Article May 20, 1911 Issue

Musicians do not master harmony from the study of discord...

Eugene R. Cox

New York (N. Y.) Journal

Musicians do not master harmony from the study of discord; artists do not learn of symmetry by the study of deformity, and bankers do not learn good money by studying counterfeits; but harmony, symmetry, and good money are recognized as real and true, while discords, deformities, and counterfeits are abnormal, wrong, and erroneous. Christian Scientists, recognizing God as the only and omnipotent creator, know that health is the heritage of all, and any other condition is erroneous. A discord may not jar the uneducated ear. A deformity may not appear hideous to the unenlightened eye, and a counterfeit may seem real to the ignorant until the truth is known concerning each; and when it is known the erroneous beliefs of banker, artist, and musician disappear.

In like manner the belief in disease is dissipated and overcome by the declaration of truth concerning man and his relationship to his creator. Dr. Parkhurst is right in saying that a Christian Science practitioner does not claim to do anything but pray for the patient. This prayer, however, is not a vain repetition of words, but is a conscious realization of the true man made in the image and likeness of God. The function of the Christian Science practitioner has been well likened to that of the lamplighter, or of him who turns on an electric light in a dark room. The darkness disappears; the lamplighter is not himself the light, nor does he dispel the darkness. Again, the relationship of patient and practitioner may be compared to that of the child who has not grown sufficiently to reach the button and asks some one of more mature stature to push the button and turn on the light.

Throughout Mrs. Eddy's writings purity, spirituality, and compassion are declared to be essential to the doing of the works which Jesus did and enjoined upon his followers. We read in the New Testament that those who sowed spiritual things reaped a material reward, and no one questions the propriety thereof. In this day money has been made a convenient measure and medium of exchange, and is the normal and natural equivalent for services rendered, and a Christian Science practitioner should no more be censured for accepting a money payment than should St. Paul for accepting board and raiment.

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