CHRISTIAN SCIENCE A PREVENTIVE

BRIGMAN C. ODOM.

A correct knowledge and right understanding of Christian Science shows that it fortifies one against the wiles of the evil one,—forestalls or prevents troubles, such as protracted illness, vexing business problems, fits of anger, etc. In Science and Health, (p. 390), Mrs. Eddy says, "Meet the incipient stages of disease with as powerful mental opposition as a legislator would employ to defeat the passage of an inhuman law."

In the old school of thought one agrees with the evidence of the physical senses, believing the trouble, whatever its nature, to be real, and furthermore conceding to it its course, while the student of Christian Science obeys the Scriptural injuction to resist the devil; he endeavors to dwell "in the secret place of the most High;" he tries to pray without ceasing; he does not wait to get into trouble and then work to get out. In this attitude of thought he is clothed with an impervious armor. He is putting into practical demonstration St. Paul's admonition, "Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Many striking examples are given in the Bible of protection or deliverance from what would seem from a human view-point impending danger or destruction. When the Egyptians had overtaken the Hebrews at the Red sea, it would seem from all the circumstances that nothing but destruction awaited them, but through the courage and confidence of Moses,—his faith and trust in God,—a way of escape was provided. Daniel knew the power and value of right thinking; he understood God as ever-present Love. He knew that God made nothing which did not reflect the qualities and characteristics of the divine Mind; hence he felt secure and safe even in the presence of what seemed imminent danger.

As seen through the lens of Spriit, so-called matter has neither activity nor permanency. This was clear to the three Jews whom King Nebuchadnezzar had condemned to perish in a burning fiery furnance because of their refusal to worship his gods and the golden image which he had set up. They were established in the thought of one infinite God, good, whom they served, and a burning fiery furnance and the threats of a mortal man had no terror for them. So these men passed through the seeming extreme heat without experiencing any loss or hurt to themselves, and even the mind of the cruel king was so changed by this incident that he was able to see "four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire," without hurt; "and the form of the fourth" was "like the Son of God."

Thus it is the privilege of every one to know that there is a place of refuge now from the "burning heats by day" and "the terror by night." This true thought-process and inspiration to righteousness, this refuge or place of security, is easily accessible to all who will stretch forth the hand of right desire and sincerely seek the good gift and the perfect gift that "is from above." Ignorance, superstition, procrastionation, mental laziness, these are the curse on mortals; while knowledge, understanding, purity, activity are the wings wherewith they fly to heaven. The consciousness that man is "the full representation of Mind" (Science and Health, p. 591), and that Mind is the ever-present God, shuts out the images of mortal thought,—sin, disease, and death,—leaving man free to enter into the spiritual holy place, where he may commune with God, Spirit, and know that as God's reflection no evil can befall him, for his defense is the infinite Mind that governs man and the universe.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"AND THERE WAS NO MORE SEA"

May 20, 1911

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit