Article April 20, 1935 Issue

"The two cardinal points of Mind-healing"

CHANCELLOR L. JENKS

A Statement of paramount importance to all who are striving to practice Christian Science is found on page 52 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." There Mrs. Eddy states: "The 'man of sorrows' best understood the nothingness of material life and intelligence and the mighty actuality of all-inclusive God, good. These were the two cardinal points of Mind-healing, or Christian Science, which armed him with Love."

When our Leader announces two points of Mind-healing as "cardinal," all who would follow her teaching must recognize the statement as of supreme significance, for "cardinal" means fundamental, essential. Without an understanding of these two cardinal points, Christian Science Mind-healing is impossible. Our Leader spent three years in search of a definite rule of procedure, the golden chain which unites all spiritual healings. After her long study of the Scriptures she gave to the world her textbook, in which are described what she terms "the two cardinal points of Mind-healing."

The point first mentioned is "the nothingness of material life and intelligence." As we go forth to heal, do we really recognize the nothingness of material life? Do we see the truth, for ourselves and our patient, that man is the perfect spiritual reflection of God? We are rightly eager to see a human being restored to physical soundness, but restoration of thought should be the main hope and objective. If tempted to ask ourselves the question, "Am I succeeding in this case?" are we not prone to look to the physical body alone for the answer? If material sense is nothing, what reply can it make to our question? Healing is accomplished through spiritualization of thought, and is seen in the externalization of the true understanding of Life in a betterment of physical conditions. The more abundant life is not ease in matter, it is the blessed reward of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If the Scientist knows that he and his patient have attained a clear understanding of spiritual Life, he may rest assured that the work is succeeding. Physical restoration is incidental to the attainment of a clearer understanding of divine Love. It is included among the "things" that are "added," to which Christ Jesus referred when he said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

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