Chapter XI - Some Objections Answered
Two different artists
360:1
know that these ideals are real and eternal because drawn
know that these ideals are real and eternal because drawn
from Truth, – they will find that nothing is lost, and all
is won, by a right estimate of what is real."
360:4
The other artist replies: "You wrong my experience.
The other artist replies: "You wrong my experience.
I have no mind-ideals except those which are both mental
and material. It is true that materiality renders these
ideals imperfect and destructible; yet I would not ex-
change mine for thine, for mine give me such personal
pleasure, and they are not so shockingly transcendental.
They require less self-abnegation, and keep Soul well out
of sight. Moreover, I have no notion of losing my old
doctrines or human opinions."
Choose ye to-day
360:13
Dear reader, which mind-picture or externalized thought
Dear reader, which mind-picture or externalized thought
shall be real to you, – the material or the spiritual?
Both you cannot have. You are bringing out
your own ideal. This ideal is either temporal
or eternal. Either Spirit or matter is your model. If you
try to have two models, then you practically have none.
Like a pendulum in a clock, you will be thrown back and
forth, striking the ribs of matter and swinging between the
real and the unreal.
360:22
Hear the wisdom of Job, as given in the excellent trans-
Hear the wisdom of Job, as given in the excellent trans-
lation of the late Rev. George R. Noyes, D.D.: –
360:24
Shall mortal man be more just than God?
Shall mortal man be more just than God?
Shall man be more pure than his Maker?
Behold, He putteth no trust in His ministering spirits,
And His angels He chargeth with frailty.
360:28
Of old, the Jews put to death the Galilean Prophet,
Of old, the Jews put to death the Galilean Prophet,
the best Christian on earth, for the truth he spoke and
demonstrated, while to-day, Jew and Christian can unite
in doctrine and denomination on the very basis of Jesus'
words and works. The Jew believes that the Messiah or
361:1
Christ has not yet come; the Christian believes that
Christ has not yet come; the Christian believes that
Christ is God. Here Christian Science intervenes, ex-
plains these doctrinal points, cancels the disagreement,
and settles the question. Christ, as the true spiritual idea,
is the ideal of God now and forever, here and everywhere.
The Jew who believes in the First Commandment is a
monotheist; he has one omnipresent God. Thus the Jew
unites with the Christian's doctrine that God is come and
is present now and forever. The Christian who believes
in the First Commandment is a monotheist. Thus he
virtually unites with the Jew's belief in one God, and
recognizes that Jesus Christ is not God, as Jesus himself
declared, but is the Son of God. This declaration of
Jesus, understood, conflicts not at all with another of his
sayings: "I and my Father are one," – that is, one in
quality, not in quantity. As a drop of water is one with
the ocean, a ray of light one with the sun, even so God
and man, Father and son, are one in being. The Scrip-
ture reads: "For in Him we live, and move, and have
our being."
361:21
I have revised Science and Health only to give a
I have revised Science and Health only to give a
clearer and fuller expression of its original meaning. Spir-
itual ideas unfold as we advance. A human perception of
divine Science, however limited, must be correct in order
to be Science and subject to demonstration. A germ of in-
finite Truth, though least in the kingdom of heaven is the
higher hope on earth, but it will be rejected and reviled
until God prepares the soil for the seed. That which
when sown bears immortal fruit, enriches mankind only
when it is understood, – hence the many readings given
the Scriptures, and the requisite revisions of Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures.
Chapter XII
Christian Science Practice
Why art thou cast down, O my soul [sense]?
And why art thou disquieted within me?
Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him,
Who is the health of my countenance and my God. – PSALMS.
And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they
cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up
serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. – JESUS.
