Editorial July 9, 1949 Issue

NO CONCESSIONS TO MATTER

George Channing

"Let this Principle be applied to the cure of disease without exploiting other means." So writes Mary Baker Eddy, Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, on page 457 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." In that statement and in many others of similar import she makes clear the fact, which all faithful Christian Scientists accept as immutable and final, that the prayer which heals the sick does not mix with material so-called methods.

Then why the concessions in the textbook? Why does Mrs. Eddy twice assert and at other times imply her lack of jurisdiction over any would-be follower of hers who lets circumstances convince him that he should turn to those very methods which are no part of his religion?

The answer is. There are no concessions. Certainly there are none which give or imply sanction to the belief that one can resort to material means for healing and be applying at the same time the rule of Christian Science, which heals spiritually. The wording Mrs. Eddy uses, always under divine guidance, merely covers the release, temporarily or otherwise, of anyone to follow honestly the highest wisdom he is able to demonstrate. She does not give this release; it is not hers to give. She acknowledges it, without condemnation. The implication is plain that recourse to other means than Science will not do final or substantial good. Nevertheless, Mrs. Eddy declares for freedom to use one's highest sense of wisdom, because lessons learned through such a course, honestly accepted, will lead ultimately to a willing acceptance of truth. She declares for the duty of each individual to square accounts with Principle for himself.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

NO CONCESSIONS TO MATTER

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access