Article February 10, 1923 Issue

Autosuggestion does not play either a large or a small part...

Louis E. Scholl, Committee on Publication for the State of Washington,—Spokane

Spokesman-Review

Autosuggestion does not play either a large or a small part in the healing work of Christian Science. Christian Science is based solely on the teachings of Jesus and of the sacred Word. Surely no one would say that Jesus healed by autosuggestion. By autosuggestion one is supposed to make himself believe he can do anything! Jesus plainly said, "I can of mine own self do nothing." Relying solely upon God as the source of his power, he taught that we should do the same. Christian Science teaches that the only way to be truly healed or to truly heal is to get away from self, seeking instead to know the One who is the source of our being. Christian Science does not reckon with a conscious mind and a subconscious mind, but attributes power only to the one Mind, which is infinite Life, Truth, and Love. Paul, speaking of this one infinite source of strength, says, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." On page 20 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy we read of Jesus, "'Despised and rejected of men,' returning blessing for cursing, he taught mortals the opposite of themselves, even the nature of God; and when error felt the power of Truth, the scourge and the cross awaited the great Teacher. Yet he swerved not, well knowing that to obey the divine order and trust God, saves retracing and traversing anew the path from sin to holiness." Here in a few strong words Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, points out the way for us to follow, in the choice of which no one can make a mistake. Autosuggestion, or self-hypnotism, which may consist of repeating a phrase over and over,—no difference how noble the phrase,—is likely to become mere parrotlike mimicry, and would be fatal to intellectual or spiritual growth. But if some are sick and distressed, and want a quotation or two that will help them to have that dominion which God intended that man made in His image and likeness should have, there is nothing finer than this from II Timothy: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind;" and also this statement from Science and Health (p. 494), "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." This is not autosuggestion; instead, it is having in us that Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus." It is this Mind that will heal the world.

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