Chapter 10 — Admonition and Counsel

From Miscellany by Mary Baker Eddy

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1 WHAT OUR LEADER SAYS

       BELOVED Christian Scientists, keep your minds so
3     filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and
       death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can
       be added to the mind already full. There is no door
6     through which evil can enter, and no space for evil to fill
       in a mind filled with goodness. Good thoughts are an
       impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely
9     shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not
       only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest
       upon are thereby benefited.

12    The self-seeking pride of the evil thinker injures him
       when he would harm others. Goodness involuntarily
       resists evil. The evil thinker is the proud talker and
15    doer. The right thinker abides under the shadow of the
       Almighty. His thoughts can only reflect peace, good will
       towards men, health, and holiness.(1)

WAYS THAT ARE VAIN

       Certain individuals entertain the notion that Chris-
       tian Science Mind-healing should be two-sided, and only
21    denounce error in general, — saying nothing, in particu-

(1) Copyright, 1909, by Mary Baker Eddy. Renewed, 1937.

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1     lar, of error that is damning men. They are sticklers
       for a false, convenient peace, straining at gnats and
3     swallowing camels. The unseen wrong to individuals
       and society they are too cowardly, too ignorant, or too
       wicked to uncover, and excuse themselves by denying
6     that this evil exists. This mistaken way, of hiding sin
       in order to maintain harmony, has licensed evil, allowing
       it first to smoulder, and then break out in devouring
9     flames. All that error asks is to be let alone; even as
       in Jesus’ time the unclean spirits cried out, “Let us
       alone; what have we to do with thee?”

12    Animal magnetism, in its ascending steps of evil,
       entices its victim by unseen, silent arguments. Revers-
       ing the modes of good, in their silent allurements to
15    health and holiness, it impels mortal mind into error of
       thought, and tempts into the committal of acts foreign
       to the natural inclinations. The victims lose their
18    individuality, and lend themselves as willing tools to
       carry out the designs of their worst enemies, even those
       who would induce their self-destruction. Animal mag-
21    netism fosters suspicious distrust where honor is due, fear
       where courage should be strongest, reliance where there
       should be avoidance, a belief in safety where there is
24    most danger; and these miserable lies, poured constantly
       into his mind, fret and confuse it, spoiling that indi-
       vidual’s disposition, undermining his health, and sealing
27    his doom, unless the cause of the mischief is found out
       and destroyed.

       Other minds are made dormant by it, and the victim
30    is in a state of semi-individuality, with a mental hazi-
       ness which admits of no intellectual culture or spiritual
       growth. The state induced by this secret evil influence

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1     is a species of intoxication, in which the victim is led to
       believe and do what he would never, otherwise, think
3     or do voluntarily.

       This intricate method of animal magnetism is the
       essence, or spirit, of evil, which makes mankind drunken.
6     In this era it is taking the place of older and more open
       sins, and other forms of intoxication. A harder fight
       will be necessary to expose the cause and effects of
9     this evil influence, than has been required to put down
       the evil effects of alcohol. The alcoholic habit is the
       use of higher forms of matter, wherewith to do evil;
12    whereas animal magnetism is the highest form of mental
       evil, wherewith to complete the sum total of sin.

       The question is often asked, Why is there so much
15    dissension among mental practitioners? We answer,
       Because they do not practise in strict accordance with
       the teaching of Christian Science Mind-healing. If they
18    did, there would be unity of action. Being like the
       disciples of old, “with one accord in one place,” they
       would receive a spiritual influx impossible under other
21    conditions, and so would recognize and resist the
       animal magnetism by which they are being deceived
       and misled.

24    The mental malpractitioner, interfering with the
       rights of Mind, destroys the true sense of Science, and
       loses his own power to heal. He tries to compensate
27    himself for his own loss by hindering in every way con-
       ceivable the success of others. You will find this prac-
       titioner saying that animal magnetism never troubles
30    him, but that Mrs. Eddy teaches animal magnetism;
       and he says this to cover his crime of mental malprac-
       tice, in furtherance of unscrupulous designs.

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1     The natural fruits of Christian Science Mind-healing
       are harmony, brotherly love, spiritual growth and
3     activity. The malicious aim of perverted mind-power,
       or animal magnetism, is to paralyze good and give
       activity to evil. It starts factions and engenders envy
6     and hatred, but as activity is by no means a right of
       evil and its emissaries, they ought not to be encouraged
       in it. Because this age is cursed with one rancorous
9     and lurking foe to human weal, those who are the
       truest friends of mankind, and conscientious in their
       desire to do right and to live pure and Christian lives,
12    should be more zealous to do good, more watchful and
       vigilant. Then they will be proportionately successful
       and bring out glorious results.

