Chapter XIII - Teaching Christian Science
Certainty of results
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physics as laid down in this work, and rest his demonstra-
physics as laid down in this work, and rest his demonstra-
tion on this sure basis.
Ontology defined
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Ontology is defined as "the science of the necessary
Ontology is defined as "the science of the necessary
constituents and relations of all beings," and it under-
lies all metaphysical practice. Our system of
Mind-healing rests on the apprehension of the
nature and essence of all being, – on the divine Mind
and Love's essential qualities. Its pharmacy is moral,
and its medicine is intellectual and spiritual, though used
for physical healing. Yet this most fundamental part of
metaphysics is the one most difficult to understand and
demonstrate, for to the material thought all is material,
till such thought is rectified by Spirit.
Mischievous imagination
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Sickness is neither imaginary nor unreal, – that is,
Sickness is neither imaginary nor unreal, – that is,
to the frightened, false sense of the patient. Sickness
is more than fancy; it is solid conviction. It
is therefore to be dealt with through right ap-
prehension of the truth of being. If Christian healing
is abused by mere smatterers in Science, it becomes a
tedious mischief-maker. Instead of scientifically effect-
ing a cure, it starts a petty crossfire over every cripple
and invalid, buffeting them with the superficial and cold
assertion, "Nothing ails you."
Author's early instructions
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When the Science of Mind was a fresh revelation to
When the Science of Mind was a fresh revelation to
the author, she had to impart, while teaching its grand
facts, the hue of spiritual ideas from her own
spiritual condition, and she had to do this orally
through the meagre channel afforded by language and by
her manuscript circulated among the students. As for-
mer beliefs were gradually expelled from her thought, the
teaching became clearer, until finally the shadow of old
errors was no longer cast upon divine Science.
Proof by induction
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I do not maintain that anyone can exist in the flesh
I do not maintain that anyone can exist in the flesh
without food and raiment; but I do believe that the
real man is immortal and that he lives in
Spirit, not matter. Christian Science must
be accepted at this period by induction. We admit the
whole, because a part is proved and that part illustrates
and proves the entire Principle. Christian Science can
be taught only by those who are morally advanced and
spiritually endowed, for it is not superficial, nor is it
discerned from the standpoint of the human senses.
Only by the illumination of the spiritual sense, can
the light of understanding be thrown upon this Science,
because Science reverses the evidence before the material
senses and furnishes the eternal interpretation of God and
man.
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If you believe that you are sick, should you say, "I am
If you believe that you are sick, should you say, "I am
sick"? No, but you should tell your belief sometimes,
if this be requisite to protect others. If you commit a
crime, should you acknowledge to yourself that you are
a criminal? Yes. Your responses should differ because
of the different effects they produce. Usually to admit
that you are sick, renders your case less curable, while
to recognize your sin, aids in destroying it. Both sin and
sickness are error, and Truth is their remedy. The truth
regarding error is, that error is not true, hence it is unreal.
To prove scientifically the error or unreality of sin, you
must first see the claim of sin, and then destroy it.
Whereas, to prove scientifically the error or unreality of
disease, you must mentally unsee the disease; then you
will not feel it, and it is destroyed.
Rapidity of assimilation
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Systematic teaching and the student's spiritual growth
Systematic teaching and the student's spiritual growth
and experience in practice are requisite for a thorough