Article November 6, 1902 Issue

Divine Law

Lloyd B. Coate

Dayton (O.) Herald

CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS believe that the natural law is the divine law, or God's law. In the science of mathematics it is perfectly natural for the basic law to govern numbers. Only through an understanding of this basic law is the correct solution to problems obtained. There is nothing mysterious or superstitious about it except to those who may not fully understand. Judging from a human concept of things, it does not seem possible for the sick to be healed through the divine Mind; yet, according to our present understanding of Christian Science, it is perfectly natural. Thus in Christian Science, the natural law and the divine law are one; one is not spiritual and the other material, but both are spiritual, one and the same. So long as we continue to believe one to be spiritual and the other material, mystery will continue to enshroud us. We must have a science to show us the way out, and when Christian Science is understood it will be found to have no connection with superstition.

The supposition that the natural law is a material law, a law of the carnal human mind, and that occasionally God sets these laws aside, tends to darken consciousness and brings a perplexed state of mind; whereas to know that the natural law is God's law, better enables us to comprehend the Science of Being.

Christian Science does not appeal to men's superstitions; it takes them out of the domain of superstition and appeals to man's better reason, his better judgment. And what is the proof? The testimony of an innumerable company that Christian Science has healed them of suffering weighs mightily against the assertion that "it is impossible to demonstrate the efficacy of prayer in the process of healing," the testimony of this large body of intelligent and cultured people bearing witness that Christian Science has led them out of many phases of sin, and is leading them into higher ways and purer living, refutes the declaration that "it is impossible to defend the theory on moral grounds;" the potent fact is that Christian Science, lived, increases the love and trust of all its followers in the Bible promises, in the power of good over evil, of truth over error, and mind over matter, even to the exclusion of the use of material medicine; consequently, there is no foundation for the accusation that it appeals to men's superstitions. While Christian Scientists do not take material medicine, yet they are kind toward those who do; they are charitable in their views, wanting all people to have whatever they think will bring relief from suffering.

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