15    Unless one’s eyes are opened to the modes of mental
       malpractice, working so subtly that we mistake its sug-
       gestions for the impulses of our own thought, the victim
18    will allow himself to drift in the wrong direction with-
       out knowing it. Be ever on guard against this enemy.
       Watch your thoughts, and see whether they lead you
21    to God and into harmony with His true followers.
       Guard and strengthen your own citadel more strongly.
       Thus you will grow wiser and better through every
24    attack of your foe, and the Golden Rule will not rust
       for lack of use or be misinterpreted by the adverse
       influence of animal magnetism.

ONLY ONE QUOTATION

       The following three quotations from “Science and
       Health with Key to the Scriptures” are submitted
30    to the dear Churches of Christ, Scientist. From these

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1     they may select one only to place on the walls of their
       church. Otherwise, as our churches multiply, promiscu-
3     ous selections would write your textbook on the walls of
       your churches.

Divine Love always has met and always will meet every
6 human need.

MARY BAKER EDDY

Christianity is again demonstrating the Life that is
9 Truth, and the Truth that is Life.

MARY BAKER EDDY

       Jesus’ three days’ work in the sepulchre set the seal
12    of eternity on time. He proved Life to be deathless and
       Love to be the master of hate.

MARY BAKER EDDY

THE LABORER AND HIS HIRE

       In reply to letters questioning the consistency of
       Christian Scientists taking pay for their labors, and with
18    the hope of relieving the questioners’ perplexity, I will say:
       Four years after my discovery of Christian Science, while
       taking no remuneration for my labors, and for healing all
21    manner of diseases, I was confronted with the fact that I
       had no monetary means left wherewith to hire a hall in
       which to speak, or to establish a Christian Science home
24    for indigent students, which I yearned to do, or even to
       meet my own current expenses. I therefore halted from
       necessity.

27    I had cast my all into the treasury of Truth, but where
       were the means with which to carry on a Cause? To
       desert the Cause never occurred to me, but nobody

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1     then wanted Christian Science, or gave it a halfpenny.
       Though sorely oppressed, I was above begging and
3     knew well the priceless worth of what had been bestowed
       without money or price. Just then God stretched forth
       His hand. He it was that bade me do what I did,
6     and it prospered at every step. I wrote “Science and
       Health with Key to the Scriptures,” taught students for
       a tuition of three hundred dollars each, though I seldom
9     taught without having charity scholars, sometimes a
       dozen or upward in one class. Afterwards, with touch-
       ing tenderness, those very students sent me the full
12    tuition money. However, I returned this money with
       love; but it was again mailed to me in letters begging
       me to accept it, saying, “Your teachings are worth much
15    more to me than money can be.”

       It was thus that I earned the means with which to start
       a Christian Science home for the poor worthy student, to
18    establish a Metaphysical College, to plant our first maga-
       zine, to purchase the site for a church edifice, to give my
       church The Christian Science Journal, and to keep “the
21    wolves in sheep’s clothing,” preying upon my pearls, from
       clogging the wheels of Christian Science.

       When the great Master first sent forth his students, he
24    bade them take no scrip for their journey, saying, “The
       laborer is worthy of his hire.” Next, on the contrary,
       he bade them take scrip. Can we find a better example
27    for our lives than that of our Master? Why did he send
       forth his students first without, and then with, provision
       for their expenses? Doubtless to test the effect of both
30    methods on mankind. That he preferred the latter is
       evident, since we have no hint of his changing this direc-
       tion; and that his divine wisdom should temper human

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1     affairs, is plainly set forth in the Scriptures. Till Christian
       Scientists give all their time to spiritual things, live without
3     eating, and obtain their money from a fish’s mouth, they
       must earn it in order to help mankind with it. All sys-
       tems of religion stand on this basis.

6     The law and the gospel, — Christian, civil, and educa-
       tional means, — manufacture, agriculture, tariff, and
       revenue subsist on demand and supply, regulated by a
9     government currency, by which each is provided for and
       maintained. What, then, can a man do with truth
       and without a cent to sustain it? Either his life must
12    be a miracle that frightens people, or his truth not
       worth a cent.

THE CHILDREN CONTRIBUTORS

15    My Beloved Children: — Tenderly thanking you for
       your sweet industry and love on behalf of the room
       of the Pastor Emeritus in The First Church of Christ,
18    Scientist, Boston, I say: The purpose of God to you-
       ward indicates another field of work which I present to
       your thought, work by which you can do much good and
21    which is adapted to your present unfolding capacity. I
       request that from this date you disband as a society,
       drop the insignia of “Busy Bees,” work in your own sev-
24    eral localities, and no longer contribute to The Mother
       Church flower fund.