A gospel narrative
362:1
IT is related in the seventh chapter of Luke's Gospel
IT is related in the seventh chapter of Luke's Gospel
that Jesus was once the honored guest of a certain
Pharisee, by name Simon, though he was quite unlike
Simon the disciple. While they were at meat, an unusual
incident occurred, as if to interrupt the scene
of Oriental festivity. A "strange woman"
came in. Heedless of the fact that she was debarred from
such a place and such society, especially under the stern
rules of rabbinical law, as positively as if she were a Hin-
doo pariah intruding upon the household of a high-caste
Brahman, this woman (Mary Magdalene, as she has
since been called) approached Jesus. According to the
custom of those days, he reclined on a couch with his
head towards the table and his bare feet away from it.
It was therefore easy for the Magdalen to come behind
363:1
the couch and reach his feet. She bore an alabaster jar
the couch and reach his feet. She bore an alabaster jar
containing costly and fragrant oil, – sandal oil perhaps,
which is in such common use in the East. Breaking
the sealed jar, she perfumed Jesus' feet with the oil,
wiping them with her long hair, which hung loosely
about her shoulders, as was customary with women of her
grade.
Parable of the creditor
363:8
Did Jesus spurn the woman? Did he repel her adora-
Did Jesus spurn the woman? Did he repel her adora-
tion? No! He regarded her compassionately. Nor was
this all. Knowing what those around him
were saying in their hearts, especially his host,
– that they were wondering why, being a prophet, the
exalted guest did not at once detect the woman's immoral
status and bid her depart, – knowing this, Jesus rebuked
them with a short story or parable. He described two
debtors, one for a large sum and one for a smaller, who
were released from their obligations by their common
creditor. "Which of them will love him most?" was the
Master's question to Simon the Pharisee; and Simon re-
plied, "He to whom he forgave most." Jesus approved
the answer, and so brought home the lesson to all, follow-
ing it with that remarkable declaration to the woman,
"Thy sins are forgiven."
Divine insight
363:24
Why did he thus summarize her debt to divine Love?
Why did he thus summarize her debt to divine Love?
Had she repented and reformed, and did his insight
detect this unspoken moral uprising? She
bathed his feet with her tears before she
anointed them with the oil. In the absence of other
proofs, was her grief sufficient evidence to warrant the
expectation of her repentance, reformation, and growth
in wisdom? Certainly there was encouragement in the
mere fact that she was showing her affection for a man
364:1
of undoubted goodness and purity, who has since been
of undoubted goodness and purity, who has since been
rightfully regarded as the best man that ever trod this
planet. Her reverence was unfeigned, and it was mani-
fested towards one who was soon, though they knew it
not, to lay down his mortal existence in behalf of all
sinners, that through his word and works they might be
redeemed from sensuality and sin.
Penitence or hospitality
364:8
Which was the higher tribute to such ineffable affec-
Which was the higher tribute to such ineffable affec-
tion, the hospitality of the Pharisee or the contrition of
the Magdalen? This query Jesus answered
by rebuking self-righteousness and declaring
the absolution of the penitent. He even said that this
poor woman had done what his rich entertainer had neg-
lected to do, – wash and anoint his guest's feet, a special
sign of Oriental courtesy.
364:16
Here is suggested a solemn question, a question indi-
Here is suggested a solemn question, a question indi-
cated by one of the needs of this age. Do Christian
Scientists seek Truth as Simon sought the Saviour, through
material conservatism and for personal homage? Jesus
told Simon that such seekers as he gave small reward
in return for the spiritual purgation which came through
the Messiah. If Christian Scientists are like Simon,
then it must be said of them also that they love
little.
Genuine repentance
364:25
On the other hand, do they show their regard for
On the other hand, do they show their regard for
Truth, or Christ, by their genuine repentance, by their
broken hearts, expressed by meekness and
human affection, as did this woman? If
so, then it may be said of them, as Jesus said of the
unwelcome visitor, that they indeed love much, because
much is forgiven them.
