Editorial December 16, 1911 Issue

DIVINE SCIENCE UNCHANGING

Annie M. Knott

In Science and Health we read: "Belief is changeable, but spiritual understanding is changeless" (p. 96). It is well to remember that one's belief respecting the truth is not the truth itself, but perfect understanding reflects the spiritual fact and is therefore changeless. It is true that the one who accepts Christian Science usually gains at the start a remarkably clear sense of its basic teachings as given in our text-book, and especially those found in the chapter Recapitulation; but the application of these teachings to constantly changing human conditions is a different thing. Here it must not be forgotten that students of Christian Science are themselves changing, as the "old man" of material belief is "put off" and "the inward man is renewed day by day."

In Mrs. Eddy's "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 65) she answers at some length and with great clearness the question, "Have you changed your instructions as to the right way of treating disease?" to which she replies, "I have not; and this important fact must be, and already is, apprehended by those who understand my instructions on this question." She then goes on to say that Christian Science "demands both law and gospel," and adds, on page 66, that she endeavors to accommodate her instructions to "the present capability of the learner." She further declares, "Justice uncovers sin of every sort; and mercy demands that if you see the danger menacing others, you shall, Deo volente, inform them thereof;" to which she adds, "Only thus is the right practice of Mind-healing achieved."

In establishing the cause of Christian Science Mrs. Eddy has been a faithful and consistent follower of Christ Jesus, who taught and demonstrated the omnipotence of God, good, and who also denounced in scathing terms the pretensions and delusions of the mortal mind. On one occasion, when he was warning his disciples respecting its devices, we read that Peter undertook to rebuke his Master; but Peter himself was rebuked for his presumption, and was shown, with the others, that the uncovering of evil means the taking up of the cross daily. Our revered Leader asks, "What artist would question the skill of the masters in sculpture, music, or painting? Shall we depart from the example of the Master in Christian Science, Jesus of Nazareth,—than whom mankind hath no higher ideal?" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 270.)

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