       As you grow older, advance in the knowledge of self-
27    support, and see the need of self-culture, it is to be expected
       you will feel more than at present that charity begins at
       home, and that you will want money for your own uses.
30    Contemplating these important wants, I see that you
       should begin now to earn for a purpose even higher, the

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1     money that you expend for flowers. You will want it for
       academics, for your own school education, or, if need be,
3     to help your parents, brothers, or sisters.

       Further to encourage your early, generous incentive
       for action, and to reward your hitherto unselfish toil, I
6     have deeded in trust to The Mother Church of Christ,
       Scientist, in Boston, the sum of four thousand dollars
       to be invested in safe municipal bonds for my dear chil-
9     dren contributors to the room of the Pastor Emeritus.
       This sum is to remain on interest till it is disbursed in
       equal shares to each contributor. This disbursal will
12    take place when the contributors shall have arrived at
       legal age, and each contributor will receive his divi-
       dend with interest thereon up to date, provided he has
15    complied with my request as above named.

A CORRECTION

       In the last Sentinel [Oct. 12, 1899] was the following
18    question: “If all matter is unreal, why do we deny the
       existence of disease in the material body and not the body
       itself?”

21    We deny first the existence of disease, because we can
       meet this negation more readily than we can negative all
       that the material senses affirm. It is written in “Science
24    and Health with Key to the Scriptures”: “An improved
       belief is one step out of error, and aids in taking the
       next step and in understanding the situation in Christian
27    Science” (p. 296).

       Thus it is that our great Exemplar, Jesus of Nazareth,
       first takes up the subject. He does not require the last
30    step to be taken first. He came to the world not to
       destroy the law of being, but to fulfil it in righteousness.

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1     He restored the diseased body to its normal action,
       functions, and organization, and in explanation of his
3     deeds he said, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it be-
       cometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” Job said, “In
       my flesh shall I see God.” Neither the Old nor the New
6     Testament furnishes reasons or examples for the destruc-
       tion of the human body, but for its restoration to life
       and health as the scientific proof of “God with us.”
9     The power and prerogative of Truth are to destroy all
       disease and to raise the dead — even the self-same
       Lazarus. The spiritual body, the incorporeal idea, came
12    with the ascension.

       Jesus demonstrated the divine Principle of Christian
       Science when he presented his material body absolved
15    from death and the grave. The introduction of pure
       abstractions into Christian Science, without their correl-
       atives, leaves the divine Principle of Christian Science
18    unexplained, tends to confuse the mind of the reader, and
       ultimates in what Jesus denounced, namely, straining
       at gnats and swallowing camels.

QUESTION ANSWERED

       A fad of belief is the fool of mesmerism. The belief
       that an individual can either teach or heal by proxy is a
24    false faith that will end bitterly. My published works are
       teachers and healers. My private life is given to a serv-
       itude the fruit of which all mankind may share. Such
27    labor is impartial, meted out to one no more than to
       another. Therefore an individual should not enter the
       Massachusetts Metaphysical College with the expecta-
30    tion of receiving instruction from me, other than that

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1     which my books afford, unless I am personally present.
       Nor should patients anticipate being helped by me through
3     some favored student. Such practice would be erro-
       neous, and such an anticipation on the part of the sick a
       hindrance rather than help.

6     My good students have all the honor of their success
       in teaching or in healing. I by no means would pluck
       their plumes. Human power is most properly used in
9     preventing the occasion for its use; otherwise its use
       is abuse.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE HEALING

12    To say that it is sin to ride to church on an electric
       car, would not be more preposterous than to believe
       that man’s Maker is not equal to the destruction of disease
15    germs. Christ, Truth, the ever-present spiritual idea,
       who raises the dead, is equal to the giving of life and health
       to man and to the healing, as aforetime, of all manner of
18    diseases. I would not charge Christians with doubting
       the Bible record of our great Master’s life of healing, since
       Christianity must be predicated of what Christ Jesus
21    taught and did; but I do say that Christian Science cannot
       annul nor make void the laws of the land, since Christ,
       the great demonstrator of Christian Science, said, “Think
24    not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
       I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

       I have expressed my opinion publicly as to the pre-
27    cautions against the spread of so-called infectious and
       contagious diseases in the following words: —

       “Rather than quarrel over vaccination, I recommend, if
30    the law demand, that an individual submit to this process,
       that he obey the law, and then appeal to the gospel to

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1     save him from bad physical results. Whatever changes
       come to this century or to any epoch, we may safely
3     submit to the providence of God, to common justice, to
       the maintenance of individual rights, and to govern-
       mental usages. This statement should be so interpreted
6     as to apply, on the basis of Christian Science, to the
       reporting of a contagious case to the proper authorities
       when the law so requires. When Jesus was questioned
9     concerning obedience to human law, he replied: ‘Render
       to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,’ even while you
       render ‘to God the things that are God’s.’ “

12    I believe in obeying the laws of the land. I practise and
       teach this obedience, since justice is the moral signification
       of law. Injustice denotes the absence of law. Each day
15    I pray for the pacification of all national difficulties, for
       the brotherhood of man, for the end of idolatry and
       infidelity, and for the growth and establishment of
18    Christian religion — Christ’s Christianity. I also have
       faith that my prayer availeth, and that He who is
       overturning will overturn until He whose right it is shall
21    reign. Each day I pray: “God bless my enemies; make
       them Thy friends; give them to know the joy and the
       peace of love.”