Compassion requisite
364:32
Did the careless doctor, the nurse, the cook, and the
Did the careless doctor, the nurse, the cook, and the
365:1
brusque business visitor sympathetically know the thorns
brusque business visitor sympathetically know the thorns
they plant in the pillow of the sick and the heavenly
homesick looking away from earth, – Oh, did
they know! – this knowledge would do much
more towards healing the sick and preparing their helpers
for the "midnight call," than all cries of "Lord, Lord!"
The benign thought of Jesus, finding utterance in such
words as "Take no thought for your life," would heal
the sick, and so enable them to rise above the supposed
necessity for physical thought-taking and doctoring;
but if the unselfish affections be lacking, and common
sense and common humanity are disregarded, what men-
tal quality remains, with which to evoke healing from
the outstretched arm of righteousness?
Speedy healing
365:15
If the Scientist reaches his patient through divine
If the Scientist reaches his patient through divine
Love, the healing work will be accomplished at one
visit, and the disease will vanish into its native
nothingness like dew before the morning sun-
shine. If the Scientist has enough Christly affection to
win his own pardon, and such commendation as the Mag-
dalen gained from Jesus, then he is Christian enough to
practise scientifically and deal with his patients compas-
sionately; and the result will correspond with the spiritual
intent.
Truth desecrated
365:25
If hypocrisy, stolidity, inhumanity, or vice finds its
If hypocrisy, stolidity, inhumanity, or vice finds its
way into the chambers of disease through the would-be
healer, it would, if it were possible, convert
into a den of thieves the temple of the Holy
Ghost, – the patient's spiritual power to resuscitate him-
self. The unchristian practitioner is not giving to mind
or body the joy and strength of Truth. The poor suf-
fering heart needs its rightful nutriment, such as peace,
366:1
patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear
patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear
Father's loving-kindness.
Moral evils to be cast out
366:3
In order to cure his patient, the metaphysician
In order to cure his patient, the metaphysician
must first cast moral evils out of himself and thus
attain the spiritual freedom which will en-
able him to cast physical evils out of his
patient; but heal he cannot, while his own spiritual
barrenness debars him from giving drink to the thirsty
and hinders him from reaching his patient's thought, –
yea, while mental penury chills his faith and under-
standing.
The true physician
366:12
The physician who lacks sympathy for his fellow‑
The physician who lacks sympathy for his fellow‑
being is deficient in human affection, and we have the
apostolic warrant for asking: "He that loveth
not his brother whom he hath seen, how can
he love God whom he hath not seen?" Not having this
spiritual affection, the physician lacks faith in the divine
Mind and has not that recognition of infinite Love which
alone confers the healing power. Such so-called Scien-
tists will strain out gnats, while they swallow the camels
of bigoted pedantry.
Source of calmness
366:22
The physician must also watch, lest he be over-
The physician must also watch, lest he be over-
whelmed by a sense of the odiousness of sin and by the
unveiling of sin in his own thoughts. The
sick are terrified by their sick beliefs, and
sinners should be affrighted by their sinful beliefs; but
the Christian Scientist will be calm in the presence of
both sin and disease, knowing, as he does, that Life is
God and God is All.
Genuine healing
366:30
If we would open their prison doors for the sick, we
If we would open their prison doors for the sick, we
must first learn to bind up the broken-hearted. If we
would heal by the Spirit, we must not hide the talent
367:1
of spiritual healing under the napkin of its form, nor
of spiritual healing under the napkin of its form, nor
bury the morale of Christian Science in the grave-clothes
of its letter. The tender word and Christian
encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience
with his fears and the removal of them, are better than
hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed
speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so
many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame
with divine Love.
Gratitude and humility
367:10
This is what is meant by seeking Truth, Christ, not
This is what is meant by seeking Truth, Christ, not
"for the loaves and fishes," nor, like the Pharisee, with
the arrogance of rank and display of scholar-
ship, but like Mary Magdalene, from the sum-
mit of devout consecration, with the oil of gladness and
the perfume of gratitude, with tears of repentance and
with those hairs all numbered by the Father.
