Article July 25, 1914 Issue

Mathematical Accuracy

A. C. SPRAGUE

In our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy frequently compares the rules laid down for the practice of Christian Science, to the rules of mathematics. In gaining a knowledge of this Science we find that we add the understanding of Truth to our consciousness, and that as we do so we naturally must subtract the errors of mortal mind. As we continue in this process our blessings multiply, and we learn in our daily experience instantly to distinguish the truth from the error, and so to separate the tares from the wheat.

If with equal accuracy and certainty we applied these rules to all our problems, how much needless work and prolonged suffering we might save ourselves! When discord confronts us, whether it be physical, mental, moral, or financial, if instead of looking about us to see what there is that could harm us, we would look within our own mentality and learn what "is unlike 'the anointed,' and cast it out" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 355), how much more quickly would we find relief! How often, when error presents itself, do we look into our brother's mentality to see whether he is directing envy, jealousy, malice, or hate toward us! Yet thereby we are making a reality of these errors in our own consciousness, to be externalized in other forms of discord, instead of knowing that evil is not personal, and there is in reality no material personality through which it can act, but that it is simply aggressive mental suggestion, which presents itself to us hoping for adoption.

If, on the other hand, we turn from error to the truth of being,—that man is the image and likeness of God, and reflects nothing but God's attributes, and never did and never can reflect anything else,—then the belief that there is a mortal mind or a mortal man who can be made a channel for error against his brother, would be destroyed. Mrs. Eddy says, "Evil thoughts and aims reach no farther and do no more harm than one's belief permits. Evil thoughts, lusts, and malicious purposes cannot go forth, like wandering pollen, from one human mind to another, finding unsuspected lodgment, if virtue and truth build a strong defense" (Science and Health, p. 234). Just so sure as is the law of mathematics, so sure is the law of recompense, and so long as we believe in and make a reality of aught that can reflect error to us, so long will we suffer the penalty of that belief. Paul says: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

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