Article May 29, 1937 Issue

Conquering Animal Magnetism

IRVING S. BAILEY

The following admonition from the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, is priceless in the clearness and directness of its instruction (p. 447): "Expose and denounce the claims of evil and disease in all their forms, but realize no reality in them." Mrs. Eddy knew that in order fully to carry out this admonition, it would be necessary for mankind to understand how to refrain from ascribing reality to that which seems to be but is not. How shall one keep one's spiritual vision clear? Christian Science teaches that this is accomplished by understanding the allness of God, good, and the nothingness of evil, including disease.

All who are familiar with the words and works of Christ Jesus know that he frequently taught by parables. When asked by his disciples to explain to them the sower and the seed, as recorded in Mark's Gospel, Jesus said, "Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?" In the light of Christian Science, based on the Master's teachings, we may find a special significance in this parable, which clearly illustrates the workings of animal magnetism.

Jesus' term for this hidden influence was Satan. And he explained how it prevents the Word of God from being received, enjoyed, and found fruitful. He said, "Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts." Then he told them of some of the ignorant and fraudulent ways in which mortals are influenced erroneously, namely, by "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things." And these carnal thoughts, "entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."

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