Article January 1, 1944 ISSUE

"The confidence inspired by Science"

THE HON. LILIAN LADY BROMLEY

The prevalence of superstitious beliefs is a stumbling block too often unrecognized or ignored by humanity. St. Paul warned the "men of Athens" against this evil when he said, "I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious." Superstition may try to interfere with one's highest motives and hopes as well as with the experiences of one's everyday life.

It is of very real importance, then, if the individual would progress spiritually, that he free himself from superstitious beliefs which would rob him of so much good; for to bow down to such false gods would interfere with beneficial decision and action, and thereby deprive him of mental freedom, peace, and unfoldment of wisdom.

In reality, superstition has no inherent power, and can be proved in Christian Science to be without law, intelligence, cause, or effect. Therefore, it would indeed be to the great advantage of all to give superstition no power by believing in it or fearing it. The blessing of freedom from and dominion over such fears not only would bring reward to oneself, but would certainly help to free others.

The first step to take may well be to stop listening to or obeying the nagging fears engendered by the ignorance of superstitious beliefs and to replace these suggestions with the many loving assurances and reassurances to be found in the Bible, which comfort and release one from the bondage of baseless fears. The following lovely lines from Malachi always bring inspiration and freedom: "Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings." Modern translators of the Bible have found that the word "fear," in many instances, should properly be translated "love."

In working along these lines we have a warning which is of paramount importance and help. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 237 ) Mary Baker Eddy writes, "Superstition, like 'the fowls of the air,' snatches away the good seed before it has sprouted." The writer well remembers an experience she had when a very young student of Christian Science. She was going through a severe trial of illness which seemed to continue without any sign of improvement, and there was much discouragement and fear. At last, one day, while she was trying to read Science and Health, the words which are the title of this article caught her attention. They are on page 368 and the complete sentence reads. "The confidence inspired by Science lies in the fact that Truth is real and error is unreal." Immediately she realized that throughout the illness she had unconsciously accepted the symptoms of the discord and distress which she was apparently going through as temporarily powerful or real. The reading of this sentence inspired confidence, healing came quickly, and since then she has often proved how one or another of the many verses of promise and strength in the Bible or some lines of encouragement in Science and Health can lift one out of difficult experiences and also prevent their occurrence.

"The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice." said the Psalmist. A dictionary definition of "reign" is "to possess or exercise sovereign power or authority"—helpful words when fear assaults. May we be established in the ever-increasing understanding of the all-embracing statement of Truth from Science and Health (p. 379 ), "The real jurisdiction of the world is in Mind, controlling every effect and recognizing all causation as vested in divine Mind."

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