Editorial January 20, 1923 Issue

Application of Christian Science

Duncan Sinclair

When Mrs. Eddy wrote in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 3), "The lessons we learn in divine Science are applicable to all the needs of man," she stated a great fact, to which every Christian Scientist can readily subscribe. Based upon the understanding of divine Principle, the teachings of Christian Science are absolute, yet ever available; and all who have a measure of this knowledge can apply it to their every need, to every condition or circumstance which may seem to arise unlike in its nature to the manifestation of good. Whatever be the trouble, whatever the difficulty, the Christian Scientist can turn to the understanding of Truth which Christian Science gives him, and find in its application the alleviation, yea, the destruction, of his woes.

It is common knowledge nowadays that sickness can be healed through the practice of Christian Science. Innumerable cases of the healing of disease in this manner are on record. Each week the Christian Science Sentinel, and each month The Christian Science Journal and the Heralds of Christian Science contain a record of many such cases, as well as numerous acknowledgments of the overcoming of sin, lack, or some other human disability. But over and above these blessings, Christian Science is bringing about reform, directly and indirectly, in every department of human activity. The business-man, for example, carries his understanding of Truth into his business, with the inevitable result that his methods become freer from questionable dealing, and more generous as regards his fellow-men; and if he persist in his endeavors to demonstrate divine Principle, nothing but good results will follow, both to himself and to all connected with his concerns.

In the general affairs of life, similar effects always result from the application of spiritual understanding. Paul takes notice of this in his epistle to the Galatians when he says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." "The fruit of the Spirit" is the result of progressive demonstration. It is the natural consequence of living in accordance with divine Truth and Love. It follows as inevitably upon the understanding and practice of the allness of good and the acknowledge of the unreality of evil as a correct answer always results from rightly applying a rule in arithmetic. Thus, for instance, the Christian Science movement, without specially directed effort, has done far more for temperance than the world is capable at present of estimating. Not only are Christian Scientists temperate themselves, but by their example, and, above all, by their understanding of the illusory nature of the sensuous beliefs of mortal mind, they are promoting temperance everywhere. As Mrs. Eddy has stated in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 404), "The temperance reform, felt all over our land, results from metaphysical healing, which cuts down every tree that brings not forth good fruit."

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