Article September 29, 1945 Issue

"Leave the field to God"

KATHRYN OTIS BREEDEN

In the practice of Christian Science one of the most important points to bear in mind is that the effect of a Christian Science treatment can never be outlined in terms of materiality. Mary Baker Eddy has written in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 419), "Your true course is to destroy the foe, and leave the field to God, Life, Truth, and Love, remembering that God and His ideas alone are real and harmonious." The truth which the Christian Scientist knows, annihilates the argument of error that may appear to him as his own thought or as that of another. He does not speculate as to the outcome of this treatment; he knows that since it is the acknowledgment of man's immortal perfection as the child of God its immediate effect is good. He does not limit or circumscribe that good, nor allow human will to picture a set of circumstances appealing to the senses; nor does he outline how the healing will be manifested. He keeps his affirmation strictly in the absolute, which knows that man is free, whole, and joyous. And he gratefully thanks the Father that this fact is apparent now.

It is the tendency of the so-called human mind to outline its own destiny, without recourse to prayer, and thereby to restrict progressive unfoldment. One of the great joys of the study of Christian Science is the fresh, vital revelation of spiritual truths disclosed to the student when he opens his Bible and textbook for instruction and inspiration. He learns that while human existence seems to be laid out in, and to follow, a set or fixed pattern, God reveals that there is only His plan, unseen to physical sense but unlimited and complete.

A Christian Science practitioner was once approached by an individual who wished Christian Science treatment for himself in order that he might be elected to a desired public office. The man asserted his conviction that he alone could fulfill the duties of that office and that those who believed otherwise were obstructing God's wishes in the matter. The practitioner, discerning outlining, self-importance, and human will in the patient's thought, pointed out that his request practically resolved itself into a demand for a prayer directed against the welfare of his opponents and that no Christian Science treatment was ever given for such a purpose or with such a motive. However, it was promised that if he would willingly open his thought to the order and harmony of God's plan and, with the practitioner, thank Him that His will was already done, a blessing would result for him and for all. The man consented and treatment was faithfully given. The practitioner realized that no force opposite to the Father reigns, and that, as one of our hymns phrases it, "Love's work and Love must fit."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

On Writing for Our Periodicals