"Avoid voicing error"

Duncan Sinclair

In her book "No and Yes," in the section entitled "Science of Mind-healing" (p. 7), Mrs. Eddy gives some admirable advice to all, but especially to those who are studying Christian Science and are eager to know how to comport themselves towards their fellow men. How often does the student of Christian Science find himself wondering whether he should say this or that to some one, whether it would be "scientific" to speak on some topic or other, or whether it would not be better to remain silent. He knows that Christian Science inculcates wisdom, and that wisdom is expressed in thought and afterwards in speech or some other form of action. He knows that wisdom itself is of God, is indeed that state of consciousness which has been enlightened by an understanding of divine Principle; and he is desirous of expressing this conscious perception of Principle, and it alone, in his dealings with mankind.

Mrs. Eddy's writings are overflowing with wise admonition. The pages of her books are teeming with sage advice. Open her works almost anywhere and there will be found the wise word, the gentle reprimand, the sympathetic reminder of God's loving care, each and all a blessing to the reader desirous of bearing witness to the Principle of good. "No and Yes" abounds with the tenderest solicitude for the well-being and well-doing of the individual; and there is a statement on page 8 which cannot fail especially to arrest attention. "Avoid voicing error," Mrs. Eddy writes; "but utter the truth of God and the beauty of holiness, the joy of Love and 'the peace of God, that passeth all understanding,' recommending to all men fellowship in the bonds of Christ." The truth about God, the beauty of His completeness, the peace and joy that come from an understanding of Him as Love, the bringing to those who are ready for it the message of the Christ, Truth,—these, all of these, are suitable themes to dwell upon and to voice; but,—"avoid voicing error."

Now, why should the voicing of error be avoided? Why should people refrain from talking about error, whether it be the symptoms of some so-called disease or some form of sinful belief? There cannot possibly be any hesistancy in answering the question if one knows anything about the different effects of Truth and error. What would be thought of the Christian Science practitioner who, while in the presence of a case with which he is dealing, discussed the physical symptoms of the hypothetical disease beliefs that seemed to present themselves? One would seriously question his understanding of the rules of Christian Science healing, because it should be known that the healing of sickness comes about by making false belief unreal to the sick person. The case of sin is similar. To discuss some specific sin with one who may be suffering from the belief in it probably would but serve to suggest and accentuate the sin to the sinner.

Paul admonished Timothy in the words, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Wise words these. Paul knew the hypnotic effect of evil suggestion; and his advice showed not only his love for his fellow men, but how they in turn might extend this Christian grace to others.

While Mrs. Eddy strongly insists that error should not be voiced, she is equally explicit in saying that the truth should be spoken to error. Her own words are, as found in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 418), "Speak the truth to every form of error." Be correctly informed first of all as regards error, and then divine wisdom will give the guidance for the voicing of the truth necessary to expose and destroy it. Experience soon informs the conscientious student of Christian Science that he is able to handle the erroneous beliefs which may present themselves, seemingly within or outside of his own thinking, in the degree that he himself has risen above the belief of the reality of evil. That is the secret of the successful handling of evil or error of any kind. Look upon evil as a reality, and one is powerless to deal with it metaphysically. Know it is a lie, as Christian Science declares it to be, without real entity or actual identity, whatever its name or sign, and it can be handled with authority. "Avoid voicing error," but "speak the truth to every form of error,"—two wonderful pieces of advice, based on profound spiritual understanding of Principle.

Duncan Sinclair.

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