Article October 8, 1904 Issue

Demonstration

JOHN C. LATHROP.

Probably no word is used more conspicuously by Christian Scientists than the word demonstration, and it is likewise probable that no word is more frequently misused.

A student of Christian Science is taught that Spirit does not produce matter, and therefore Christian Science cannot be used to "demonstrate" material things, as such. The distinct separation of Spirit and matter is a vital point in this teaching, one which it urges uncompromisingly. Did it not insist upon this cardinal discrimination, thought would inevitably be lost in the mazes of materialism, Science become confused with personal sense, and the problem of being again be left to the mercy of the human will.

To demonstrate is to prove, and what the Christian Scientist does demonstrate is divine Principle, divine Love, Life, and Truth, divine Science or Christian Science, harmony, etc. If he is scientific and wise he will keep no model in his consciousness other than the perfect and spiritual, he will seek this alone; then his false material and discordant sense will yield to the true or spiritual sense, and the practical outcome will be a natural and proportionate harmonizing of all physical conditions. "Christ, Truth, gives mortals temporary food and clothing until the material, transformed with the ideal, disappears; and man is clothed and fed spiritually" (Science and Health, p. 442). The harmony thus produced is the effect of a true demonstration, and can be called by this name. A hypnotist or a magician, might possibly assume to demonstrate material things; but the Christian Scientist seeks first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things are added.

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