The salt of the earth
367:17
A Christian Scientist occupies the place at this period
A Christian Scientist occupies the place at this period
of which Jesus spoke to his disciples, when he said: "Ye
are the salt of the earth." "Ye are the light
of the world. A city that is set on an hill can-
not be hid." Let us watch, work, and pray that this salt
lose not its saltness, and that this light be not hid, but
radiate and glow into noontide glory.
367:24
The infinite Truth of the Christ-cure has come to this
The infinite Truth of the Christ-cure has come to this
age through a "still, small voice," through silent utter-
ances and divine anointing which quicken and increase
the beneficial effects of Christianity. I long to see the
consummation of my hope, namely, the student's higher
attainments in this line of light.
Real and counterfeit
367:30
Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as
Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as
nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness,
error, Truth's opposite, has no might. Evil is but the
368:1
counterpoise of nothingness. The greatest wrong is
counterpoise of nothingness. The greatest wrong is
but a supposititious opposite of the highest right. The
confidence inspired by Science lies in the fact
that Truth is real and error is unreal. Error
is a coward before Truth. Divine Science insists that
time will prove all this. Both truth and error have come
nearer than ever before to the apprehension of mortals,
and truth will become still clearer as error is self‑
destroyed.
Results of faith in Truth
368:10
Against the fatal beliefs that error is as real as Truth,
Against the fatal beliefs that error is as real as Truth,
that evil is equal in power to good if not superior, and that
discord is as normal as harmony, even the hope
of freedom from the bondage of sickness and
sin has little inspiration to nerve endeavor. When we
come to have more faith in the truth of being than we have
in error, more faith in Spirit than in matter, more faith
in living than in dying, more faith in God than in man,
then no material suppositions can prevent us from healing
the sick and destroying error.
Life independent of matter
368:20
That Life is not contingent on bodily conditions is
That Life is not contingent on bodily conditions is
proved, when we learn that life and man survive this
body. Neither evil, disease, nor death can be
spiritual, and the material belief in them dis-
appears in the ratio of one's spiritual growth. Because
matter has no consciousness or Ego, it cannot act; its
conditions are illusions, and these false conditions are the
source of all seeming sickness. Admit the existence of
matter, and you admit that mortality (and therefore dis-
ease) has a foundation in fact. Deny the existence of
matter, and you can destroy the belief in material con-
ditions. When fear disappears, the foundation of disease
is gone. Once let the mental physician believe in the
369:1
reality of matter, and he is liable to admit also the reality
reality of matter, and he is liable to admit also the reality
of all discordant conditions, and this hinders his de-
stroying them. Thus he is unfitted for the successful
treatment of disease.
Man's entity
369:5
In proportion as matter loses to human sense all en-
In proportion as matter loses to human sense all en-
tity as man, in that proportion does man become its
master. He enters into a diviner sense of the
facts, and comprehends the theology of Jesus
as demonstrated in healing the sick, raising the dead,
and walking over the wave. All these deeds manifested
Jesus' control over the belief that matter is substance,
that it can be the arbiter of life or the constructor of any
form of existence.
The Christ treatment
369:14
We never read that Luke or Paul made a reality of
We never read that Luke or Paul made a reality of
disease in order to discover some means of healing it.
Jesus never asked if disease were acute or
chronic, and he never recommended atten-
tion to laws of health, never gave drugs, never prayed
to know if God were willing that a man should live. He
understood man, whose life is God, to be immortal, and
knew that man has not two lives, one to be destroyed and
the other to be made indestructible.
Matter not medicine
369:23
The prophylactic and therapeutic (that is, the prevent-
The prophylactic and therapeutic (that is, the prevent-
ive and curative) arts belong emphatically to Christian
Science, as would be readily seen, if psychology,
or the Science of Spirit, God, was understood.
