If, before the change whereby we meet the dear de-parted, our life-work proves to have been well done, weshall not have to repeat it; but our joys and means of ad-vancing will be proportionately increased. [20]The difference between a belief of material existenceand the spiritual fact of Life is, that the former is a dreamand unreal, while the latter is real and eternal. Onlyas we understand God, and learn that good, not evil,lives and is immortal, that immortality exists only in [25]spiritual perfection, shall we drop our false sense of Lifein sin or sense material, and recognize a better state ofexistence.Can I be treated without being present during treatment?Mind is not confined to limits; and nothing but our [30]own false admissions prevent us from demonstrating this[pg 043]great fact. Christian Science, recognizing the capabili- [1]ties of Mind to act of itself, and independent of matter,enables one to heal cases without even having seen theindividual,—or simply after having been made ac-quainted with the mental condition of the patient. [5]Do all who at present claim to be teaching ChristianScience, teach it correctly?By no means: Christian Science is not sufficiently un-derstood for that. The student of this Science who under-stands it best, is the one least likely to pour into other [10]minds a trifling sense of it as being adequate to make safeand successful practitioners. The simple sense one gainsof this Science through careful, unbiased, contemplativereading of my books, is far more advantageous to thesick and to the learner than is or can be the spurious [15]teaching of those who are spiritually unqualified. Thesad fact at this early writing is, that the letter is gainedsooner than the spirit of Christian Science: time is re-quired thoroughly to qualify students for the great ordealof this century. [20]If one student tries to undermine another, such sinisterrivalry does a vast amount of injury to the Cause. Tofill one's pocket at the expense of his conscience, or tobuild on the downfall of others, incapacitates one topractise or teach Christian Science. The occasional tem- [25]porary success of such an one is owing, in part, to the im-possibility for those unacquainted with the mighty TruthofChristianScience to recognize, as such, the barefacederrors that are taught—and the damaging effects theseleave on the practice of the learner, on the Cause, and [30]on the health of the community.[pg 044]Honest students speak the truth“according to the[1]pattern showed to thee in the mount,”and live it: theseare not working for emoluments, and may profitablyteach people, who are ready to investigate this subject,the rudiments of Christian Science. [5]Can Christian Science cure acute cases where there isnecessity for immediate relief, as in membranous croup?The remedial power of Christian Science is positive,and its application direct. It cannot fail to heal inevery case of disease, when conducted by one who un- [10]derstands this Science sufficiently to demonstrate itshighest possibilities.If I have the toothache, and nothing stops it until Ihave the tooth extracted, and then the pain ceases, hasthe mind, or extracting, or both, caused the pain to[15]cease?What you thought was pain in the bone or nerve, couldonly have been a belief of pain in matter; for matterhas no sensation. It was a state of mortal thought mademanifest in the flesh. You call this body matter, when [20]awake, or when asleep in a dream. That matter can re-report pain, or that mind isinmatter, reporting sensa-tions, is but a dream at all times. You believed that ifthe tooth were extracted, the pain would cease: this de-mand of mortal thought once met, your belief assumed [25]a new form, and said, There is no more pain. Whenyour belief in pain ceases, the pain stops; for matterhas no intelligence of its own. By applying this men-tal remedy or antidote directly to your belief, you scien-[pg 045]tifically prove the fact that Mind is supreme. This is not [1]done by will-power, for that is not Science but mesmerism.The full understanding that God is Mind, and that mat-ter is but a belief, enables you to control pain. Chris-tian Science, by means of its Principle of metaphysical [5]healing, is able to do more than to heal a toothache;although its power to allay fear, prevent inflammation,and destroy the necessity for ether—thereby avoidingthe fatal results that frequently follow the use of thatdrug—render this Science invaluable in the practice [10]of dentistry.Can an atheist or a profane man be cured by metaphysics,or Christian Science?The moral status of the man demands the remedy ofTruth more in this than in most cases; therefore, under [15]the deific law that supply invariably meets demand, thisScience is effectual in treating moral ailments. Sin isnot the master of divine Science, butvice versa; andwhen Science in a single instance decides the conflict,the patient is better both morally and physically. [20]If God made all that was made, and it was good, wheredid evil originate?It never originated or existed as an entity. It is but afalse belief; even the belief that God is not what theScriptures imply Him to be, All-in-all, but that there [25]is an opposite intelligence or mind termed evil. Thiserror of belief is idolatry, having“other gods before me.”In John i. 3 we read,“All things were made by Him;and without Him was not anything made that was made.”[pg 046]The admission of the reality of evil perpetuates the belief [1]or faith in evil. The Scriptures declare,“To whom yeyield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.”The leading self-evident proposition of Christian Scienceis: good being real, evil, good's opposite, is unreal. This [5]truism needs only to be tested scientifically to be foundtrue, and adapted to destroy the appearance of evil to anextent beyond the power of any doctrine previouslyentertained.Do you teach that you are equal with God?[10]A reader of my writings would not present this ques-tion. There are no such indications in the premises orconclusions of Christian Science, and such a misconcep-tion of Truth is not scientific. Man is not equal withhis Maker; that which is formed is not cause, but effect, [15]and has no power underived from its creator. It is pos-sible, and it is man's duty, so to throw the weight of histhoughts and acts on the side of Truth, that he be everfound in the scalewithhis creator; not weighingequally with Him, but comprehending at every point, in [20]divine Science, the full significance of what the apostlemeant by the declaration,“The Spirit itself beareth wit-ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: andif children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs withChrist.”In Science, man represents his divine Prin- [25]ciple,—the Life and Love that are God,—even as theidea of sound, in tones, represents harmony; but thoughthas not yet wholly attained unto the Science of being,wherein man is perfect even as the Father, his divinePrinciple, is perfect. [30][pg 047]How can I believe that there is no such thing as matter,[1]when I weigh over two hundred pounds and carry aboutthis weight daily?By learning that matter is but manifest mortal mind.You entertain an adipose belief of yourself as substance; [5]whereas, substance means more than matter: it is theglory and permanence of Spirit: it is that which ishoped for but unseen, that which the material sensescannot take in. Have you never been so preoccupied inthought when moving your body, that you did this with- [10]out consciousness of its weight? If never in your wakinghours, you have been in your night-dreams; and thesetend to elucidate your day-dream, or the mythical natureof matter, and the possibilities of mind when let loosefrom its own beliefs. In sleep, a sense of the body ac- [15]companies thought with less impediment than whenawake, which is the truer sense of being. In Science,body is the servant of Mind, not its master: Mind issupreme. Science reverses the evidence of materialsense with the spiritual sense that God, Spirit, is the only [20]substance; and that man, His image and likeness, isspiritual, not material. This great Truth does not de-stroy but substantiates man's identity,—together withhis immortality and preexistence, or his spiritual co-existence with his Maker. That which has a beginning [25]must have an ending.What should one conclude as to Professor Carpenter'sexhibitions of mesmerism?That largely depends upon what one accepts as eitheruseful or true. I have no knowledge of mesmerism, [30][pg 048]practically or theoretically, save as I measure its demon- [1]strations as a false belief, and avoid all that works ill. Ifmesmerism has the power attributed to it by the gentle-man referred to, it should neither be taught nor practised,but should be conscientiously condemned. One thing [5]is quite apparent; namely, that its so-called power isdespotic, and Mr. Carpenter deserves praise for his publicexposure of it. If such be its power, I am opposed to it,as to every form of error,—whether of ignorance orfanaticism, prompted by money-making or malice. It [10]is enough for me to know that animal magnetism is neitherof God nor Science.It is alleged that at one of his recent lectures in Bos-ton Mr. Carpenter made a man drunk on water, andthen informed his audience that he could produce the [15]effect of alcohol, or of any drug, on the human system,through the action of mind alone. This honest declara-tion as to the animus of animal magnetism and the pos-sible purpose to which it can be devoted, has, we trust,been made in season to open the eyes of the people to the [20]hidden nature of some tragic events and sudden deathsat this period.Was ever a person made insane by studying meta-physics?Such an occurrence would be impossible, for the [25]proper study of Mind-healing would cure the insane.That persons have gone away from the MassachusettsMetaphysical College“made insane by Mrs. Eddy'steachings,”like a hundred other stories, is a baselessfabrication offered solely to injure her or her school. [30]The enemy is trying to make capital out of the follow-[pg 049]ing case. A young lady entered the College class who, [1]I quickly saw, had a tendency to monomania, and re-quested her to withdraw before its close. We are cred-ibly informed that, before entering the College, thisyoung lady had manifested some mental unsoundness, [5]and have no doubt she could have been restored byChristian Science treatment. Her friends employed ahomœopathist, who had the skill and honor to state, as hisopinion given to her friends, that“Mrs. Eddy's teach-ings had not produced insanity.”This is the only case [10]that could be distorted into the claim of insanity everhaving occurred in a class of Mrs. Eddy's; while ac-knowledged and notable cases of insanity have beencured in her class.If all that is mortal is a dream or error, is not[15]our capacity for formulating a dream, real; is it notGod-made; and if God-made, can it be wrong, sinful, oran error?The spirit of Truth leads into all truth, and enablesman to discern between the real and the unreal. Enter- [20]taining the common belief in the opposite of goodness,and that evil is as real as good, opposes the leadings ofthe divine Spirit that are helping man Godward: it pre-vents a recognition of the nothingness of the dream, orbelief, that Mind is in matter, intelligence in non-intel- [25]ligence, sin, and death. This belief presupposes notonly a power opposed to God, and that God is not All-in-all, as the Scriptures imply Him to be, but that thecapacity to err proceeds from God.That God is Truth, the Scriptures aver; that Truth [30]never created error, or such a capacity, is self-evident;[pg 050]that God made all that was made, is again Scriptural; [1]therefore your answer is, that error is an illusion ofmortals; that God is not its author, and it cannot bereal.Does“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”[5]explain the entire method of metaphysical healing, or isthere a secret back of what is contained in that book, assome say?