24    Past, present, or future philosophy or religion, which
       departs from the instructions and example of the great
       Galilean Prophet, cannot be Christlike. Jesus obeyed
27    human laws and fell a victim to those laws. But nineteen
       centuries have greatly improved human nature and
       human statutes. That the innocent should suffer for the
30    guilty, seems less divine, and that humanity should share
       alike liberty of conscience, seems more divine to-day than
       it did yesterday.

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1     The earthly price of spirituality in religion and medicine
       in a material age is persecution, and the moral distance
3     between Christianity and materialism precludes Jesus’
       doctrine, now as then, from finding favor with certain
       purely human views. The prophets of old looked for
6     something higher than the systems and practices of their
       times. They foresaw the new dispensation of Truth
       and the demonstration of God in His more infinite
9     meanings, — the demonstration which was to destroy sin,
       disease, and death, establish the definition of omnipotence,
       and illustrate the Science of Mind. Earth has not known
12    another so great and good as Christ Jesus. Then can
       we find a better moral philosophy, a more complete,
       natural, and divine Science of medicine, or a better
15    religion than his?

       God is Spirit. Then modes of healing, other than the
       spiritual and divine, break the First Commandment of
18    the Decalogue, “Thou shalt have no other gods before
       me.” There are no other heaven-appointed means than
       the spiritual with which to heal sin and disease. Our
21    Master conformed to this law, and instructed his follow-
       ers, saying, “He that believeth on me, the works that I
       do shall he do also.” This is enough.

24    All issues of morality, of Christianity, of pleasure, or of
       pain must come through a correct or incorrect state
       of thought, since matter is not conscious; then, like a
27    watchman forsaking his post, shall we have no faith in
       God, in the divine Mind, thus throwing the door wide
       open to the intruding disease, forgetting that the divine
30    Mind, Truth and Life, can guard the entrance?

We earnestly ask: Shall we not believe the Scripture,
“The prayer of faith shall save the sick”? In the seven-

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1     teenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew,
       we read that even the disciples of Jesus once failed mentally
3     to cure by their faith and understanding a violent case of
       lunacy. And because of this Jesus rebuked them, saying:
       “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be
6     with you ? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to
       me.” When his disciples asked him why they could not
       heal that case, Jesus, the master Metaphysician, answered,
9     “Because of your unbelief” (lack of faith); and then
       continued: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard
       seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence
12    to yonder place; and it shall remove.” Also he added:
       “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting”
       (refraining from admitting the claims of the senses).
15    Even in those dark days Jesus was not arrested and
       executed (for “insanity”) because of his faith and
       his great demands on the faith of his followers, but
18    he was arrested because, as was said, “he stirreth
       up the people.” Be patient, O Christian Scientist!
       It is well that thou canst unloose the sandals of thy
21    Master’s feet.

       The Constitution of the United States does not provide
       that materia medica shall make laws to regulate man’s
24    religion; rather does it imply that religion shall permeate
       our laws. Mankind will be God-governed in proportion
       as God’s government becomes apparent, the Golden Rule
27    utilized, and the rights of man and the liberty of conscience
       held sacred. Meanwhile, they who name the name of
       Christian Science will assist in the holding of crime in
30    check, will aid the ejection of error, will maintain law
       and order, and will cheerfully await the end — justice and
       judgment.

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RULES OF CONDUCT

       I hereby notify the public that no comers are received
3     at Pleasant View without previous appointment by letter.
       Also that I neither listen to complaints, read letters, nor
       dictate replies to letters which pertain to church diffi-
6     culties outside of The Mother Church of Christ, Scientist,
       or to any class of individual discords. Letters from the
       sick are not read by me or by my secretaries. They
9     should be sent to the Christian Science practitioners
       whose cards are in The Christian Science Journal.

       Letters and despatches from individuals with whom I
12    have no acquaintance and of whom I have no knowl-
       edge, containing questions about secular affairs, I do
       not answer. First, because I have not sufficient time to
15    waste on them; second, because I do not consider myself
       capable of instructing persons in regard to that of which
       I know nothing. All such questions are superinduced by
18    wrong motives or by “evil suggestions,” either of which
       I do not entertain.

