Article April 23, 1932 Issue

Self-Immolation

HENRY HARRISON

Mrs. Eddy possessed an unusual ability for employing words whereby new ideas are brought to light. This soon became apparent to one student of Christian Science, particularly in studying a passage which tells us what is required that prayer may accomplish its holy purpose. On page 1 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy has written, "Prayer, watching, and working, combined with self-immolation, are God's gracious means for accomplishing whatever has been successfully done for the Christianization and health of mankind." It is therefore evident that prayer, to be effective, must be "combined with self-immolation."

Self-immolation is a joyous experience when combined with the prayer that denies the presence and power of evil and affirms the allness and presence of God, good; and healing follows such prayer. Self-immolation may be regarded as including self-purification, self-sanctification, unselfed love, denial of whatever is false, abstinence from everything unlike good, disbelief in a power apart from God. Surely this attitude towards evil of every kind will free one from all enslaving habits, be they sick or sinful ones. Christian Science teaches that prayer reforms the sinner, heals the sick, and comforts them that mourn.

Gaining a willingness to give up our false sense of self is one of the first steps to take, and this may not always seem easy. The next step requires of us that we successfully carry out our good intentions. This is not accomplished in a moment, and depends on our honesty and sincerity. As the Bible puts it, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

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