“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”is a complete textbook of Christian Science; and its [10]metaphysical method of healing is as lucid in presenta-tion as can be possible, under the necessity to expressthe metaphysical in physical terms. There is absolutelyno additional secret outside of its teachings, or that givesone the power to heal; but it is essential that the student [15]gain the spiritual understanding of the contents of thisbook, in order to heal.Do you believe in change of heart?We do believe, and understand—which is more—that there must be a change from human affections, de- [20]sires, and aims, to the divine standard,“Be ye thereforeperfect;”also, that there must be a change from the be-lief that the heart is matter and sustains life, to theunderstanding that God is our Life, that we exist inMind, live thereby, and have being. This change of [25]heart would deliver man from heart-disease, and ad-vance Christianity a hundredfold. The human affectionsneed to be changed from self to benevolence and lovefor God and man; changed to having butoneGod andloving Him supremely, and helping our brother man. [30][pg 051]This change of heart is essential to Christianity, and [1]will have its effect physically as well as spiritually,healing disease. Burnt offerings and drugs, God doesnot require.Is a belief of nervousness, accompanied by great mental[5]depression, mesmerism?All mesmerism is of one of three kinds; namely, theignorant, the fraudulent, or the malicious workings oferror or mortal mind. We have not the particulars ofthe case to which you may refer, and for this reason can- [10]not answer your question professionally.How can I govern a child metaphysically? Doesn't theuse of the rod teach him life in matter?The use of the rod is virtually a declaration to thechild's mind that sensation belongs to matter. Motives [15]govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clearto the child's thought the right motives for action, andcause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if youeducate him to love God, good, and obey the GoldenRule, he will love and obey you without your having to [20]resort to corporeal punishment.“"When from the lips of Truth one mighty breathShall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breezeThe whole dark pile of human mockeries;Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, [25]And starting fresh, as from a second birth,Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring,Shall walk transparent like some holy thing.”Are both prayer and drugs necessary to heal?The apostle James said,“Ye ask, and receive not,[30]because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your[pg 052]lusts.”This text may refer to such as seek the material [1]to aid the spiritual, and take drugs to support God'spower to heal them. It is difficult to say how muchone can do for himself, whose faith is divided be-tween catnip and Christ; but not so difficult to know [5]that if he were to serve one master, he could do vastlymore. Whosoever understands the power of Spirit, hasno doubt of God's power,—even the might of Truth,—to heal, through divine Science, beyond all human meansand methods. [10]What do you think of marriage?That it is often convenient, sometimes pleasant, andoccasionally a love affair. Marriage is susceptible ofmany definitions. It sometimes presents the mostwretched condition of human existence. To be normal, [15]it must be a union of the affections that tends to liftmortals higher.If this life is a dream not dispelled, but only changed,by death,—if one gets tired of it, why not commitsuicide?[20]Man's existence is a problem to be wrought in divineScience. What progress would a student of sciencemake, if, when tired of mathematics or failing to dem-onstrate one rule readily, he should attempt to workout a rule farther on and more difficult—and this, [25]because the first rule was not easily demonstrated? Inthat case he would be obliged to turn back and workout the previous example, before solving the advancedproblem. Mortals have the sum of being to work out,and up, to its spiritual standpoint. They must work [30][pg 053]out of this dream or false claim of sensation and life [1]in matter, and up to the spiritual realities of existence,before this false claim can be wholly dispelled. Com-mitting suicide to dodge the question is not workingit out. The error of supposed life and intelligence in [5]matter, is dissolved only as we master error with Truth.Not through sin or suicide, but byovercomingtempta-tion and sin, shall we escape the weariness and wicked-ness of mortal existence, and gain heaven, the harmonyof being. [10]Do you sometimes find it advisable to use medicine toassist in producing a cure, when it is difficult to start thepatient's recovery?You only weaken your power to heal through Mind,by any compromise with matter; which is virtually ac- [15]knowledging that under difficulties the former is not equalto the latter. He that resorts to physics, seeks what isbelow instead of above the standard of metaphysics;showing his ignorance of the meaning of the term andof Christian Science. [20]If Christian Science is the same as Jesus taught, why isit not more simple, so that all can readily understand it?The teachings of Jesus were simple; and yet he foundit difficult to make the rulers understand, because oftheir great lack of spirituality. Christian Science is [25]simple, and readily understood by the children; onlythe thought educated away from it finds it abstract ordifficult to perceive. Its seeming abstraction is themystery of godliness; and godliness is simple to thegodly; but to the unspiritual, the ungodly, it is dark [30][pg 054]
If, before the change whereby we meet the dear de-parted, our life-work proves to have been well done, weshall not have to repeat it; but our joys and means of ad-vancing will be proportionately increased. [20]The difference between a belief of material existenceand the spiritual fact of Life is, that the former is a dreamand unreal, while the latter is real and eternal. Onlyas we understand God, and learn that good, not evil,lives and is immortal, that immortality exists only in [25]spiritual perfection, shall we drop our false sense of Lifein sin or sense material, and recognize a better state ofexistence.Can I be treated without being present during treatment?Mind is not confined to limits; and nothing but our [30]own false admissions prevent us from demonstrating this[pg 043]great fact. Christian Science, recognizing the capabili- [1]ties of Mind to act of itself, and independent of matter,enables one to heal cases without even having seen theindividual,—or simply after having been made ac-quainted with the mental condition of the patient. [5]Do all who at present claim to be teaching ChristianScience, teach it correctly?By no means: Christian Science is not sufficiently un-derstood for that. The student of this Science who under-stands it best, is the one least likely to pour into other [10]minds a trifling sense of it as being adequate to make safeand successful practitioners. The simple sense one gainsof this Science through careful, unbiased, contemplativereading of my books, is far more advantageous to thesick and to the learner than is or can be the spurious [15]teaching of those who are spiritually unqualified. Thesad fact at this early writing is, that the letter is gainedsooner than the spirit of Christian Science: time is re-quired thoroughly to qualify students for the great ordealof this century. [20]If one student tries to undermine another, such sinisterrivalry does a vast amount of injury to the Cause. Tofill one's pocket at the expense of his conscience, or tobuild on the downfall of others, incapacitates one topractise or teach Christian Science. The occasional tem- [25]porary success of such an one is owing, in part, to the im-possibility for those unacquainted with the mighty TruthofChristianScience to recognize, as such, the barefacederrors that are taught—and the damaging effects theseleave on the practice of the learner, on the Cause, and [30]on the health of the community.[pg 044]Honest students speak the truth“according to the[1]pattern showed to thee in the mount,”and live it: theseare not working for emoluments, and may profitablyteach people, who are ready to investigate this subject,the rudiments of Christian Science. [5]Can Christian Science cure acute cases where there isnecessity for immediate relief, as in membranous croup?The remedial power of Christian Science is positive,and its application direct. It cannot fail to heal inevery case of disease, when conducted by one who un- [10]derstands this Science sufficiently to demonstrate itshighest possibilities.If I have the toothache, and nothing stops it until Ihave the tooth extracted, and then the pain ceases, hasthe mind, or extracting, or both, caused the pain to[15]cease?What you thought was pain in the bone or nerve, couldonly have been a belief of pain in matter; for matterhas no sensation. It was a state of mortal thought mademanifest in the flesh. You call this body matter, when [20]awake, or when asleep in a dream. That matter can re-report pain, or that mind isinmatter, reporting sensa-tions, is but a dream at all times. You believed that ifthe tooth were extracted, the pain would cease: this de-mand of mortal thought once met, your belief assumed [25]a new form, and said, There is no more pain. Whenyour belief in pain ceases, the pain stops; for matterhas no intelligence of its own. By applying this men-tal remedy or antidote directly to your belief, you scien-[pg 045]tifically prove the fact that Mind is supreme. This is not [1]done by will-power, for that is not Science but mesmerism.The full understanding that God is Mind, and that mat-ter is but a belief, enables you to control pain. Chris-tian Science, by means of its Principle of metaphysical [5]healing, is able to do more than to heal a toothache;although its power to allay fear, prevent inflammation,and destroy the necessity for ether—thereby avoidingthe fatal results that frequently follow the use of thatdrug—render this Science invaluable in the practice [10]of dentistry.Can an atheist or a profane man be cured by metaphysics,or Christian Science?The moral status of the man demands the remedy ofTruth more in this than in most cases; therefore, under [15]the deific law that supply invariably meets demand, thisScience is effectual in treating moral ailments. Sin isnot the master of divine Science, butvice versa; andwhen Science in a single instance decides the conflict,the patient is better both morally and physically. [20]If God made all that was made, and it was good, wheredid evil originate?It never originated or existed as an entity. It is but afalse belief; even the belief that God is not what theScriptures imply Him to be, All-in-all, but that there [25]is an opposite intelligence or mind termed evil. Thiserror of belief is idolatry, having“other gods before me.”In John i. 3 we read,“All things were made by Him;and without Him was not anything made that was made.”