Article August 3, 1912 Issue

"QUICK UNDERSTANDING"

CASSIUS M. LOOMIS.

To have our knowledge of the Science of being where we can make instant use of it in time of need is a most praiseworthy attainment. All along our way, from the mere act of mentally denying an unsavory report about our neighbor to picking oneself out of a wreck and instantly affirming the nothingness of mortal evidence, we find much to do if we are consistent Christian Scientists. He who has put these things to the test knows that being constantly clad in the full armor of righteousness insures victory daily, hourly. In the eleventh chapter of Isaiah we read concerning the divinely inspired man that "the spirit of the Lord ... shall make him of quick understanding," so that he shall not "judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears."

It is somewhat disappointing to learn, after an accident or bodily injury, that we have overlooked our privilege of denial until the error has wound its mischievous tentacles about us. How watchful seems mortal sense, and how ready it is to strike us dumb or take away our remembrance of the truth! Can we not become much more alert in affirming the good—our one unfailing defense—and thus, from habit, more effectively fight off evil? The skilled workman strikes the glowing steel while it is hot; it may take its time to cool. No outburst of human passion is ever so glowing but that a prompt denial chills it to a point of harmlessness. If the word we use is silent, it may be all the more effective.

The native ability of a good lawyer to assure his client by prompt denial that a vicious rumor about his case has no power whatever, may be the means of winning a suit at law; whereas, should both lawyer and client truckle to an unjust report, and thereby accord it a measure of reality, the opponent in the case might win by the mere default of negative thinking, and not through the rightful workings out of justice. A friend once told the writer of his early acquaintance with a Christian Scientist, before he had made a study of metaphysical teachings. When, perchance, he had spoken unguardedly about his fellows, some sort of mental denial seemed to be given back to him; he knew not what it was. He felt it to be a rebuke, though tendered him with the utmost kindness, while not a word was spoken in response. Since then he has learned why his unwary remark fell flat. His friend's mental resistance was instant and effective. We might suppose, then, that had this Christian Scientist injured a wrist or an ankle, he would out of habit and the training of his thoughts have been able to reduce the injury in a very brief moment. Such are the "signs following" that come to the devoted student of the truth.

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