       All inquiries, coming directly or indirectly from a
21    member of The Mother Church of Christ, Scientist, which
       relate in any manner to the keeping or the breaking
       of one of the Church By-laws, should be addressed to
24    the Christian Science Board of Directors and not to the
       Pastor Emeritus.

A WORD TO THE WISE

27    The hour is imminent. Upon it lie burdens that
       time will remove. Just now divine Love and wisdom
       saith, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Do all Chris-

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1     tian Scientists see or understand the importance of that
       demand at the moment, when human wisdom is inade-
3     quate to meet the exigencies of the hour and when they
       should wait on the logic of events?

       I respectfully call your attention to this demand, know-
6     ing a little, as I ought, the human need, the divine com-
       mand, the blessing which follows obedience and the bane
       which follows disobedience. Hurried conclusions as to
9     the public thought are not apt to be correctly drawn. The
       public sentiment is helpful or dangerous only in proportion
       to its right or its wrong concept, and the forward footsteps
12    it impels or the prejudice it instils. This prejudice the
       future must disclose and dispel. Avoid for the immediate
       present public debating clubs. Also be sure that you are
15    not caught in some author’s net, or made blind to his
       loss of the Golden Rule, of which Christian Science is the
       predicate and postulate, when he borrows the thoughts,
18    words, and classification of one author without quotation-
       marks, at the same time giving full credit to another more
       fashionable but less correct.

21    My books state Christian Science correctly. They may
       not be as taking to those ignorant of this Science as
       books less correct and therefore less profound. But it is
24    not safe to accept the latter as standards. We would not
       deny their authors a hearing, since the Scripture declares,
       “He that is not against us is on our part.” And we should
27    also speak in loving terms of their efforts, but we cannot
       afford to recommend any literature as wholly Christian
       Science which is not absolutely genuine.

30    Beloved students, just now let us adopt the classic
       saying, “They also serve who only stand and wait.”
       Our Cause is growing apace under the present persecution

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1     thereof. This is a crucial hour, in which the coward and
       the hypocrite come to the surface to pass off, while the
3     loyal at heart and the worker in the spirit of Truth are
       rising to the zenith of success, — the “Well done, good
       and faithful,” spoken by our Master.

CAPITALIZATION

       A correct use of capital letters in composition caps the
       climax of the old “new tongue. ” Christian Science is not
9     understood by the writer or the reader who does not com-
       prehend where capital letters should be used in writing
       about Christian Science.

12    In divine Science all belongs to God, for God is All;
       hence the propriety of giving unto His holy name
       due deference, — the capitalization which distinguishes
15    it from all other names, thus obeying the leading of our
       Lord’s Prayer.

       The coming of Christ’s kingdom on earth begins in the
18    minds of men by honoring God and sacredly holding His
       name apart from the names of that which He creates.
       Mankind almost universally gives to the divine Spirit
21    the name God. Christian Science names God as divine
       Principle, Love, the infinite Person. In this, as in all
       that is right, Christian Scientists are expected to stick
24    to their text, and by no illogical conclusion, either in
       speaking or in writing, to forget their prayer, “Hallowed
       be Thy name.”

27    In their textbook it is clearly stated that God is divine
       Principle and that His synonyms are Love, Truth, Life,
       Spirit, Mind, Soul, which combine as one. The divine
30    Principle includes them all. The word Principle, when
       referring to God, should not be written or used as a

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1     common noun or in the plural number. To avoid using
       this word incorrectly, use it only where you can substi-
3     tute the word God and make sense. This rule strictly
       observed will preserve an intelligent usage of the word
       and convey its meaning in Christian Science.

6     What are termed in common speech the principle of har-
       monious vibration, the principle of conservation of num-
       ber in geometry, the principle of the inclined plane in
9     mechanics, etc., are but an effect of one universal cause, —
       an emanation of the one divine intelligent Principle that
       holds the earth in its orbit by evolved spiritual power,
12    that commands the waves and the winds, that marks the
       sparrow’s fall, and that governs all from the infinitesimal
       to the infinite, — namely, God. Withdraw God, divine
15    Principle, from man and the universe, and man and the
       universe would no longer exist. But annihilate matter,
       and man and the universe would remain the forever fact,
18    the spiritual “substance of things hoped for;” and the
       evidence of the immortality of man and the cosmos is
       sustained by the intelligent divine Principle, Love.

21    Beloved students, in this you learn to hallow His name,
       even as you value His all-power, all-presence, all-Science,
       and depend on Him for your existence.

WHEREFORE?

