Chapter XII - Christian Science Practice
Diagnosis of matter
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.