Unscientific methods are finding their dead level. Lim-
ited to matter by their own law, what have they of the
advantages of Mind and immortality?
No healing in sin
369:30
No man is physically healed in wilful error or by it,
No man is physically healed in wilful error or by it,
any more than he is morally saved in or by sin. It is
error even to murmur or to be angry over sin. To be
370:1
every whit whole, man must be better spiritually as well
every whit whole, man must be better spiritually as well
as physically. To be immortal, we must forsake the
mortal sense of things, turn from the lie of false
belief to Truth, and gather the facts of being
from the divine Mind. The body improves under the
same regimen which spiritualizes the thought; and if
health is not made manifest under this regimen, this
proves that fear is governing the body. This is the law
of cause and effect, or like producing like.
Like curing like
370:10
Homoeopathy furnishes the evidence to the senses, that
Homoeopathy furnishes the evidence to the senses, that
symptoms, which might be produced by a certain drug,
are removed by using the same drug which
might cause the symptoms. This confirms
my theory that faith in the drug is the sole factor in the
cure. The effect, which mortal mind produces through
one belief, it removes through an opposite belief, but it
uses the same medicine in both cases.
The moral and spiritual facts of health, whispered
into thought, produce very direct and marked effects on
the body. A physical diagnosis of disease – since mor-
tal mind must be the cause of disease – tends to induce
disease.
Transient potency of drugs
370:23
According to both medical testimony and individual
According to both medical testimony and individual
experience, a drug may eventually lose its supposed power
and do no more for the patient. Hygienic
treatment also loses its efficacy. Quackery
likewise fails at length to inspire the credulity
of the sick, and then they cease to improve. These les-
sons are useful. They should naturally and genuinely
change our basis from sensation to Christian Science,
from error to Truth, from matter to Spirit.
Diagnosis of matter
370:32
Physicians examine the pulse, tongue, lungs, to dis-
Physicians examine the pulse, tongue, lungs, to dis-
371:1
cover the condition of matter, when in fact all is
cover the condition of matter, when in fact all is
Mind. The body is the substratum of mortal mind,
and this so-called mind must finally yield
to the mandate of immortal Mind.
Ghost-stories inducing fear
371:5
Disquisitions on disease have a mental effect similar
Disquisitions on disease have a mental effect similar
to that produced on children by telling ghost-stories in
the dark. By those uninstructed in Christian
Science, nothing is really understood of material
existence. Mortals are believed to be here without their
consent and to be removed as involuntarily, not knowing
why nor when. As frightened children look everywhere
for the imaginary ghost, so sick humanity sees danger in
every direction, and looks for relief in all ways except the
right one. Darkness induces fear. The adult, in bond-
age to his beliefs, no more comprehends his real being
than does the child; and the adult must be taken out of
his darkness, before he can get rid of the illusive suffer-
ings which throng the gloaming. The way in divine
Science is the only way out of this condition.
Mind imparts purity, health, and beauty
371:20
I would not transform the infant at once into a
I would not transform the infant at once into a
man, nor would I keep the suckling a lifelong babe.
No impossible thing do I ask when urging
the claims of Christian Science; but because
this teaching is in advance of the age, we
should not deny our need of its spiritual unfoldment.
Mankind will improve through Science and Christi-
anity. The necessity for uplifting the race is father to
the fact that Mind can do it; for Mind can impart
purity instead of impurity, strength instead of weak-
ness, and health instead of disease. Truth is an altera-
tive in the entire system, and can make it "every whit
whole."
Brain not intelligent
372:1
Remember, brain is not mind. Matter cannot be sick,
Remember, brain is not mind. Matter cannot be sick,
and Mind is immortal. The mortal body is only an erro-
neous mortal belief of mind in matter. What
you call matter was originally error in solu-
tion, elementary mortal mind, – likened by Milton to
"chaos and old night." One theory about this mortal
mind is, that its sensations can reproduce man, can form
blood, flesh, and bones. The Science of being, in which
all is divine Mind, or God and His idea, would be clearer
in this age, but for the belief that matter is the medium
of man, or that man can enter his own embodied thought,
bind himself with his own beliefs, and then call his bonds
material and name them divine law.
