Christ-power, he became the Wayshower who was to lead humanity out of the bondage of matter into the freedom of Mind.

TO help others effectively is an art taught by Christian Science. This art involves the expression, activity, and application of Science.

The teaching of the eleventh chapter of John has brought to Christian Scientists many lessons of love and sympathy, and a recent experience has given the writer much food for thought in helping to eliminate the false sense of environment which would hold in bondage a brother man. When Jesus heard of Lazarus' sickness, he did not rush off in haste to see what he could do for him.

TO one who has heard the outpouring of grateful hearts at the Wednesday evening services held in the Christian Science churches and noted the oft-repeated quotation of Mrs. Eddy's opening sentence in the preface to Science and Health, as also the many references to her chapter on Prayer, it seems that in some specific way these two are significant to the first experiences and the need of the seeker for Truth.

Our beloved Leader tells us that "the divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout His creation" ( Science and Health, p. 507 ).

There can be no doubt that every student of Christian Science who has caught even a faint glimpse of what this message means to the world at large, instinctively desires to be loyal to the cause which he recognizes is destined to bring about the salvation of all humanity from sin, disease, and death; but it frequently occurs that, when first the joy of this glorious truth dawns upon his consciousness, the beginner is apt to try to push forward the work with what Paul describes in his epistle to the Romans as "a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. " On page 57 of Science and Health Mrs.

An old Spanish play by Calderon tells this story: The hero throughout his life was thwarted in all his plans for the acquisition of wealth, honor, or happiness by a veiled stranger, who constantly thrust in some difficulty, disagreement, or delay, and brought his hopes and plans to naught. He could not get at his enemy, could not find out who he was or why he so persistently and maliciously pursued him.

If we would step out from the shadows of materialistic belief into the sunlight of spiritual reality, there is much falsity which we must lay aside. God is one, regardless of the many concepts of Him which at present separate His worshipers into various sects and creeds.

A vital and practical lesson on love and friendship, full of profound meaning and of absorbing interest, is given by our Lord in four short verses of the fifteenth chapter of St. John's gospel: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.