CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS should be alert not to allow themselves to be mesmerized into inactivity by the suggestions which are being poured forth from many sources today, in the name of wisdom and truth. It is probable that no age in the world's history has equaled the present one in the extent to which suggestion is being used to advertise material wares for the purpose of money making, and to force acceptance of theories—often poorly considered—on the thought of the people.

One has but to think for a moment to be reminded of the torrent of words which is poured forth daily over the radio on the use of patent medicines, or of the talks on various diseases deemed more or less dangerous. The use of the radio, however, is only one of the ways whereby suggestions reach mankind. Many newspapers and magazines display all manner of advertisements soliciting patronage for different kinds of material remedies, as well as for tobacco and intoxicating liquor. Moving pictures also are being used to show, sometimes in detail, the extent of human knowledge on certain diseases, thereby tending to leave vivid impressions of these on the unguarded thought of those who view the pictures.

There is another thing of which Christian Scientists should take account, namely, the attempts being made to enforce medical opinions on the people, and the fact that some of these attempts have been successful in that the opinions have been adopted and translated by certain legislatures into terms of civil law. In so far as a law is righteous it is laudable; but when it curtails the religious liberty of the citizen or the subject, when it forces him to pursue a line of conduct which he is conscientiously persuaded will do more harm than good to himself or the individual members of his family, such a law is to be regarded as in need of amendment or repeal.

Christian Scientists are opposed to all forms of advertising by radio, by the press, or by any other means which tend to sow the seeds of evil or fear in the thought of youth or adult. Why? Because they know, through the teaching of Christian Science, that sin and fear are two of the chief causes of disease. Mrs. Eddy says on page 411 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "The procuring cause and foundation of all sickness is fear, ignorance, or sin;" and on page 368, "When fear disappears, the foundation of disease is gone." Every reasonable and wise effort should therefore be made to counteract the widespread attempts of materially-minded propagandists who, seeking to profit from human credulity, serve by their methods to promote fear and induce disease.

Christian Scientists should also oppose in all reasonable ways every attempt on the part of legislative bodies to enact laws which would place either themselves or their children under some system of medicine or hygiene which is not in accord with their own understanding—the understanding which Christian Science has given them—of how best to heal disease and promote health. It is true that many thoughtful physicians nowadays rightly esteem the therapeutic and prophylactic value of Christian Science, and do not hesitate to recommend Christian Science treatment, but they are in the minority. It is chiefly those who do not know what Christian Science treatment is, nor the benefits to be derived from this treatment, who urge their medical opinions upon legislative bodies, seeking to have them embodied unqualifiedly in law.

While Christian Scientists stand up for their rights, as men and women free to think and pray for themselves, and to act accordingly, always regardful of the rights of others, they do not refuse to obey the enacted laws of their state or country. (See The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany 344:21.) They endeavor to obey these laws, even should they deny their value for themselves. And should a Christian Scientist be in need of enlightenment on the laws of his state—on the laws, for example, which relate to infectious diseases, so called, and the reporting of such to state authorities—he may approach the Christian Science Committee on Publication for that jurisdiction, who will give him all necessary information regarding them.

Part of the work of Committees on Publication is to protect the interests of Christian Scientists against rules, laws, or the enactment of laws, which conflict with the practice of their religion. These Committees welcome the assistance of fellow Scientists and others in their efforts to do this. And genuine Christian Scientists everywhere will not hesitate to extend to them their aid, because they know that the Cause of Christian Science, so valuable to the world, demands it. Indeed, Christian Science, should co-operate with said Committees on all matters relating to legislative work, since it is these Committees who organize and direct this work.

The foregoing may be regarded as dealing chiefly with human considerations. There is the spiritual side, however, which Christian Scientists never fail to esteem as paramount. No matter how difficult a situation may appear to be, divine aid is always at hand. We can turn to God in faith and with understanding and find the power of Truth and Love instantly available to guide, to deliver, to heal. This has been proved times without number in the experience of Christian Scientists. We should be constant in our affirmation of the truth that God, good, is infinite, and that matter or evil has neither reality nor power. We should realize that God's law—the law of Love, the law of good—is the only real law, for thus shall we counteract the suggestion that in reality there are laws which are harmful, and prohibitive of spiritual growth. That "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Revelation 19:6) is spiritual fact.

The peoples of the world are working out their salvation—slowly but surely. Through Christian Science, knowledge of God and His perfect spiritual law is steadily increasing. This can result in one thing only—freedom from all domination, from all evil.

Duncan Sinclair