Veritable success
372:14
When man demonstrates Christian Science absolutely,
When man demonstrates Christian Science absolutely,
he will be perfect. He can neither sin, suffer, be subject
to matter, nor disobey the law of God. There-
fore he will be as the angels in heaven. Chris-
tian Science and Christianity are one. How, then, in
Christianity any more than in Christian Science, can we
believe in the reality and power of both Truth and error,
Spirit and matter, and hope to succeed with contraries?
Matter is not self-sustaining. Its false supports fail one
after another. Matter succeeds for a period only by
falsely parading in the vestments of law.
Recognition of benefits
372:25
"Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also
"Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also
deny before my Father which is in heaven." In Chris-
tian Science, a denial of Truth is fatal, while
a just acknowledgment of Truth and of what
it has done for us is an effectual help. If pride, super-
stition, or any error prevents the honest recognition of
benefits received, this will be a hindrance to the recovery
of the sick and the success of the student.
Disease far more docile than iniquity
373:1
If we are Christians on all moral questions, but are in
If we are Christians on all moral questions, but are in
darkness as to the physical exemption which Christian-
ity includes, then we must have more faith
in God on this subject and be more alive to
His promises. It is easier to cure the most
malignant disease than it is to cure sin. The author has
raised up the dying, partly because they were willing to
be restored, while she has struggled long, and perhaps in
vain, to lift a student out of a chronic sin. Under all
modes of pathological treatment, the sick recover more
rapidly from disease than does the sinner from his sin.
Healing is easier than teaching, if the teaching is faithfully
done.
Love frees from fear
373:14
The fear of disease and the love of sin are the sources
The fear of disease and the love of sin are the sources
of man's enslavement. "The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom," but the Scriptures
also declare, through the exalted thought of John, that
"perfect Love casteth out fear."
373:19
The fear occasioned by ignorance can be cured; but
The fear occasioned by ignorance can be cured; but
to remove the effects of fear produced by sin, you must
rise above both fear and sin. Disease is expressed not
so much by the lips as in the functions of the body. Es-
tablish the scientific sense of health, and you relieve the
oppressed organ. The inflammation, decomposition, or
deposit will abate, and the disabled organ will resume its
healthy functions.
Mind circulates blood
373:27
When the blood rushes madly through the veins or
When the blood rushes madly through the veins or
languidly creeps along its frozen channels, we call these
conditions disease. This is a misconception.
Mortal mind is producing the propulsion or the
languor, and we prove this to be so when by mental means
the circulation is changed, and returns to that standard
374:1
which mortal mind has decided upon as essential for
which mortal mind has decided upon as essential for
health. Anodynes, counter-irritants, and depletion never
reduce inflammation scientifically, but the truth of being,
whispered into the ear of mortal mind, will bring relief.
Mind can destroy all ills
374:5
Hatred and its effects on the body are removed by
Hatred and its effects on the body are removed by
Love. Because mortal mind seems to be conscious, the
sick say: "How can my mind cause a disease
I never thought of and knew nothing about,
until it appeared on my body?" The author has an-
swered this question in her explanation of disease as origi-
nating in human belief before it is consciously apparent
on the body, which is in fact the objective state of mortal
mind, though it is called matter. This mortal blindness
and its sharp consequences show our need of divine meta-
physics. Through immortal Mind, or Truth, we can
destroy all ills which proceed from mortal mind.
374:17
Ignorance of the cause or approach of disease is no
Ignorance of the cause or approach of disease is no
argument against the mental origin of disease. You con-
fess to ignorance of the future and incapacity to preserve
your own existence, and this belief helps rather than
hinders disease. Such a state of mind induces sickness.