[pg 046]The admission of the reality of evil perpetuates the belief [1]or faith in evil. The Scriptures declare,“To whom yeyield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.”The leading self-evident proposition of Christian Scienceis: good being real, evil, good's opposite, is unreal. This [5]truism needs only to be tested scientifically to be foundtrue, and adapted to destroy the appearance of evil to anextent beyond the power of any doctrine previouslyentertained.Do you teach that you are equal with God?[10]A reader of my writings would not present this ques-tion. There are no such indications in the premises orconclusions of Christian Science, and such a misconcep-tion of Truth is not scientific. Man is not equal withhis Maker; that which is formed is not cause, but effect, [15]and has no power underived from its creator. It is pos-sible, and it is man's duty, so to throw the weight of histhoughts and acts on the side of Truth, that he be everfound in the scalewithhis creator; not weighingequally with Him, but comprehending at every point, in [20]divine Science, the full significance of what the apostlemeant by the declaration,“The Spirit itself beareth wit-ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: andif children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs withChrist.”In Science, man represents his divine Prin- [25]ciple,—the Life and Love that are God,—even as theidea of sound, in tones, represents harmony; but thoughthas not yet wholly attained unto the Science of being,wherein man is perfect even as the Father, his divinePrinciple, is perfect. [30][pg 047]How can I believe that there is no such thing as matter,[1]when I weigh over two hundred pounds and carry aboutthis weight daily?By learning that matter is but manifest mortal mind.You entertain an adipose belief of yourself as substance; [5]whereas, substance means more than matter: it is theglory and permanence of Spirit: it is that which ishoped for but unseen, that which the material sensescannot take in. Have you never been so preoccupied inthought when moving your body, that you did this with- [10]out consciousness of its weight? If never in your wakinghours, you have been in your night-dreams; and thesetend to elucidate your day-dream, or the mythical natureof matter, and the possibilities of mind when let loosefrom its own beliefs. In sleep, a sense of the body ac- [15]companies thought with less impediment than whenawake, which is the truer sense of being. In Science,body is the servant of Mind, not its master: Mind issupreme. Science reverses the evidence of materialsense with the spiritual sense that God, Spirit, is the only [20]substance; and that man, His image and likeness, isspiritual, not material. This great Truth does not de-stroy but substantiates man's identity,—together withhis immortality and preexistence, or his spiritual co-existence with his Maker. That which has a beginning [25]must have an ending.What should one conclude as to Professor Carpenter'sexhibitions of mesmerism?That largely depends upon what one accepts as eitheruseful or true. I have no knowledge of mesmerism, [30][pg 048]practically or theoretically, save as I measure its demon- [1]strations as a false belief, and avoid all that works ill. Ifmesmerism has the power attributed to it by the gentle-man referred to, it should neither be taught nor practised,but should be conscientiously condemned. One thing [5]is quite apparent; namely, that its so-called power isdespotic, and Mr. Carpenter deserves praise for his publicexposure of it. If such be its power, I am opposed to it,as to every form of error,—whether of ignorance orfanaticism, prompted by money-making or malice. It [10]is enough for me to know that animal magnetism is neitherof God nor Science.It is alleged that at one of his recent lectures in Bos-ton Mr. Carpenter made a man drunk on water, andthen informed his audience that he could produce the [15]effect of alcohol, or of any drug, on the human system,through the action of mind alone. This honest declara-tion as to the animus of animal magnetism and the pos-sible purpose to which it can be devoted, has, we trust,been made in season to open the eyes of the people to the [20]hidden nature of some tragic events and sudden deathsat this period.Was ever a person made insane by studying meta-physics?Such an occurrence would be impossible, for the [25]proper study of Mind-healing would cure the insane.That persons have gone away from the MassachusettsMetaphysical College“made insane by Mrs. Eddy'steachings,”like a hundred other stories, is a baselessfabrication offered solely to injure her or her school. [30]The enemy is trying to make capital out of the follow-[pg 049]ing case. A young lady entered the College class who, [1]I quickly saw, had a tendency to monomania, and re-quested her to withdraw before its close. We are cred-ibly informed that, before entering the College, thisyoung lady had manifested some mental unsoundness, [5]and have no doubt she could have been restored byChristian Science treatment. Her friends employed ahomœopathist, who had the skill and honor to state, as hisopinion given to her friends, that“Mrs. Eddy's teach-ings had not produced insanity.”This is the only case [10]that could be distorted into the claim of insanity everhaving occurred in a class of Mrs. Eddy's; while ac-knowledged and notable cases of insanity have beencured in her class.If all that is mortal is a dream or error, is not[15]our capacity for formulating a dream, real; is it notGod-made; and if God-made, can it be wrong, sinful, oran error?The spirit of Truth leads into all truth, and enablesman to discern between the real and the unreal. Enter- [20]taining the common belief in the opposite of goodness,and that evil is as real as good, opposes the leadings ofthe divine Spirit that are helping man Godward: it pre-vents a recognition of the nothingness of the dream, orbelief, that Mind is in matter, intelligence in non-intel- [25]ligence, sin, and death. This belief presupposes notonly a power opposed to God, and that God is not All-in-all, as the Scriptures imply Him to be, but that thecapacity to err proceeds from God.That God is Truth, the Scriptures aver; that Truth [30]never created error, or such a capacity, is self-evident;[pg 050]that God made all that was made, is again Scriptural; [1]therefore your answer is, that error is an illusion ofmortals; that God is not its author, and it cannot bereal.Does“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”[5]explain the entire method of metaphysical healing, or isthere a secret back of what is contained in that book, assome say?“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”is a complete textbook of Christian Science; and its [10]metaphysical method of healing is as lucid in presenta-tion as can be possible, under the necessity to expressthe metaphysical in physical terms. There is absolutelyno additional secret outside of its teachings, or that givesone the power to heal; but it is essential that the student [15]gain the spiritual understanding of the contents of thisbook, in order to heal.Do you believe in change of heart?We do believe, and understand—which is more—that there must be a change from human affections, de- [20]sires, and aims, to the divine standard,“Be ye thereforeperfect;”also, that there must be a change from the be-lief that the heart is matter and sustains life, to theunderstanding that God is our Life, that we exist inMind, live thereby, and have being. This change of [25]heart would deliver man from heart-disease, and ad-vance Christianity a hundredfold. The human affectionsneed to be changed from self to benevolence and lovefor God and man; changed to having butoneGod andloving Him supremely, and helping our brother man. [30][pg 051]This change of heart is essential to Christianity, and [1]will have its effect physically as well as spiritually,healing disease. Burnt offerings and drugs, God doesnot require.Is a belief of nervousness, accompanied by great mental[5]depression, mesmerism?All mesmerism is of one of three kinds; namely, theignorant, the fraudulent, or the malicious workings oferror or mortal mind. We have not the particulars ofthe case to which you may refer, and for this reason can- [10]not answer your question professionally.How can I govern a child metaphysically? Doesn't theuse of the rod teach him life in matter?The use of the rod is virtually a declaration to thechild's mind that sensation belongs to matter. Motives [15]govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clearto the child's thought the right motives for action, andcause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if youeducate him to love God, good, and obey the GoldenRule, he will love and obey you without your having to [20]resort to corporeal punishment.“"When from the lips of Truth one mighty breathShall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breezeThe whole dark pile of human mockeries;Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, [25]And starting fresh, as from a second birth,Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring,Shall walk transparent like some holy thing.”Are both prayer and drugs necessary to heal?The apostle James said,“Ye ask, and receive not,[30]because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your[pg 052]lusts.”This text may refer to such as seek the material [1]to aid the spiritual, and take drugs to support God'spower to heal them. It is difficult to say how muchone can do for himself, whose faith is divided be-tween catnip and Christ; but not so difficult to know [5]that if he were to serve one master, he could do vastlymore. Whosoever understands the power of Spirit, hasno doubt of God's power,—even the might of Truth,—to heal, through divine Science, beyond all human meansand methods. [10]What do you think of marriage?That it is often convenient, sometimes pleasant, andoccasionally a love affair. Marriage is susceptible ofmany definitions. It sometimes presents the mostwretched condition of human existence. To be normal, [15]it must be a union of the affections that tends to liftmortals higher.If this life is a dream not dispelled, but only changed,by death,—if one gets tired of it, why not commitsuicide?[20]Man's existence is a problem to be wrought in divineScience. What progress would a student of sciencemake, if, when tired of mathematics or failing to dem-onstrate one rule readily, he should attempt to workout a rule farther on and more difficult—and this, [25]because the first rule was not easily demonstrated? Inthat case he would be obliged to turn back and workout the previous example, before solving the advancedproblem. Mortals have the sum of being to work out,and up, to its spiritual standpoint. They must work [30][pg 053]out of this dream or false claim of sensation and life [1]in matter, and up to the spiritual realities of existence,before this false claim can be wholly dispelled. Com-mitting suicide to dodge the question is not workingit out. The error of supposed life and intelligence in [5]matter, is dissolved only as we master error with Truth.Not through sin or suicide, but byovercomingtempta-tion and sin, shall we escape the weariness and wicked-ness of mortal existence, and gain heaven, the harmonyof being. [10]Do you sometimes find it advisable to use medicine toassist in producing a cure, when it is difficult to start thepatient's recovery?You only weaken your power to heal through Mind,by any compromise with matter; which is virtually ac- [15]knowledging that under difficulties the former is not equalto the latter. He that resorts to physics, seeks what isbelow instead of above the standard of metaphysics;showing his ignorance of the meaning of the term andof Christian Science. [20]If Christian Science is the same as Jesus taught, why isit not more simple, so that all can readily understand it?The teachings of Jesus were simple; and yet he foundit difficult to make the rulers understand, because oftheir great lack of spirituality. Christian Science is [25]simple, and readily understood by the children; onlythe thought educated away from it finds it abstract ordifficult to perceive. Its seeming abstraction is themystery of godliness; and godliness is simple to thegodly; but to the unspiritual, the ungodly, it is dark [30][pg 054]
If, before the change whereby we meet the dear de-parted, our life-work proves to have been well done, weshall not have to repeat it; but our joys and means of ad-vancing will be proportionately increased. [20]The difference between a belief of material existenceand the spiritual fact of Life is, that the former is a dreamand unreal, while the latter is real and eternal. Onlyas we understand God, and learn that good, not evil,lives and is immortal, that immortality exists only in [25]spiritual perfection, shall we drop our false sense of Lifein sin or sense material, and recognize a better state ofexistence.Can I be treated without being present during treatment?Mind is not confined to limits; and nothing but our [30]own false admissions prevent us from demonstrating this[pg 043]great fact. Christian Science, recognizing the capabili- [1]ties of Mind to act of itself, and independent of matter,enables one to heal cases without even having seen theindividual,—or simply after having been made ac-quainted with the mental condition of the patient. [5]Do all who at present claim to be teaching ChristianScience, teach it correctly?By no means: Christian Science is not sufficiently un-derstood for that. The student of this Science who under-stands it best, is the one least likely to pour into other [10]minds a trifling sense of it as being adequate to make safeand successful practitioners. The simple sense one gainsof this Science through careful, unbiased, contemplativereading of my books, is far more advantageous to thesick and to the learner than is or can be the spurious [15]teaching of those who are spiritually unqualified. Thesad fact at this early writing is, that the letter is gainedsooner than the spirit of Christian Science: time is re-quired thoroughly to qualify students for the great ordealof this century. [20]If one student tries to undermine another, such sinisterrivalry does a vast amount of injury to the Cause. Tofill one's pocket at the expense of his conscience, or tobuild on the downfall of others, incapacitates one topractise or teach Christian Science. The occasional tem- [25]porary success of such an one is owing, in part, to the im-possibility for those unacquainted with the mighty TruthofChristianScience to recognize, as such, the barefacederrors that are taught—and the damaging effects theseleave on the practice of the learner, on the Cause, and [30]on the health of the community.[pg 044]Honest students speak the truth“according to the[1]pattern showed to thee in the mount,”and live it: theseare not working for emoluments, and may profitablyteach people, who are ready to investigate this subject,the rudiments of Christian Science. [5]Can Christian Science cure acute cases where there isnecessity for immediate relief, as in membranous croup?The remedial power of Christian Science is positive,and its application direct. It cannot fail to heal inevery case of disease, when conducted by one who un- [10]derstands this Science sufficiently to demonstrate itshighest possibilities.If I have the toothache, and nothing stops it until Ihave the tooth extracted, and then the pain ceases, hasthe mind, or extracting, or both, caused the pain to[15]cease?What you thought was pain in the bone or nerve, couldonly have been a belief of pain in matter; for matterhas no sensation. It was a state of mortal thought mademanifest in the flesh. You call this body matter, when [20]awake, or when asleep in a dream. That matter can re-report pain, or that mind isinmatter, reporting sensa-tions, is but a dream at all times. You believed that ifthe tooth were extracted, the pain would cease: this de-mand of mortal thought once met, your belief assumed [25]a new form, and said, There is no more pain. Whenyour belief in pain ceases, the pain stops; for matterhas no intelligence of its own. By applying this men-tal remedy or antidote directly to your belief, you scien-[pg 045]tifically prove the fact that Mind is supreme. This is not [1]done by will-power, for that is not Science but mesmerism.The full understanding that God is Mind, and that mat-ter is but a belief, enables you to control pain. Chris-tian Science, by means of its Principle of metaphysical [5]healing, is able to do more than to heal a toothache;although its power to allay fear, prevent inflammation,and destroy the necessity for ether—thereby avoidingthe fatal results that frequently follow the use of thatdrug—render this Science invaluable in the practice [10]of dentistry.Can an atheist or a profane man be cured by metaphysics,or Christian Science?The moral status of the man demands the remedy ofTruth more in this than in most cases; therefore, under [15]the deific law that supply invariably meets demand, thisScience is effectual in treating moral ailments. Sin isnot the master of divine Science, butvice versa; andwhen Science in a single instance decides the conflict,the patient is better both morally and physically. [20]If God made all that was made, and it was good, wheredid evil originate?It never originated or existed as an entity. It is but afalse belief; even the belief that God is not what theScriptures imply Him to be, All-in-all, but that there [25]is an opposite intelligence or mind termed evil. Thiserror of belief is idolatry, having“other gods before me.”In John i. 3 we read,“All things were made by Him;and without Him was not anything made that was made.”[pg 046]The admission of the reality of evil perpetuates the belief [1]or faith in evil. The Scriptures declare,“To whom yeyield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.”The leading self-evident proposition of Christian Scienceis: good being real, evil, good's opposite, is unreal. This [5]truism needs only to be tested scientifically to be foundtrue, and adapted to destroy the appearance of evil to anextent beyond the power of any doctrine previouslyentertained.Do you teach that you are equal with God?[10]A reader of my writings would not present this ques-tion. There are no such indications in the premises orconclusions of Christian Science, and such a misconcep-tion of Truth is not scientific. Man is not equal withhis Maker; that which is formed is not cause, but effect, [15]and has no power underived from its creator. It is pos-sible, and it is man's duty, so to throw the weight of histhoughts and acts on the side of Truth, that he be everfound in the scalewithhis creator; not weighingequally with Him, but comprehending at every point, in [20]divine Science, the full significance of what the apostlemeant by the declaration,“The Spirit itself beareth wit-ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: andif children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs withChrist.”In Science, man represents his divine Prin- [25]ciple,—the Life and Love that are God,—even as theidea of sound, in tones, represents harmony; but thoughthas not yet wholly attained unto the Science of being,wherein man is perfect even as the Father, his divinePrinciple, is perfect. [30][pg 047]How can I believe that there is no such thing as matter,[1]when I weigh over two hundred pounds and carry aboutthis weight daily?By learning that matter is but manifest mortal mind.You entertain an adipose belief of yourself as substance; [5]whereas, substance means more than matter: it is theglory and permanence of Spirit: it is that which ishoped for but unseen, that which the material sensescannot take in. Have you never been so preoccupied inthought when moving your body, that you did this with- [10]out consciousness of its weight? If never in your wakinghours, you have been in your night-dreams; and thesetend to elucidate your day-dream, or the mythical natureof matter, and the possibilities of mind when let loosefrom its own beliefs. In sleep, a sense of the body ac- [15]companies thought with less impediment than whenawake, which is the truer sense of being. In Science,body is the servant of Mind, not its master: Mind issupreme. Science reverses the evidence of materialsense with the spiritual sense that God, Spirit, is the only [20]substance; and that man, His image and likeness, isspiritual, not material. This great Truth does not de-stroy but substantiates man's identity,—together withhis immortality and preexistence, or his spiritual co-existence with his Maker. That which has a beginning [25]must have an ending.What should one conclude as to Professor Carpenter'sexhibitions of mesmerism?That largely depends upon what one accepts as eitheruseful or true. I have no knowledge of mesmerism, [30][pg 048]practically or theoretically, save as I measure its demon- [1]strations as a false belief, and avoid all that works ill. Ifmesmerism has the power attributed to it by the gentle-man referred to, it should neither be taught nor practised,but should be conscientiously condemned. One thing [5]is quite apparent; namely, that its so-called power isdespotic, and Mr. Carpenter deserves praise for his