Editorial May 10, 1930 Issue

Specific Treatments

Clifford P. Smith

One of Mrs. Eddy's directions for the practice of Christian Science that deserves more attention than it generally has had, is her statement in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 233) that "the counter fact relative to any disease is required to cure it." Although this brief precept does not expressly extend beyond disease, its basis applies generally to the handling of error or evil by mental and spiritual power. This comment is sustained and the quoted direction is elucidated by the author's previous statement on the same page, that we should "compass the destruction of sin and sickness by overcoming the thoughts which produce them, and by understanding the spiritual idea which corrects and destroys them."

There is, then, a "counter fact relative to any disease." There is a spiritual idea opposite to any phase of error. Consequently, the pertinent truth should be employed as the agent of healing or protection. In any situation, divine deliverance or sustenance can be invoked, and should be, by comprehending the spiritual facts instead of the material semblances. The Master's saying, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," can be fairly rendered, Ye shall know the truth in regard to any error, and this truth shall make you free. In short, Christian Science practice requires the use of spiritual sense in relevant ways.

This practice is, however, adjusted to human capacities and attainments. It is adapted to the beginner, to the more advanced practicer, and to the most expert practitioner. It also allows the practitioner to have an individuality in his choice of ideas. In a word, it is available to all who are sincere. Nevertheless, this religion is methodical, orderly, systematic. For this reason, the best results in its practice are most likely to be gained by mental modes which fit the innumerable and widely various occasions or reasons for its use.

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