Article April 11, 1914 Issue

Prevention, or Cure?

JOHN ASHCROFT

The practice of Christian Science includes the prevention as well as the cure of all inharmony. Mrs. Eddy calls specific attention to the fact that "the prophylactic and therapeutic (that is, the preventive and curative) arts belong emphatically to Christian Science" (Science and Health, p. 369). The scope of this statement, in intent and effect, is much greater than is involved in its application solely to physical conditions.

Comparatively recent experiences have impressed upon the writer the necessity, on the part of all adherents of Christian Science, of constantly increasing familarity with all the writings of its Discoverer and Founder, to the end that we may be more thoroughly equipped to work out our salvation, and in so doing avoid the pitfalls incidental to the performance of our duties. At this period, when the subtleties of language are being employed by those who would "entangle us in our speech," we should increase our diligence in the study of our Leader's less known works.

A recent decision of the supreme court of one of the central states has given to the term "diagnosis" so broad a meaning that only the correct practice of Christian Science can save one from trespassing upon it. A Christian Scientist does not diagnose disease; does not prescribe drugs, diet, climate, travel, exercise, or any material remedy; does not physically examine, manipulate, or touch his patient. Neither does he use mesmerism or hypnotism. Understanding that man is spiritual, and that health is a condition of Mind and not of matter, he guards against the temptation to listen to and define the errors of mortal belief; and to the degree that he is successful in so doing he maintains the attitude of Christ Jesus indicated by Mrs. Eddy in "Retrospection and Introspection," in the chapter entitled The Great Discovery, where she writes, "I beheld with ineffable awe our great Master's purpose in not questioning those he healed as to their disease or its symptoms, and his marvelous skill in demanding neither obedience to hygienic law, nor prescribing drugs to support the divine power which heals" (p. 25).

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