publicexposure of it. If such be its power, I am opposed to it,as to every form of error,—whether of ignorance orfanaticism, prompted by money-making or malice. It [10]is enough for me to know that animal magnetism is neitherof God nor Science.It is alleged that at one of his recent lectures in Bos-ton Mr. Carpenter made a man drunk on water, andthen informed his audience that he could produce the [15]effect of alcohol, or of any drug, on the human system,through the action of mind alone. This honest declara-tion as to the animus of animal magnetism and the pos-sible purpose to which it can be devoted, has, we trust,been made in season to open the eyes of the people to the [20]hidden nature of some tragic events and sudden deathsat this period.Was ever a person made insane by studying meta-physics?Such an occurrence would be impossible, for the [25]proper study of Mind-healing would cure the insane.That persons have gone away from the MassachusettsMetaphysical College“made insane by Mrs. Eddy'steachings,”like a hundred other stories, is a baselessfabrication offered solely to injure her or her school. [30]The enemy is trying to make capital out of the follow-[pg 049]ing case. A young lady entered the College class who, [1]I quickly saw, had a tendency to monomania, and re-quested her to withdraw before its close. We are cred-ibly informed that, before entering the College, thisyoung lady had manifested some mental unsoundness, [5]and have no doubt she could have been restored byChristian Science treatment. Her friends employed ahomœopathist, who had the skill and honor to state, as hisopinion given to her friends, that“Mrs. Eddy's teach-ings had not produced insanity.”This is the only case [10]that could be distorted into the claim of insanity everhaving occurred in a class of Mrs. Eddy's; while ac-knowledged and notable cases of insanity have beencured in her class.If all that is mortal is a dream or error, is not[15]our capacity for formulating a dream, real; is it notGod-made; and if God-made, can it be wrong, sinful, oran error?The spirit of Truth leads into all truth, and enablesman to discern between the real and the unreal. Enter- [20]taining the common belief in the opposite of goodness,and that evil is as real as good, opposes the leadings ofthe divine Spirit that are helping man Godward: it pre-vents a recognition of the nothingness of the dream, orbelief, that Mind is in matter, intelligence in non-intel- [25]ligence, sin, and death. This belief presupposes notonly a power opposed to God, and that God is not All-in-all, as the Scriptures imply Him to be, but that thecapacity to err proceeds from God.That God is Truth, the Scriptures aver; that Truth [30]never created error, or such a capacity, is self-evident;[pg 050]that God made all that was made, is again Scriptural; [1]therefore your answer is, that error is an illusion ofmortals; that God is not its author, and it cannot bereal.Does“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”[5]explain the entire method of metaphysical healing, or isthere a secret back of what is contained in that book, assome say?“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”is a complete textbook of Christian Science; and its [10]metaphysical method of healing is as lucid in presenta-tion as can be possible, under the necessity to expressthe metaphysical in physical terms. There is absolutelyno additional secret outside of its teachings, or that givesone the power to heal; but it is essential that the student [15]gain the spiritual understanding of the contents of thisbook, in order to heal.Do you believe in change of heart?We do believe, and understand—which is more—that there must be a change from human affections, de- [20]sires, and aims, to the divine standard,“Be ye thereforeperfect;”also, that there must be a change from the be-lief that the heart is matter and sustains life, to theunderstanding that God is our Life, that we exist inMind, live thereby, and have being. This change of [25]heart would deliver man from heart-disease, and ad-vance Christianity a hundredfold. The human affectionsneed to be changed from self to benevolence and lovefor God and man; changed to having butoneGod andloving Him supremely, and helping our brother man. [30][pg 051]This change of heart is essential to Christianity, and [1]will have its effect physically as well as spiritually,healing disease. Burnt offerings and drugs, God doesnot require.Is a belief of nervousness, accompanied by great mental[5]depression, mesmerism?All mesmerism is of one of three kinds; namely, theignorant, the fraudulent, or the malicious workings oferror or mortal mind. We have not the particulars ofthe case to which you may refer, and for this reason can- [10]not answer your question professionally.How can I govern a child metaphysically? Doesn't theuse of the rod teach him life in matter?The use of the rod is virtually a declaration to thechild's mind that sensation belongs to matter. Motives [15]govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clearto the child's thought the right motives for action, andcause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if youeducate him to love God, good, and obey the GoldenRule, he will love and obey you without your having to [20]resort to corporeal punishment.“"When from the lips of Truth one mighty breathShall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breezeThe whole dark pile of human mockeries;Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, [25]And starting fresh, as from a second birth,Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring,Shall walk transparent like some holy thing.”Are both prayer and drugs necessary to heal?The apostle James said,“Ye ask, and receive not,[30]because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your[pg 052]lusts.”This text may refer to such as seek the material [1]to aid the spiritual, and take drugs to support God'spower to heal them. It is difficult to say how muchone can do for himself, whose faith is divided be-tween catnip and Christ; but not so difficult to know [5]that if he were to serve one master, he could do vastlymore. Whosoever understands the power of Spirit, hasno doubt of God's power,—even the might of Truth,—to heal, through divine Science, beyond all human meansand methods. [10]What do you think of marriage?That it is often convenient, sometimes pleasant, andoccasionally a love affair. Marriage is susceptible ofmany definitions. It sometimes presents the mostwretched condition of human existence. To be normal, [15]it must be a union of the affections that tends to liftmortals higher.If this life is a dream not dispelled, but only changed,by death,—if one gets tired of it, why not commitsuicide?[20]Man's existence is a problem to be wrought in divineScience. What progress would a student of sciencemake, if, when tired of mathematics or failing to dem-onstrate one rule readily, he should attempt to workout a rule farther on and more difficult—and this, [25]because the first rule was not easily demonstrated? Inthat case he would be obliged to turn back and workout the previous example, before solving the advancedproblem. Mortals have the sum of being to work out,and up, to its spiritual standpoint. They must work [30][pg 053]out of this dream or false claim of sensation and life [1]in matter, and up to the spiritual realities of existence,before this false claim can be wholly dispelled. Com-mitting suicide to dodge the question is not workingit out. The error of supposed life and intelligence in [5]matter, is dissolved only as we master error with Truth.Not through sin or suicide, but byovercomingtempta-tion and sin, shall we escape the weariness and wicked-ness of mortal existence, and gain heaven, the harmonyof being. [10]Do you sometimes find it advisable to use medicine toassist in producing a cure, when it is difficult to start thepatient's recovery?You only weaken your power to heal through Mind,by any compromise with matter; which is virtually ac- [15]knowledging that under difficulties the former is not equalto the latter. He that resorts to physics, seeks what isbelow instead of above the standard of metaphysics;showing his ignorance of the meaning of the term andof Christian Science. [20]If Christian Science is the same as Jesus taught, why isit not more simple, so that all can readily understand it?The teachings of Jesus were simple; and yet he foundit difficult to make the rulers understand, because oftheir great lack of spirituality. Christian Science is [25]simple, and readily understood by the children; onlythe thought educated away from it finds it abstract ordifficult to perceive. Its seeming abstraction is themystery of godliness; and godliness is simple to thegodly; but to the unspiritual, the ungodly, it is dark [30][pg 054]
If, before the change whereby we meet the dear de-parted, our life-work proves to have been well done, weshall not have to repeat it; but our joys and means of ad-vancing will be proportionately increased. [20]
If, before the change whereby we meet the dear de-
parted, our life-work proves to have been well done, we
shall not have to repeat it; but our joys and means of ad-
vancing will be proportionately increased. [20]
The difference between a belief of material existenceand the spiritual fact of Life is, that the former is a dreamand unreal, while the latter is real and eternal. Onlyas we understand God, and learn that good, not evil,lives and is immortal, that immortality exists only in [25]spiritual perfection, shall we drop our false sense of Lifein sin or sense material, and recognize a better state ofexistence.
The difference between a belief of material existence
and the spiritual fact of Life is, that the former is a dream
and unreal, while the latter is real and eternal. Only
as we understand God, and learn that good, not evil,
lives and is immortal, that immortality exists only in [25]
spiritual perfection, shall we drop our false sense of Life
in sin or sense material, and recognize a better state of
existence.
Can I be treated without being present during treatment?
Can I be treated without being present during treatment?
Mind is not confined to limits; and nothing but our [30]own false admissions prevent us from demonstrating this
Mind is not confined to limits; and nothing but our [30]
own false admissions prevent us from demonstrating this
great fact. Christian Science, recognizing the capabili- [1]ties of Mind to act of itself, and independent of matter,enables one to heal cases without even having seen theindividual,—or simply after having been made ac-quainted with the mental condition of the patient. [5]
great fact. Christian Science, recognizing the capabili- [1]
ties of Mind to act of itself, and independent of matter,
enables one to heal cases without even having seen the
individual,—or simply after having been made ac-
quainted with the mental condition of the patient. [5]
Do all who at present claim to be teaching ChristianScience, teach it correctly?
Do all who at present claim to be teaching Christian
Science, teach it correctly?
By no means: Christian Science is not sufficiently un-derstood for that. The student of this Science who under-stands it best, is the one least likely to pour into other [10]minds a trifling sense of it as being adequate to make safeand successful practitioners. The simple sense one gainsof this Science through careful, unbiased, contemplativereading of my books, is far more advantageous to thesick and to the learner than is or can be the spurious [15]teaching of those who are spiritually unqualified. Thesad fact at this early writing is, that the letter is gainedsooner than the spirit of Christian Science: time is re-quired thoroughly to qualify students for the great ordealof this century. [20]
By no means: Christian Science is not sufficiently un-
derstood for that. The student of this Science who under-
stands it best, is the one least likely to pour into other [10]
minds a trifling sense of it as being adequate to make safe
and successful practitioners. The simple sense one gains
of this Science through careful, unbiased, contemplative
reading of my books, is far more advantageous to the
sick and to the learner than is or can be the spurious [15]
teaching of those who are spiritually unqualified. The
sad fact at this early writing is, that the letter is gained
sooner than the spirit of Christian Science: time is re-
quired thoroughly to qualify students for the great ordeal
of this century. [20]
If one student tries to undermine another, such sinisterrivalry does a vast amount of injury to the Cause. Tofill one's pocket at the expense of his conscience, or tobuild on the downfall of others, incapacitates one topractise or teach Christian Science. The occasional tem- [25]porary success of such an one is owing, in part, to the im-possibility for those unacquainted with the mighty TruthofChristianScience to recognize, as such, the barefacederrors that are taught—and the damaging effects theseleave on the practice of the learner, on the Cause, and [30]on the health of the community.
If one student tries to undermine another, such sinister
rivalry does a vast amount of injury to the Cause. To
fill one's pocket at the expense of his conscience, or to
build on the downfall of others, incapacitates one to
practise or teach Christian Science. The occasional tem- [25]
porary success of such an one is owing, in part, to the im-
possibility for those unacquainted with the mighty Truth
ofChristianScience to recognize, as such, the barefaced
errors that are taught—and the damaging effects these
leave on the practice of the learner, on the Cause, and [30]
on the health of the community.
Honest students speak the truth“according to the[1]pattern showed to thee in the mount,”and live it: theseare not working for emoluments, and may profitablyteach people, who are ready to investigate this subject,the rudiments of Christian Science. [5]
Honest students speak the truth“according to the[1]
pattern showed to thee in the mount,”and live it: these
are not working for emoluments, and may profitably
teach people, who are ready to investigate this subject,
the rudiments of Christian Science. [5]
Can Christian Science cure acute cases where there isnecessity for immediate relief, as in membranous croup?
Can Christian Science cure acute cases where there is
necessity for immediate relief, as in membranous croup?
The remedial power of Christian Science is positive,and its application direct. It cannot fail to heal inevery case of disease, when conducted by one who un- [10]derstands this Science sufficiently to demonstrate itshighest possibilities.
The remedial power of Christian Science is positive,
and its application direct. It cannot fail to heal in
every case of disease, when conducted by one who un- [10]
derstands this Science sufficiently to demonstrate its
highest possibilities.
If I have the toothache, and nothing stops it until Ihave the tooth extracted, and then the pain ceases, hasthe mind, or extracting, or both, caused the pain to[15]cease?
If I have the toothache, and nothing stops it until I
have the tooth extracted, and then the pain ceases, has
the mind, or extracting, or both, caused the pain to[15]
cease?
What you thought was pain in the bone or nerve, couldonly have been a belief of pain in matter; for matterhas no sensation. It was a state of mortal thought mademanifest in the flesh. You call this body matter, when [20]awake, or when asleep in a dream. That matter can re-report pain, or that mind isinmatter, reporting sensa-tions, is but a dream at all times. You believed that ifthe tooth were extracted, the pain would cease: this de-mand of mortal thought once met, your belief assumed [25]a new form, and said, There is no more pain. Whenyour belief in pain ceases, the pain stops; for matterhas no intelligence of its own. By applying this men-tal remedy or antidote directly to your belief, you scien-
What you thought was pain in the bone or nerve, could
only have been a belief of pain in matter; for matter
has no sensation. It was a state of mortal thought made
manifest in the flesh. You call this body matter, when [20]
awake, or when asleep in a dream. That matter can re-
report pain, or that mind isinmatter, reporting sensa-
tions, is but a dream at all times. You believed that if
the tooth were extracted, the pain would cease: this de-
mand of mortal thought once met, your belief assumed [25]
a new form, and said, There is no more pain. When
your belief in pain ceases, the pain stops; for matter
has no intelligence of its own. By applying this men-
tal remedy or antidote directly to your belief, you scien-
tifically prove the fact that Mind is supreme. This is not [1]done by will-power, for that is not Science but mesmerism.The full understanding that God is Mind, and that mat-ter is but a belief, enables you to control pain. Chris-tian Science, by means of its Principle of metaphysical [5]healing, is able to do more than to heal a toothache;although its power to allay fear, prevent inflammation,and destroy the necessity for ether—thereby avoidingthe fatal results that frequently follow the use of thatdrug—render this Science invaluable in the practice [10]of dentistry.
tifically prove the fact that Mind is supreme. This is not [1]
done by will-power, for that is not Science but mesmerism.
The full understanding that God is Mind, and that mat-
ter is but a belief, enables you to control pain. Chris-
tian Science, by means of its Principle of metaphysical [5]
healing, is able to do more than to heal a toothache;
although its power to allay fear, prevent inflammation,
and destroy the necessity for ether—thereby avoiding
the fatal results that frequently follow the use of that
drug—render this Science invaluable in the practice [10]
of dentistry.
Can an atheist or a profane man be cured by metaphysics,or Christian Science?
Can an atheist or a profane man be cured by metaphysics,
or Christian Science?
The moral status of the man demands the remedy ofTruth more in this than in most cases; therefore, under [15]the deific law that supply invariably meets demand, thisScience is effectual in treating moral ailments. Sin isnot the master of divine Science, butvice versa; andwhen Science in a single instance decides the conflict,the patient is better both morally and physically. [20]
The moral status of the man demands the remedy of
Truth more in this than in most cases; therefore, under [15]
the deific law that supply invariably meets demand, this
Science is effectual in treating moral ailments. Sin is
not the master of divine Science, butvice versa; and
when Science in a single instance decides the conflict,
the patient is better both morally and physically. [20]
If God made all that was made, and it was good, wheredid evil originate?
If God made all that was made, and it was good, where
did evil originate?
It never originated or existed as an entity. It is but afalse belief; even the belief that God is not what theScriptures imply Him to be, All-in-all, but that there [25]is an opposite intelligence or mind termed evil. Thiserror of belief is idolatry, having“other gods before me.”In John i. 3 we read,“All things were made by Him;and without Him was not anything made that was made.”
It never originated or existed as an entity. It is but a
false belief; even the belief that God is not what the
Scriptures imply Him to be, All-in-all, but that there [25]
is an opposite intelligence or mind termed evil. This
error of belief is idolatry, having“other gods before me.”
In John i. 3 we read,“All things were made by Him;
and without Him was not anything made that was made.”
The admission of the reality of evil perpetuates the belief [1]or faith in evil. The Scriptures declare,“To whom yeyield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.”The leading self-evident proposition of Christian Scienceis: good being real, evil, good's opposite, is unreal. This [5]truism needs only to be tested scientifically to be foundtrue, and adapted to destroy the appearance of evil to anextent beyond the power of any doctrine previouslyentertained.
The admission of the reality of evil perpetuates the belief [1]
or faith in evil. The Scriptures declare,“To whom ye
yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.”
The leading self-evident proposition of Christian Science
is: good being real, evil, good's opposite, is unreal. This [5]
truism needs only to be tested scientifically to be found
true, and adapted to destroy the appearance of evil to an
extent beyond the power of any doctrine previously
entertained.
Do you teach that you are equal with God?[10]
Do you teach that you are equal with God?[10]
A reader of my writings would not present this ques-tion. There are no such indications in the premises orconclusions of Christian Science, and such a misconcep-tion of Truth is not scientific. Man is not equal withhis Maker; that which is formed is not cause, but effect, [15]and has no power underived from its creator. It is pos-sible, and it is man's duty, so to throw the weight of histhoughts and acts on the side of Truth, that he be everfound in the scalewithhis creator; not weighingequally with Him, but comprehending at every point, in [20]divine Science, the full significance of what the apostlemeant by the declaration,“The Spirit itself beareth wit-ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: andif children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs withChrist.”In Science, man represents his divine Prin- [25]ciple,—the Life and Love that are God,—even as theidea of sound, in tones, represents harmony; but thoughthas not yet wholly attained unto the Science of being,wherein man is perfect even as the Father, his divinePrinciple, is perfect. [30]
A reader of my writings would not present this ques-
tion. There are no such indications in the premises or
conclusions of Christian Science, and such a misconcep-
tion of Truth is not scientific. Man is not equal with
his Maker; that which is formed is not cause, but effect, [15]
and has no power underived from its creator. It is pos-
sible, and it is man's duty, so to throw the weight of his
thoughts and acts on the side of Truth, that he be ever
found in the scalewithhis creator; not weighing
equally with Him, but comprehending at every point, in [20]
divine Science, the full significance of what the apostle
meant by the declaration,“The Spirit itself beareth wit-
ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and
if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ.”In Science, man represents his divine Prin- [25]
ciple,—the Life and Love that are God,—even as the
idea of sound, in tones, represents harmony; but thought
has not yet wholly attained unto the Science of being,
wherein man is perfect even as the Father, his divine
Principle, is perfect. [30]
How can I believe that there is no such thing as matter,[1]when I weigh over two hundred pounds and carry aboutthis weight daily?
