Article June 18, 1904 Issue

Is a Christian Scientist Liable to Sickness?

Alfred Farlow

Boston Times

Sickness is the result of sin. In Christian Science, however, the term sin is not restricted in its application to wilful wrongs, but refers to any deviation from the right, including even our ignorant mistakes. Sickness is possible because one's thought and conduct do not afford a sufficient defence against it. It is not what one knows, but fails to practise, which renders him immune from sickness; but the condition in which one actually lives.

As in mathematics, it is not one's belief in the rule which produces results, but the correct application thereof. Christian Science is advantageous only to those who deport themselves according to what they know. As in mathematics, while Science points out the way, the pupil must do the work. A Christian Scientist may have an advantage over his neighbor in having ascertained what he ought to do, but he reaps his reward only in proportion as he puts this knowledge into practice. John did not say, Blessed are they who know the commandments, for the mere purpose of being posted, but "Blessed are they that do his commandments." The blessing comes to the doer, not to the mere hearer, of the Word. To attain to such an understanding and realization of the truth as to become entirely and permanently immune from sickness and suffering, requires a life-work and continued watchfulness.

Our brief answer to the question, "Will a Christian Scientist ever be sick?" might be given in the following words: If he can always think aright and live aright, he cannot possibly be sick. If he deviates from the right course, retribution may come to him even more quickly than to those who have a less clear comprehension of the right way.

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