"A false, convenient peace"*

Archibald McLellan

Occasionally we hear the statement made by some Christian Scientist that certain other Christian Scientists "make too much of animal magnetism." If it is intended to convey by this the impression that these Christian Scientists are afraid of animal magnetism, which Mrs. Eddy defines as "the false belief that mind is in matter, and is both evil and good" (Science and Health, p. 103), that it has become an entity to them, the statement is entirely correct—they are making "too much of it." If, on the contrary, the meaning is that those who are thus criticized are giving attention to the specific beliefs of error or mortal mind by denying their claims to reality or power, then there is imperative need for more careful thought and a thorough study of the article, "Ways that are Vain," on page 210 of the new volume of Mrs. Eddy's writings, "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany."

It is quite evident from the context that when Mrs. Eddy made the statement that "evil is not power" (Science and Health, p. 192), she did not intend this statement to be considered as warrant for the closing of our eyes to the evil beliefs which present themselves in human experience. She was thoroughly aware that in this human experience mortality constantly presents itself as more real, more powerful, and more enduring than good, not only because of the receptivity of mortal mind to the belief that it is a creator, but also because the record of humanity is that it frequently calls evil good or necessary, or even "good in the making," as it is sometimes mistakenly defined in an attempt to give it authorization.

It is, of course, fundamental for us as Christian Scientists to know that God, good, is all, and that evil is neither real nor powerful, but we must not be content to rest with the acceptance of this fundamental knowledge, nor with the simple or perfunctory declaration of it. We must measure every human belief and experience by this unchanging and unchangeable standard, and we must brand with "the mark of the beast" every belief or experience which does not conform to the standard of Truth, just as the bank teller brands the counterfeit coin or the gold piece which is under weight. It is not sufficient for him to declare in the abstract that there is no money except good money; he must so stamp the counterfeit that it shall proclaim its falsity to the world, be exposed for the lie that it is.

As Christian Scientists, therefore, we must be alert, through the knowledge of the genuine and good, to detect and brand that which claims to be good and powerful, but is not. Moreover, to declare merely in an abstract way that "all is good," may lead us into pantheism, unless we know and unqualifiedly declare that certain specific things which claim to be good, and which mortal mind believes to be good, are in fact evil, and therefore unreal. Our great Master did not fail to denounce evil specifically, and in unmistakable terms, neither did Paul in his condemnation of the "works of the flesh."

To cite yet another instance, Mrs. Eddy in the "scientific statement of being" (Science and Health, p. 468), a statement which she considered of such great importance as to be fittingly made a part of each Sunday service in the Christian Science churches, does not content herself with simply declaring that "all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation," but she also brings out, in sharp contrast, the specific declarations that certain beliefs of mortal mind are erroneous. It will be noted too that she does not make these denials of mortal belief because the words "all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation" are inadequate to express the completeness of God and His idea or reflection, but because humanity needs to know, and to be able instantly to brand as untrue, the specific beliefs and claims of mortal mind.

Every demonstrating Christian Scientist proves in his daily work that "evil is not power," and this proof is always secured in the overcoming of specific claims of evil; therefore let us not be deceived into believing that the mere declaration or affirmation that "all is good" is the sum total of Christian Science prayer or treatment. There must be as well an unmistakable recognition of the nothingness of evil.

Archibald McLellan.

*"The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," page 211.

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