How can I believe that there is no such thing as matter,[1]
when I weigh over two hundred pounds and carry about
this weight daily?
By learning that matter is but manifest mortal mind.You entertain an adipose belief of yourself as substance; [5]whereas, substance means more than matter: it is theglory and permanence of Spirit: it is that which ishoped for but unseen, that which the material sensescannot take in. Have you never been so preoccupied inthought when moving your body, that you did this with- [10]out consciousness of its weight? If never in your wakinghours, you have been in your night-dreams; and thesetend to elucidate your day-dream, or the mythical natureof matter, and the possibilities of mind when let loosefrom its own beliefs. In sleep, a sense of the body ac- [15]companies thought with less impediment than whenawake, which is the truer sense of being. In Science,body is the servant of Mind, not its master: Mind issupreme. Science reverses the evidence of materialsense with the spiritual sense that God, Spirit, is the only [20]substance; and that man, His image and likeness, isspiritual, not material. This great Truth does not de-stroy but substantiates man's identity,—together withhis immortality and preexistence, or his spiritual co-existence with his Maker. That which has a beginning [25]must have an ending.
By learning that matter is but manifest mortal mind.
You entertain an adipose belief of yourself as substance; [5]
whereas, substance means more than matter: it is the
glory and permanence of Spirit: it is that which is
hoped for but unseen, that which the material senses
cannot take in. Have you never been so preoccupied in
thought when moving your body, that you did this with- [10]
out consciousness of its weight? If never in your waking
hours, you have been in your night-dreams; and these
tend to elucidate your day-dream, or the mythical nature
of matter, and the possibilities of mind when let loose
from its own beliefs. In sleep, a sense of the body ac- [15]
companies thought with less impediment than when
awake, which is the truer sense of being. In Science,
body is the servant of Mind, not its master: Mind is
supreme. Science reverses the evidence of material
sense with the spiritual sense that God, Spirit, is the only [20]
substance; and that man, His image and likeness, is
spiritual, not material. This great Truth does not de-
stroy but substantiates man's identity,—together with
his immortality and preexistence, or his spiritual co-
existence with his Maker. That which has a beginning [25]
must have an ending.
What should one conclude as to Professor Carpenter'sexhibitions of mesmerism?
What should one conclude as to Professor Carpenter's
exhibitions of mesmerism?
That largely depends upon what one accepts as eitheruseful or true. I have no knowledge of mesmerism, [30]
That largely depends upon what one accepts as either
useful or true. I have no knowledge of mesmerism, [30]
practically or theoretically, save as I measure its demon- [1]strations as a false belief, and avoid all that works ill. Ifmesmerism has the power attributed to it by the gentle-man referred to, it should neither be taught nor practised,but should be conscientiously condemned. One thing [5]is quite apparent; namely, that its so-called power isdespotic, and Mr. Carpenter deserves praise for his publicexposure of it. If such be its power, I am opposed to it,as to every form of error,—whether of ignorance orfanaticism, prompted by money-making or malice. It [10]is enough for me to know that animal magnetism is neitherof God nor Science.
practically or theoretically, save as I measure its demon- [1]
strations as a false belief, and avoid all that works ill. If
mesmerism has the power attributed to it by the gentle-
man referred to, it should neither be taught nor practised,
but should be conscientiously condemned. One thing [5]
is quite apparent; namely, that its so-called power is
despotic, and Mr. Carpenter deserves praise for his public
exposure of it. If such be its power, I am opposed to it,
as to every form of error,—whether of ignorance or
fanaticism, prompted by money-making or malice. It [10]
is enough for me to know that animal magnetism is neither
of God nor Science.
It is alleged that at one of his recent lectures in Bos-ton Mr. Carpenter made a man drunk on water, andthen informed his audience that he could produce the [15]effect of alcohol, or of any drug, on the human system,through the action of mind alone. This honest declara-tion as to the animus of animal magnetism and the pos-sible purpose to which it can be devoted, has, we trust,been made in season to open the eyes of the people to the [20]hidden nature of some tragic events and sudden deathsat this period.
It is alleged that at one of his recent lectures in Bos-
ton Mr. Carpenter made a man drunk on water, and
then informed his audience that he could produce the [15]
effect of alcohol, or of any drug, on the human system,
through the action of mind alone. This honest declara-
tion as to the animus of animal magnetism and the pos-
sible purpose to which it can be devoted, has, we trust,
been made in season to open the eyes of the people to the [20]
hidden nature of some tragic events and sudden deaths
at this period.
Was ever a person made insane by studying meta-physics?
Was ever a person made insane by studying meta-
physics?
Such an occurrence would be impossible, for the [25]proper study of Mind-healing would cure the insane.That persons have gone away from the MassachusettsMetaphysical College“made insane by Mrs. Eddy'steachings,”like a hundred other stories, is a baselessfabrication offered solely to injure her or her school. [30]The enemy is trying to make capital out of the follow-
Such an occurrence would be impossible, for the [25]
proper study of Mind-healing would cure the insane.
That persons have gone away from the Massachusetts
Metaphysical College“made insane by Mrs. Eddy's
teachings,”like a hundred other stories, is a baseless
fabrication offered solely to injure her or her school. [30]
The enemy is trying to make capital out of the follow-
ing case. A young lady entered the College class who, [1]I quickly saw, had a tendency to monomania, and re-quested her to withdraw before its close. We are cred-ibly informed that, before entering the College, thisyoung lady had manifested some mental unsoundness, [5]and have no doubt she could have been restored byChristian Science treatment. Her friends employed ahomœopathist, who had the skill and honor to state, as hisopinion given to her friends, that“Mrs. Eddy's teach-ings had not produced insanity.”This is the only case [10]that could be distorted into the claim of insanity everhaving occurred in a class of Mrs. Eddy's; while ac-knowledged and notable cases of insanity have beencured in her class.
ing case. A young lady entered the College class who, [1]
I quickly saw, had a tendency to monomania, and re-
quested her to withdraw before its close. We are cred-
ibly informed that, before entering the College, this
young lady had manifested some mental unsoundness, [5]
and have no doubt she could have been restored by
Christian Science treatment. Her friends employed a
homœopathist, who had the skill and honor to state, as his
opinion given to her friends, that“Mrs. Eddy's teach-
ings had not produced insanity.”This is the only case [10]
that could be distorted into the claim of insanity ever
having occurred in a class of Mrs. Eddy's; while ac-
knowledged and notable cases of insanity have been
cured in her class.
If all that is mortal is a dream or error, is not[15]our capacity for formulating a dream, real; is it notGod-made; and if God-made, can it be wrong, sinful, oran error?
If all that is mortal is a dream or error, is not[15]
our capacity for formulating a dream, real; is it not
God-made; and if God-made, can it be wrong, sinful, or
an error?
The spirit of Truth leads into all truth, and enablesman to discern between the real and the unreal. Enter- [20]taining the common belief in the opposite of goodness,and that evil is as real as good, opposes the leadings ofthe divine Spirit that are helping man Godward: it pre-vents a recognition of the nothingness of the dream, orbelief, that Mind is in matter, intelligence in non-intel- [25]ligence, sin, and death. This belief presupposes notonly a power opposed to God, and that God is not All-in-all, as the Scriptures imply Him to be, but that thecapacity to err proceeds from God.
The spirit of Truth leads into all truth, and enables
man to discern between the real and the unreal. Enter- [20]
taining the common belief in the opposite of goodness,
and that evil is as real as good, opposes the leadings of
the divine Spirit that are helping man Godward: it pre-
vents a recognition of the nothingness of the dream, or
belief, that Mind is in matter, intelligence in non-intel- [25]
ligence, sin, and death. This belief presupposes not
only a power opposed to God, and that God is not All-
in-all, as the Scriptures imply Him to be, but that the
capacity to err proceeds from God.
That God is Truth, the Scriptures aver; that Truth [30]never created error, or such a capacity, is self-evident;
That God is Truth, the Scriptures aver; that Truth [30]
never created error, or such a capacity, is self-evident;
that God made all that was made, is again Scriptural; [1]therefore your answer is, that error is an illusion ofmortals; that God is not its author, and it cannot bereal.
that God made all that was made, is again Scriptural; [1]
therefore your answer is, that error is an illusion of
mortals; that God is not its author, and it cannot be
real.
Does“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”[5]explain the entire method of metaphysical healing, or isthere a secret back of what is contained in that book, assome say?
Does“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”[5]
explain the entire method of metaphysical healing, or is
there a secret back of what is contained in that book, as
some say?
“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”is a complete textbook of Christian Science; and its [10]metaphysical method of healing is as lucid in presenta-tion as can be possible, under the necessity to expressthe metaphysical in physical terms. There is absolutelyno additional secret outside of its teachings, or that givesone the power to heal; but it is essential that the student [15]gain the spiritual understanding of the contents of thisbook, in order to heal.
