ACCURACY

ERNEST W. DAVIS.

It would seem that a faithful study of the Lesson–Sermon each week would make clear to every reader the difference between man in the image and likeness of God, and the mortal material man cognized by the physical senses, and Christian Scientists, or those who have accepted the teachings of Christ Jesus as interpreted in Christian Science, should realize the importance of being correct in their statements of the rules and Principle of this Science.

Not long ago the writer heard some one addressing another, who had asked for help, without any discrimination on this important point, quite forgetful of the fact that such statements are harmful, not only to a patient who is under such treatment, but those who are honestly seeking the truth, and who have the inclination and ability to think for themselves, are prejudiced against Christian Science because they see the incongruity of such statements. Incorrect interpretations of Christian Science are without excuse, because even a superficial study of the text–book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, will place one, who is humble enough really to seek the truth, and who is not blinded by personal ambition or pride in intellectuality, beyond the liability to err, greatly or for long, in either statement or application of its Principle.

Let us see what Mrs. Eddy says concerning man. On page 67 of Science and Health we read, "Man delivered from sin, disease, and death presents the true likeness or spiritual ideal." Again, on page 90, we are told that "at present we know not what man is, but we certainly shall know this when man reflects God." She also tells us that "a discontented, discordant mortal is no more a man than discord is music." After reading the many statements in Science and Health which deal with this question, it is surely clear that the mortal, material personality is not man. On page 482 in Science and Health we read that "Christian Science is the law of Truth, which heals the sick on the basis of the one Mind or God." Now law, according to Webster, is "a fixed rule of action or conduct, enforced by a sovereign authority; an invariable relation existing between cause and effect." Then Christian Science is a "fixed rule of action or conduct; an invariable relation existing between cause and effect," and those who would demonstrate its Principle by destroying the evidence of the physical senses, must strive earnestly not to deviate a hair's breadth from absolute accuracy in statement, whether verbally or otherwise.

That our Leader has seen the necessity for correct application of the Principle and rules for demonstrating Christian Science will be seen by reading the following excerpts from Science and Health. On page 128 Mrs. Eddy says that Science "rests on fixed Principle and not upon the judgment of false sensation. ... If both the major and the minor propositions of a syllogism are correct, the conclusion, if properly drawn, cannot be false." Again, on page 251, she puts the same thought before us, rather more strongly, in these words: "Ignorance, like intentional wrong, is not Science." Looking farther, we find on page 361 this statement: "A human perception of divine Science, however limited, must be correct in order to be Science and subject to demonstration."

With these warnings continually before us, it seems incredible that any can fail to see the need of accuracy of statement in expressing their thought of Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy has been and is devoting her life to the cause of Christian Science, and in establishing this healing truth she has frequently warned her followers against adulteration and corruption by ignorant or wilful misapplication. We, as Christian Scientists, can do no less than to watch carefully and prayerfully, and be constantly on guard that we be not found adding to her labor by careless and inaccurate interpretation or statement of the Principle and rules, set forth in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" so clearly that "he that runs may read."

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