Article September 12, 1914 Issue

The Perfect Concept

ROBERT NALL

A great preacher in his latest book has written: "The anticipation of triumph is one of the secrets of victory. Now, this is a most important truth in Christian Science. . . . Christian Science counsels its disciples to keep their minds fixed on finished achievements. They must steadily foresee the condition at which they want to arrive."

While the foregoing statement does not express correctly the teachings of Christian Science, it nevertheless hints at an "important truth," otherwise the command given by the Master, "Be ye therefore perfect," would have little or no meaning. Scholastic theology has always accepted this in theory; Christian Science, as revealed through Mrs. Eddy, has made it practical, for it has shown that there is a true or perfect standard ever before mankind, and that the whole basis of salvation, of man's redemption from sin, want, and woe, is based upon it. This conviction is fertile in wonderful results. It means annihilation to all sense of doubt and fear, and to a whole brood of false beliefs,—beliefs which for thousands of years have corrupted human thought, shackled aspiration, beclouded the vision, and perverted the teaching of Jesus. On the other hand, it stimulates effort, encourages men to "fight the good fight of faith," and to know that heaven (harmony) is not a fantastic dream, but a reality,—a state of consciousness to which all may attain.

One of the very first things which the student of Christian Science learns, is that "the Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea,—perfect God and perfect man,—as the basis of thought and demonstration" (Science and Health, p. 259). Moreover, he soon accustoms himself to being governed and guided by this truth, that is, when he has cast off many traditional views and opinions. It is on this basis that all the healing works of Christian Science are done; and it is because human thought outside of Christian Science refuses to accept this basis in its entirety that the search for physical health is limited to matter, thus ignoring the claims and the power of Spirit. Christian Science reckons with absolute confidence on mankind's ultimate triumph over sin, sickness, and death. A little consideration will show that there are the most unanswerable reasons for this, reasons which make a strong appeal to all who flee to Christian Science for help.

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