One who is not a Christian Scientist recently said that he enjoyed meeting Christian Scientists because they were "not always talking about sickness." Much of the merit of this statement lies in its recognition of the desirability of refraining from that kind of conversation which usually inspires fear, and thereby induces sickness and depression.
In so far as Christian Scientists have banished these topics from their conversation, they have benefited themselves and are bringing peace to the world; they have not only healed disease, but they have prevented its spread by eliminating, to some extent at least, that which is admitted to be a potent factor in the propagation of disease. It is quite generally conceded that the reading of medical advertisements has caused many persons to experience the symptoms described therein, and it is stated that medical students frequently manifest the symptoms of the diseases which are their subjects of study.
Many of us remember the fable of how one of the much dreaded plagues obtained permission to slay one man, but ten thousand deaths were credited to the disease. Upon being remonstrated with for bad faith, the plague replied that but one had died of the disease; the others had died of fear.
It is possible, however, that we are not so careful to refrain from conversation about other forms of error as we are regarding disease, nevertheless it is equally important. As Christian Scientists we know that every evil manifestation is the product of wrong thinking, and that by consenting as we do, in these recitals, to the reality of crime, immorality, and disaster; the shortcomings and troubles of our neighbors; our own trials, worries, and fears; we are implanting in the consciousness of our friends, beliefs which may lead to serious consequences. Is this kind?
A person of ordinary refinement, one having due consideration for the proprieties of life, would not think of carrying into a friend's house some offensive object that might be picked up in the street, to get rid of which would cause the friend much hard and disagreeable work, yet if "thoughts are things,"—and we know that they are,—this is equivalent to what we do when we relate with more or less detail, perchance with sympathy, the sad and evil happenings that have come to our attention.
Our Leader has said, "Stand porter at the door of thought" (Science and Health, p. 392). If this be done, evil will not find lodgment with us and we shall not be tempted to bind burdens of pain and sorrow upon the shoulders of our fellow-mortals. If we do not take into our consciousness these errors and evils, do not admit their reality, they "cannot go forth, like wandering pollen, from one human mind to another" (Science and Health, p. 235). "If mortals would keep proper ward over mortal mind, the brood of evils which infest it could be cleared out. We must begin with this so-called mind, and empty it of sin and sickness, or sin and sickness will never cease" (Science and Health, p. 234).
