Article July 6, 1940 Issue

Enlistment to Lessen Evil

CHARLES N. ZYLMAN

Students of Christian Science are familiar with Mary Baker Eddy's statement on page 450 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good."

Webster defines "enlist," in part, as "to enter heartily into a cause." It would therefore appear that a Christian Scientist has entered heartily into the work of lessening sin, disease, and death. And, so enlisted, he earnestly studies the Christian Science textbook in order to gain a thorough knowledge of its teachings and thus make himself proficient in overcoming the claims of mortal mind. This proficiency is gained not by haphazard methods of study, but by systematic thoroughness. Thus he is able to withstand the onslaughts of error with the knowledge of its nothingness, and becomes a defender of his right to freedom from evil. The suggestions of mortal mind will not be allowed to sway him from his purpose, or mislead him into bypaths of error.

What could make the individual alert and steadfast in Truth but an understanding of the divine Principle and rules which he is learning to apply? This knowledge gives him the confidence which enables him to accomplish what he has set out to do, to perform the duties pertaining to enlistment. When a false claim of evil presents itself, he goes to the root of the claim, routs the enemy, and establishes that which is true. He holds to the certain conviction that only the right solution can and must result from his efforts. He has the assurance that God is omnipotent, and with that assurance he goes about his business of lessening the claims of evil, thereby demonstrating the power of God.

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