Article September 25, 1954 Issue

OVERCOMING FEAR

HERBERT BUCHER

"The feats of the gymnast prove that latent mental fears are subdued by him," writes Mary Baker Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 199). And in the next paragraph she adds, "Had Blondin believed it impossible to walk the rope over Niagara's abyss of waters, he could never have done it." She then continues, a few lines farther on, "His fear must have disappeared before his power of putting resolve into action could appear."

I saw Blondin walk a tightrope stretched high across the interior of a large auditorium. His most daring feat was to walk the rope without the aid of a balancing pole and without the safety net beneath him. Not until later did it occur to me that those watching below had not seemed afraid that Blondin would fall on them, so sure were they all of his unique ability. At the time I did not realize that I was witnessing an exhibition of the subduing of "latent mental fears." I was aware only of someone's accomplishing an almost impossible thing.

Years later, upon reviewing this experience as a Christian Scientist, I was immeasurably helped toward the understanding that dominion over fear can be daily demonstrated. However, I also realized that one would not place himself in the position of a professional exhibitionist without undergoing the training necessary to fit him to be one. It likewise has become clear that in order to be a worthy exponent of Christian Science one must humbly train his thought and endeavor along the exact scientific pattern set forth by Mrs. Eddy in her writings.

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