Chapter XII - Christian Science Practice
Matter and animate error
409:1
effects. Intelligent matter is an impossibility. You
effects. Intelligent matter is an impossibility. You
may say: "But if disease obtains in matter, why do
you insist that disease is formed by mortal mind and
not by matter?" Mortal mind and body combine as
one, and the nearer matter approaches its final state-
ment, – animate error called nerves, brain, mind, – the
more prolific it is likely to become in sin and disease-
beliefs.
Dictation of error
409:9
Unconscious mortal mind – alias matter, brain – can-
Unconscious mortal mind – alias matter, brain – can-
not dictate terms to consciousness nor say, "I am sick."
The belief, that the unconscious substratum
of mortal mind, termed the body, suffers and
reports disease independently of this so-called conscious
mind, is the error which prevents mortals from knowing
how to govern their bodies.
So-called superiority
409:16
The so-called conscious mortal mind is believed to be
The so-called conscious mortal mind is believed to be
superior to its unconscious substratum, matter, and
the stronger never yields to the weaker, ex-
cept through fear or choice. The animate
should be governed by God alone. The real man is
spiritual and immortal, but the mortal and imperfect
so-called "children of men" are counterfeits from the
beginning, to be laid aside for the pure reality. This
mortal is put off, and the new man or real man is put
on, in proportion as mortals realize the Science of man
and seek the true model.
Death no benefactor
409:27
We have no right to say that life depends on matter
We have no right to say that life depends on matter
now, but will not depend on it after death. We cannot
spend our days here in ignorance of the Science
of Life, and expect to find beyond the grave
a reward for this ignorance. Death will not make us
harmonious and immortal as a recompense for ignorance.
410:1
If here we give no heed to Christian Science, which is
If here we give no heed to Christian Science, which is
spiritual and eternal, we shall not be ready for spiritual
Life hereafter.
Life eternal and present
410:4
"This is life eternal," says Jesus, – is, not shall be;
"This is life eternal," says Jesus, – is, not shall be;
and then he defines everlasting life as a present knowledge
of his Father and of himself, – the knowledge
of Love, Truth, and Life. "This is life eter-
nal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." The Scriptures
say, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God," show-
ing that Truth is the actual life of man; but mankind
objects to making this teaching practical.
Love casteth out fear
410:14
Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger.
Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger.
The more difficult seems the material condition to be
overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our
faith and the purer our love. The Apostle
John says: "There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love
casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made per-
fect in Love." Here is a definite and inspired proclama-
tion of Christian Science.
410:22
MENTAL TREATMENT ILLUSTRATED
MENTAL TREATMENT ILLUSTRATED
Be not afraid
410:23
The Science of mental practice is susceptible of no
The Science of mental practice is susceptible of no
misuse. Selfishness does not appear in the practice of
Truth or Christian Science. If mental prac-
tice is abused or is used in any way except to
promote right thinking and doing, the power to heal
mentally will diminish, until the practitioner's healing
ability is wholly lost. Christian scientific practice be-
gins with Christ's keynote of harmony, "Be not afraid!"