       Our faithful laborers in the field of Science have
       been told by the alert editor-in-chief of the Christian
27    Science Sentinel and Journal that “Mrs. Eddy advises,
       until the public thought becomes better acquainted with
       Christian Science, that Christian Scientists decline to
30    doctor infectious or contagious diseases.”

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1     The great Master said, “For which of those works do
       ye stone me?” He said this to satisfy himself regarding
3     that which he spake as God’s representative — as one who
       never weakened in his own personal sense of righteousness
       because of another’s wickedness or because of the minify-
6     ing of his own goodness by another. Charity is quite as
       rare as wisdom, but when charity does appear, it is known
       by its patience and endurance.

9     When, under the protection of State or United States
       laws, good citizens are arrested for manslaughter because
       one out of three of their patients, having the same disease
12    and in the same family, dies while the others recover, we
       naturally turn to divine justice for support and wait on
       God. Christian Scientists should be influenced by their
15    own judgment in taking a case of malignant disease.
       They should consider well their ability to cope with the
       claim, and they should not overlook the fact that there
18    are those lying in wait to catch them in their sayings;
       neither should they forget that in their practice, whether
       successful or not, they are not specially protected by law.
21    The above quotation by the editor-in-chief stands for this:
       Inherent justice, constitutional individual rights, self-
       preservation, and the gospel injunction, “Neither cast
24    ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under
       their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

       And it stands side by side with Christ’s command,
27    “Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to
       him the other also.” I abide by this rule and triumph by
       it. The sinner may sneer at this beatitude, for “the fool
30    hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Statistics show
       that Christian Science cures a larger per cent of malignant
       diseases than does materia medica.

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1     I call disease by its name and have cured it thus; so
       there is nothing new on this score. My book Science and
3     Health names disease, and thousands are healed by
       learning that so-called disease is a sensation of mind, not
       of matter. Evil minds signally blunder in divine meta-
6     physics; hence I am always saying the unexpected to
       them. The evil mind calls it “skulking,” when to me it
       is wisdom to “overcome evil with good.” I fail to know
9     how one can be a Christian and yet depart from Christ’s
       teachings.

SIGNIFICANT QUESTIONS

12    Who shall be greatest? Referring to John the Baptist,
       of whom he said none greater had been born of women,
       our Master declared: “He that is least in the kingdom of
15    heaven is greater than he.” That is, he that hath the
       kingdom of heaven, the reign of holiness, in the least in his
       heart, shall be greatest.

18    Who shall inherit the earth? The meek, who sit at the
       feet of Truth, bathing the human understanding with
       tears of repentance and washing it clean from the taints of
21    self-righteousness, hypocrisy, envy, — they shall inherit
       the earth, for “wisdom is justified of her children.”
       “Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh
24    uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the
       truth in his heart.”

       Who shall be called to Pleasant View? He who strives,
27    and attains; who has the divine presumption to say: “For
       I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that
       he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him
30    against that day” (St. Paul). It goes without saying that
       such a one was never called to Pleasant View for penance

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1     or for reformation; and I call none but genuine Christian
       Scientists, unless I mistake their calling. No mesmerist
3     nor disloyal Christian Scientist is fit to come hither. I
       have no use for such, and there cannot be found at Pleasant
       View one of this sort. “For all that do these things are
6     an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these
       abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from
       before thee.” (Deuteronomy 18: 12.)

9     It is true that loyal Christian Scientists, called to the
       home of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science,
       can acquire in one year the Science that otherwise might
12    cost them a half century. But this should not be the
       incentive for going thither. Better far that Christian
       Scientists go to help their helper, and thus lose all selfish-
15    ness, as she has lost it, and thereby help themselves and
       the whole world, as she has done, according to this saying
       of Christ Jesus: “And whosoever doth not bear his cross,
18    and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

MENTAL DIGESTION

       Will those beloved students, whose growth is taking in
21    the Ten Commandments and scaling the steep ascent of
       Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, accept profound thanks for
       their swift messages of rejoicing over the twentieth cen-
24    tury Church Manual? Heaps upon heaps of praise con-
       front me, and for what? That which I said in my heart
       would never be needed, — namely, laws of limitation for a
27    Christian Scientist. Thy ways are not as ours. Thou
       knowest best what we need most, — hence my disap-
       pointed hope and grateful joy. The redeemed should be
30    happier than the elect. Truth is strong with destiny;
       it takes life profoundly; it measures the infinite against

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1     the finite. Notwithstanding the sacrilegious moth of time,
       eternity awaits our Church Manual, which will maintain
3     its rank as in the past, amid ministries aggressive and
       active, and will stand when those have passed to rest.

       Scientific pathology illustrates the digestion of spiritual
6     nutriment as both sweet and bitter, — sweet in expectancy
       and bitter in experience or during the senses’ assimilation
       thereof, and digested only when Soul silences the dyspepsia
9     of sense. This church is impartial. Its rules apply not
       to one member only, but to one and all equally. Of this
       I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will
12    increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his
       capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and
       to awaken the sinner.