It is like walking in darkness on the edge of a precipice.
You cannot forget the belief of danger, and your steps
are less firm because of your fear, and ignorance of mental
cause and effect.
Temperature is mental
374:26
Heat and cold are products of mortal mind. The body,
Heat and cold are products of mortal mind. The body,
when bereft of mortal mind, at first cools, and after-
wards it is resolved into its primitive mortal
elements. Nothing that lives ever dies, and
vice versa. Mortal mind produces animal heat, and then
expels it through the abandonment of a belief, or in-
creases it to the point of self-destruction. Hence it is
375:1
mortal mind, not matter, which says, "I die." Heat
mortal mind, not matter, which says, "I die." Heat
would pass from the body as painlessly as gas dissipates
into the air when it evaporates but for the belief that in-
flammation and pain must accompany the separation of
heat from the body.
Science versus hypnotism
375:6
Chills and heat are often the form in which fever mani-
Chills and heat are often the form in which fever mani-
fests itself. Change the mental state, and the chills and
fever disappear. The old-school physician
proves this when his patient says, "I am better,"
but the patient believes that matter, not mind,
has helped him. The Christian Scientist demonstrates
that divine Mind heals, while the hypnotist dispossesses
the patient of his individuality in order to control him.
No person is benefited by yielding his mentality to any
mental despotism or malpractice. All unscientific mental
practice is erroneous and powerless, and should be under-
stood and so rendered fruitless. The genuine Christian
Scientist is adding to his patient's mental and moral power,
and is increasing his patient's spirituality while restoring
him physically through divine Love.
Cure for palsy
375:21
Palsy is a belief that matter governs mortals, and can
Palsy is a belief that matter governs mortals, and can
paralyze the body, making certain portions of
it motionless. Destroy the belief, show mortal
mind that muscles have no power to be lost, for Mind is
supreme, and you cure the palsy.
Latent fear diagnosed
375:26
Consumptive patients always show great hopeful-
Consumptive patients always show great hopeful-
ness and courage, even when they are supposed to be in
hopeless danger. This state of mind seems
anomalous except to the expert in Christian
Science. This mental state is not understood, simply
because it is a stage of fear so excessive that it amounts
to fortitude. The belief in consumption presents to mor-
376:1
tal thought a hopeless state, an image more terrifying than
tal thought a hopeless state, an image more terrifying than
that of most other diseases. The patient turns involun-
tarily from the contemplation of it, but though unacknowl-
edged, the latent fear and the despair of recovery remain
in thought.
Insidious concepts
376:6
Just so is it with the greatest sin. It is the most subtle,
Just so is it with the greatest sin. It is the most subtle,
and does its work almost self-deceived. The diseases
deemed dangerous sometimes come from the
most hidden, undefined, and insidious beliefs.
The pallid invalid, whom you declare to be wasting away
with consumption of the blood, should be told that blood
never gave life and can never take it away, – that Life is
Spirit, and that there is more life and immortality in one
good motive and act, than in all the blood which ever
flowed through mortal veins and simulated a corporeal
sense of life.
Remedy for fever
376:17
If the body is material, it cannot, for that very reason,
If the body is material, it cannot, for that very reason,
suffer with a fever. Because the so-called material body
is a mental concept and governed by mortal
mind, it manifests only what that so-called
mind expresses. Therefore the efficient remedy is to
destroy the patient's false belief by both silently and au-
dibly arguing the true facts in regard to harmonious
being, – representing man as healthy instead of diseased,
and showing that it is impossible for matter to suffer, to
feel pain or heat, to be thirsty or sick. Destroy fear,
and you end fever. Some people, mistaught as to Mind‑
science, inquire when it will be safe to check a fever.
Know that in Science you cannot check a fever after ad-
mitting that it must have its course. To fear and admit
the power of disease, is to paralyze mental and scientific
demonstration.