“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”
is a complete textbook of Christian Science; and its [10]
metaphysical method of healing is as lucid in presenta-
tion as can be possible, under the necessity to express
the metaphysical in physical terms. There is absolutely
no additional secret outside of its teachings, or that gives
one the power to heal; but it is essential that the student [15]
gain the spiritual understanding of the contents of this
book, in order to heal.
Do you believe in change of heart?
Do you believe in change of heart?
We do believe, and understand—which is more—that there must be a change from human affections, de- [20]sires, and aims, to the divine standard,“Be ye thereforeperfect;”also, that there must be a change from the be-lief that the heart is matter and sustains life, to theunderstanding that God is our Life, that we exist inMind, live thereby, and have being. This change of [25]heart would deliver man from heart-disease, and ad-vance Christianity a hundredfold. The human affectionsneed to be changed from self to benevolence and lovefor God and man; changed to having butoneGod andloving Him supremely, and helping our brother man. [30]
We do believe, and understand—which is more—
that there must be a change from human affections, de- [20]
sires, and aims, to the divine standard,“Be ye therefore
perfect;”also, that there must be a change from the be-
lief that the heart is matter and sustains life, to the
understanding that God is our Life, that we exist in
Mind, live thereby, and have being. This change of [25]
heart would deliver man from heart-disease, and ad-
vance Christianity a hundredfold. The human affections
need to be changed from self to benevolence and love
for God and man; changed to having butoneGod and
loving Him supremely, and helping our brother man. [30]
This change of heart is essential to Christianity, and [1]will have its effect physically as well as spiritually,healing disease. Burnt offerings and drugs, God doesnot require.
This change of heart is essential to Christianity, and [1]
will have its effect physically as well as spiritually,
healing disease. Burnt offerings and drugs, God does
not require.
Is a belief of nervousness, accompanied by great mental[5]depression, mesmerism?
Is a belief of nervousness, accompanied by great mental[5]
depression, mesmerism?
All mesmerism is of one of three kinds; namely, theignorant, the fraudulent, or the malicious workings oferror or mortal mind. We have not the particulars ofthe case to which you may refer, and for this reason can- [10]not answer your question professionally.
All mesmerism is of one of three kinds; namely, the
ignorant, the fraudulent, or the malicious workings of
error or mortal mind. We have not the particulars of
the case to which you may refer, and for this reason can- [10]
not answer your question professionally.
How can I govern a child metaphysically? Doesn't theuse of the rod teach him life in matter?
How can I govern a child metaphysically? Doesn't the
use of the rod teach him life in matter?
The use of the rod is virtually a declaration to thechild's mind that sensation belongs to matter. Motives [15]govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clearto the child's thought the right motives for action, andcause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if youeducate him to love God, good, and obey the GoldenRule, he will love and obey you without your having to [20]resort to corporeal punishment.
The use of the rod is virtually a declaration to the
child's mind that sensation belongs to matter. Motives [15]
govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clear
to the child's thought the right motives for action, and
cause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if you
educate him to love God, good, and obey the Golden
Rule, he will love and obey you without your having to [20]
resort to corporeal punishment.
“"When from the lips of Truth one mighty breathShall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breezeThe whole dark pile of human mockeries;Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, [25]And starting fresh, as from a second birth,Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring,Shall walk transparent like some holy thing.”
“"When from the lips of Truth one mighty breathShall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breezeThe whole dark pile of human mockeries;Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, [25]And starting fresh, as from a second birth,Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring,Shall walk transparent like some holy thing.”
“"When from the lips of Truth one mighty breath
Shall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breeze
The whole dark pile of human mockeries;
Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, [25]
And starting fresh, as from a second birth,
Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring,
Shall walk transparent like some holy thing.”
Are both prayer and drugs necessary to heal?
Are both prayer and drugs necessary to heal?
The apostle James said,“Ye ask, and receive not,[30]because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your
The apostle James said,“Ye ask, and receive not,[30]
because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your
lusts.”This text may refer to such as seek the material [1]to aid the spiritual, and take drugs to support God'spower to heal them. It is difficult to say how muchone can do for himself, whose faith is divided be-tween catnip and Christ; but not so difficult to know [5]that if he were to serve one master, he could do vastlymore. Whosoever understands the power of Spirit, hasno doubt of God's power,—even the might of Truth,—to heal, through divine Science, beyond all human meansand methods. [10]
lusts.”This text may refer to such as seek the material [1]
to aid the spiritual, and take drugs to support God's
power to heal them. It is difficult to say how much
one can do for himself, whose faith is divided be-
tween catnip and Christ; but not so difficult to know [5]
that if he were to serve one master, he could do vastly
more. Whosoever understands the power of Spirit, has
no doubt of God's power,—even the might of Truth,—
to heal, through divine Science, beyond all human means
and methods. [10]
What do you think of marriage?
What do you think of marriage?
That it is often convenient, sometimes pleasant, andoccasionally a love affair. Marriage is susceptible ofmany definitions. It sometimes presents the mostwretched condition of human existence. To be normal, [15]it must be a union of the affections that tends to liftmortals higher.
That it is often convenient, sometimes pleasant, and
occasionally a love affair. Marriage is susceptible of
many definitions. It sometimes presents the most
wretched condition of human existence. To be normal, [15]
it must be a union of the affections that tends to lift
mortals higher.
If this life is a dream not dispelled, but only changed,by death,—if one gets tired of it, why not commitsuicide?[20]
If this life is a dream not dispelled, but only changed,
by death,—if one gets tired of it, why not commit
suicide?[20]
Man's existence is a problem to be wrought in divineScience. What progress would a student of sciencemake, if, when tired of mathematics or failing to dem-onstrate one rule readily, he should attempt to workout a rule farther on and more difficult—and this, [25]because the first rule was not easily demonstrated? Inthat case he would be obliged to turn back and workout the previous example, before solving the advancedproblem. Mortals have the sum of being to work out,and up, to its spiritual standpoint. They must work [30]
Man's existence is a problem to be wrought in divine
Science. What progress would a student of science
make, if, when tired of mathematics or failing to dem-
onstrate one rule readily, he should attempt to work
out a rule farther on and more difficult—and this, [25]
because the first rule was not easily demonstrated? In
that case he would be obliged to turn back and work
out the previous example, before solving the advanced
problem. Mortals have the sum of being to work out,
and up, to its spiritual standpoint. They must work [30]
out of this dream or false claim of sensation and life [1]in matter, and up to the spiritual realities of existence,before this false claim can be wholly dispelled. Com-mitting suicide to dodge the question is not workingit out. The error of supposed life and intelligence in [5]matter, is dissolved only as we master error with Truth.Not through sin or suicide, but byovercomingtempta-tion and sin, shall we escape the weariness and wicked-ness of mortal existence, and gain heaven, the harmonyof being. [10]
out of this dream or false claim of sensation and life [1]
in matter, and up to the spiritual realities of existence,
before this false claim can be wholly dispelled. Com-
mitting suicide to dodge the question is not working
it out. The error of supposed life and intelligence in [5]
matter, is dissolved only as we master error with Truth.
Not through sin or suicide, but byovercomingtempta-
tion and sin, shall we escape the weariness and wicked-
ness of mortal existence, and gain heaven, the harmony
of being. [10]
Do you sometimes find it advisable to use medicine toassist in producing a cure, when it is difficult to start thepatient's recovery?
Do you sometimes find it advisable to use medicine to
assist in producing a cure, when it is difficult to start the
patient's recovery?
You only weaken your power to heal through Mind,by any compromise with matter; which is virtually ac- [15]knowledging that under difficulties the former is not equalto the latter. He that resorts to physics, seeks what isbelow instead of above the standard of metaphysics;showing his ignorance of the meaning of the term andof Christian Science. [20]
You only weaken your power to heal through Mind,
by any compromise with matter; which is virtually ac- [15]
knowledging that under difficulties the former is not equal
to the latter. He that resorts to physics, seeks what is
below instead of above the standard of metaphysics;
showing his ignorance of the meaning of the term and
of Christian Science. [20]
If Christian Science is the same as Jesus taught, why isit not more simple, so that all can readily understand it?
If Christian Science is the same as Jesus taught, why is
it not more simple, so that all can readily understand it?
The teachings of Jesus were simple; and yet he foundit difficult to make the rulers understand, because oftheir great lack of spirituality. Christian Science is [25]simple, and readily understood by the children; onlythe thought educated away from it finds it abstract ordifficult to perceive. Its seeming abstraction is themystery of godliness; and godliness is simple to thegodly; but to the unspiritual, the ungodly, it is dark [30]
The teachings of Jesus were simple; and yet he found
it difficult to make the rulers understand, because of
their great lack of spirituality. Christian Science is [25]
simple, and readily understood by the children; only
the thought educated away from it finds it abstract or
difficult to perceive. Its seeming abstraction is the
mystery of godliness; and godliness is simple to the
godly; but to the unspiritual, the ungodly, it is dark [30]