TEACHING IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

TO THE SUPERINTENDENT AND TEACHERS OF THE
MOTHER CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL

18    Beloved Students: — I read with pleasure your approval
       of the amendments to Article XIX, Sections 5 and 6, (1)
       in our Church Manual. Be assured that fitness and
21    fidelity such as thine in the officials of my church give
       my solitude sweet surcease. It is a joy to know that
       they who are faithful over foundational trusts, such as
24    the Christian education of the dear children, will reap
       the reward of rightness, rise in the scale of being, and
       realize at last their Master’s promise, “And they shall be
27    all taught of God.”

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
November 14, 1904

30 (1) Article XX, Sections 2 and 3 in 89th edition.

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CHARITY AND INVALIDS

       Mrs. Eddy endeavors to bestow her charities for such
3     purposes only as God indicates. Giving merely in com-
       pliance with solicitations or petitions from strangers,
       incurs the liability of working in wrong directions. As
6     a rule, she has suffered most from those whom she has
       labored much to benefit — also from the undeserving
       poor to whom she has given large sums of money, worse
9     than wasted. She has, therefore, finally resolved to
       spend no more time or money in such uncertain, un-
       fortunate investments. She has qualified students for
12    healing the sick, and has ceased practice herself in order
       to help God’s work in other of its highest and infinite
       meanings, as God, not man, directs. Hence, letters from
15    invalids demanding her help do not reach her. They are
       committed to the waste-basket by her secretaries.

       “Charity suffereth long and is kind,” but wisdom must
18    govern charity, else love’s labor is lost and giving is un-
       kind. As it is, Mrs. Eddy is constantly receiving more
       important demands on her time and attention than one
21    woman is sufficient to supply. It would therefore be as
       unwise for her to undertake new tasks, as for a landlord
       who has not an empty apartment in his house, to receive
24    more tenants.

LESSONS IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

TO THE OFFICERS OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL OF SECOND CHURCH
27 OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, NEW YORK

       Beloved Brethren: —You will accept my thanks for your
       interesting report regarding the By-law, “Subject for
30    Lessons” (Article XX, Section 3 of Church Manual).

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1     It rejoices me that you are recognizing the proper course,
       unfurling your banner to the breeze of God, and sailing
3     over rough seas with the helm in His hands. Steering
       thus, the waiting waves will weave for you their winning
       webs of life in looms of love that line the sacred shores.
6     The right way wins the right of way, even the way of
       Truth and Love whereby all our debts are paid, mankind
       blessed, and God glorified.

WATCHING versus WATCHING OUT

COMMENT ON AN EDITORIAL WHICH APPEARED IN THE CHRISTIAN
SCIENCE SENTINEL, SEPTEMBER 23, 1905

12    Our Lord and Master left to us the following sayings as
       living lights in our darkness: “What I say unto you I say
       unto all, Watch” (Mark 13: 37); and, “If the goodman
15    of the house had known what hour the thief would come,
       he would have watched, and not have suffered his house
       to be broken through.” (Luke 12: 39.)

18    Here we ask: Are Christ’s teachings the true authority
       for Christian Science? They are. Does the textbook of
       Christian Science, “Science and Health with Key to the
21    Scriptures,” read on page 252, “A knowledge of error
       and of its operations must precede that understanding
       of Truth which destroys error, until the entire mortal,
24    material error finally disappears, and the eternal verity,
       man created by and of Spirit, is understood and recog-
       nized as the true likeness of his Maker”? It does. If
27    so-called watching produces fear or exhaustion and no
       good results, does that watch accord with Jesus’ saying?
       It does not. Can watching as Christ demands harm
30    you? It cannot. Then should not “watching out”
       mean, watching against a negative watch, alias, no

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1 watch, and gaining the spirit of true watching, even the
spirit of our Master’s command? It must mean that.

3     Is there not something to watch in yourself, in your
       daily life, since “by their fruits ye shall know them,”
       which prevents an effective watch? Otherwise, where-
6     fore the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from evil”? And
       if this something, when challenged by Truth, frightens
       you, should you not put that out instead of putting
9     out your watch? I surely should. Then are you not
       made better by watching? I am. Which should we
       prefer, ease or dis-ease in sin? Is not discomfort from
12    sin better adapted to deliver mortals from the effects of
       belief in sin than ease in sin? and can you demonstrate
       over the effects of other people’s sins by indifference
15    thereto? I cannot.

