Editorial November 11, 1916 ISSUE

Physical Healing

Annie M. Knott

Students of Christian Science are supposed to be familiar with Mrs. Eddy's teachings as found in the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," especially those which relate to healing; and there is one passage on page xi of the Preface with which we cannot be too familiar, namely, "The physical healing of Christian Science results now, as in Jesus' time, from the operation of divine Principle, before which sin and disease lose their reality in human consciousness and disappear as naturally and as necessarily as darkness gives place to light and sin to reformation." In view of this and many similar statements which may be found in our text-book and in Mrs. Eddy's other writings, it is surely obvious that the healing of disease should always be accorded the importance which it deserves as one of the signs, that our Master said should "follow them that believe." Occasionally we hear some one speak of "mere physical healing," as if there could be such a thing in Christian Science, when the healing influence of divine Truth, as revealed through Science and Health, permeates human consciousness and dispels all darkness, thus bringing "life and immortality to light," to use the apostle's words.

It is quite true that the greater number of those who come to Christian Science for help are at first looking only for physical healing; and for a time they are satisfied with the relief felt from the absence of pain and fear, consequently they are apt to think and talk a great deal about the physical changes of which they are conscious, and which they are disposed to bring to the notice of others to such an extent as to call forth a criticism upon the healing, which apparently has gone no deeper than the flesh. It is not, however, fair to decide upon this question from the immature thought and utterances of the one who is only taking the first steps in Science; because when "the operation of divine Principle" begins to be felt in human consciousness, a great change is going on, much greater indeed than either the one healed or his friends can perceive. We should never forget that due appreciation of this healing, both on the part of the one who experiences it and also on the part of those who know of it, tends to open wide the windows which let in the healing radiance of "the Sun of righteousness;" and so we may well rejoice in the signs vouchsafed us, and every day and hour look for more.

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