Article August 1, 1908 Issue

The results of Christian Science practice are not accomplished...

J. V. Dittemore

Brooklyn ( N. Y.) Eagle

The results of Christian Science practice are not accomplished through blind belief or through the operation of suggestion, auto-suggestion, or other phases of hypnotism. On the contrary, its practice is in demonstration of the fact that there is a fixed, definite, and divine law governing the universe, which can be understood, appropriated, and applied to every problem of human experience with the positive assurance that scientific and exact results will be accomplished in proportion to one's understanding and correct application of the rules of its practice. It rests its practice on the spiritual understanding and realization of the omnipotence of God, and the present availability in every problem of human experience of the same Principle that was operative in the marvelous works of the Master of and of his disciples and followers of the primitive Christian Church. It teaches that God and His laws are changeless and that the works of Jesus were lawful and scientific and not in contravention of law. A miracle is only miraculous to those who do not know the method by which it is accomplished. Many of our every-day experiences would have been miraculous to our forefathers. Christian Science teaches that God, who has created and sustains the universe, is equal to the task of preserving His creation in harmony and perfection.

As mortals, through the correct thinking of Christian Science and by increased spiritual understanding, remove the fetters of human procurement, they come into an understanding of God which gives them an adequate salvation from the sorrow, suffering, and discord of human experience, and which demonstrates the truth of the Master's statement that the kingdom of heaven is within the consciousness of each individual. Christian Science proves that the works of Jesus the Christ were scientific, based on fixed Principle or law, and that Christianity can be effective only if its "works" are scientific and provable. It removes the doubt and skepticism arising from unanswered prayer, and proves that God, the governing power of the universe, is available and equal to the correct solution of every problem which confronts mankind. Christian Science shows that sin, suffering, and disease are not of God's creation, but illegitimate abnormalities which must disappear in proportion to one's apprehension of the allness of God and the perfection of His creation.

Hypnotism, suggestion, and other products of human will-power are no part of Christian Science practice. Mortals must have access to the divine Mind that is above and beyond the human or carnal mind, which is the source of all discordant conditions. In the impositions of human will, it is held that disease could be as readily manifested on the person under treatment as a suggestion of health. In Christian Science, however, only a more perfect and Christlike experience can result from the declaration of truth. . . . Christian Science accepts the words and works of Jesus in their entirety, and its practice is in demonstration of the truth of his promise that his followers should, according to the measure of their apprehension of his teachings, perform the same mighty works that he performed, when they go "to the Father" in the way he commanded. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 495), "Truth casts out error now as surely as it did nineteen centuries ago," but "all of Truth is not understood; hence its healing power is not fully demonstrated."

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