Article July 18, 1903 Issue

Not Magic, but Understanding

H. W. NELSON.

Many strangers come to our churches, expecting to learn a magic word, a set form of words, a creed, which will give to them the art of healing. This expectation is entirely unauthorized, and they are really harboring thoughts pertaining to a primitive order of superstition. The healing as practised by Christian Scientists, though only incidental to the Science of Christianity, is very necessary since it is a proof of right apprehension and true discipleship. By thus proving they carry out one of the commands of the Master, and at the same time demonstrate to humanity their understanding of Christian Science. There is not any mystery in this practice; the ability to heal is really a growth upward in one's human consciousness, due to an appreciation of the eternal fact that God's eyes are too pure to behold iniquity. In other words, that a supreme cause, perfect good, cannot create imperfections and discords. In the degree that the argument, that the only real effects are good effects which result from a good cause is accepted, is one's growth in Christian Science secured.

The Sermon on the Mount, including the Lord's Prayer, gives full instructions for one's individual work as a student or disciple of Christianity. The apostles of Jesus have given much valuable explanation and assistance to the world, by reiteration of these instructions in the best words that their vernacular afforded. Mrs. Eddy in her work, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," has endeavored to reach the thought of the present age with a very logical and clear reiteration of these same instructions, and the magnificent growth of the Christian Science movement bears witness to the success of her efforts. The expressions sometimes used by Christian Scientists when narrating an instance of healing work, done in demonstration of their obedience to the Master's instructions, are possibly misleading to the superficial observer: "I held the right thought;" "I said over the scientific statement of being several times," etc. These are not talismanic thought conditions; they mean simply that the people expressing themselves in this manner were composing their thought in prayer, and thus gaining a realization of an infinite Father-Mother God, who is the giver of health, and all good.

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