       The Scriptures say, “They have healed also the hurt
       of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace,
18    peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6: 14), thus
       taking the name of God in vain. Ignorance of self is the
       most stubborn belief to overcome, for apathy, dishonesty,
21    sin, follow in its train. One should watch to know what
       his errors are; and if this watching destroys his peace in
       error, should one watch against such a result? He should
24    not. Our Master said, “He that taketh not his cross,
       and followeth after me, is not worthy of me . . . and he
       that loseth his life [his false sense of life] for my sake shall
27    find it.” (Matthew 10: 38, 39.)

PRINCIPLE OR PERSON?

       Do Christian Scientists love God as much as they love
30    mankind? Aye, that’s the question. Let us examine it
       for ourselves. Thinking of person implies that one is not

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1     thinking of Principle, and fifty telegrams per holiday sig-
       nalize the thinking of person. Are the holidays blest by
3     absorbing one’s time writing or reading congratulations?
       I cannot watch and pray while reading telegrams; they
       only cloud the clear sky, and they give the appearance of
6     personal worship which Christian Science annuls. Did
       the dear students know how much I love them, and how
       I need every hour wherein to express this love in labor
9     for them, they would gladly give me the holidays for this
       work and not task themselves with mistaken means.
       But God will reward their kind motives, and guide them
12    every step of the way from human affection to spiritual
       understanding, from faith to achievement, from light to
       Love, from sense to Soul.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AND CHINA

       Beloved Student: — The report of the success of Christian
       Science in benighted China, when regarded on one side
18    only, is cheering, but to look at both sides of the great
       question of introducing Christian Science into a heathen
       nation gives the subject quite another aspect. I believe
21    that all our great Master’s sayings are practical and
       scientific. If the Dowager Empress could hold her
       nation, there would be no danger in teaching Christian
24    Science in her country. But a war on religion in
       China would be more fatal than the Boxers’ rebellion.
       Silent prayer in and for a heathen nation is just what
27    is needed. But to teach and to demonstrate Christian
       Science before the minds of the people are prepared
       for it, and when the laws are against it, is fraught with
30    danger.

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INCONSISTENCY

       To teach the truth of life without using the word
3     death, the suppositional opposite of life, were as impos-
       sible as to define truth and not name its opposite, error.
       Straining at gnats, one may swallow camels.

6     The tender mother, guided by love, faithful to her in-
       stincts, and adhering to the imperative rules of Science,
       asks herself: Can I teach my child the correct numer-
9     ation of numbers and never name a cipher? Knowing
       that she cannot do this in mathematics, she should know
       that it cannot be done in metaphysics, and so she should
12    definitely name the error, uncover it, and teach truth
       scientifically.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

15    Is God infinite? Yes. Did God make man? Yes.
       Did God make all that was made? He did. Is God
       Spirit? He is. Did infinite Spirit make that which is
18    not spiritual? No. Who or what made matter? Matter
       as substance or intelligence never was made. Is mortal
       man a creator, is he matter or spirit ? Neither one. Why?
21    Because Spirit is God and infinite; hence there can be
       no other creator and no other creation. Man is but His
       image and likeness.

24    Are you a Christian Scientist? I am. Do you adopt
       as truth the above statements? I do. Then why this
       meaningless commemoration of birthdays, since there are
27    none?

       Had I known what was being done in time to have
       prevented it, that which commemorated in deed or in
30    word what is not true, would never have entered into the

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1     history of our church buildings. Let us have no more of
       echoing dreams. Will the beloved students accept my
3     full heart’s love for them and their kind thoughts.

NOTA BENE

       My Beloved Christian Scientists: — Because I suggested
6     the name for one central Reading Room, and this name
       continues to be multiplied, you will permit me to make
       the amende honorable — notwithstanding “incompetence”
9     — and to say, please adopt generally for your name,
       Christian Science Reading Room. An old axiom says:
       Too much of one thing spoils the whole. Too many
12    centres may become equivalent to no centre.

       Here I have the joy of knowing that Christian Scientists
       will exchange the present name for the one which I sug-
15    gest, with the sweet alacrity and uniformity with which
       they accepted the first name.

       Merely this appellative seals the question of unity, and
18    opens wide on the amplitude of liberty and love a far-
       reaching motive and success, of which we can say, the
       more the better.

21 PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.
JULY 8, 1907

TAKE NOTICE

24    I request the Christian Scientists universally to read
       the paragraph beginning at line 30 of page 442 in the
       edition of Science and Health which will be issued Febru-
27    ary 29 [1908]. I consider the information there given to
       be of great importance at this stage of the workings of
       animal magnetism, and it will greatly aid the students in
30    their individual experiences.

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1     The contemplated reference in Science and Health to
       the “higher criticism” announced in the Sentinel a few
3     weeks ago, I have since decided not to publish.

TAKE NOTICE

       What I wrote on Christian Science some twenty-five
6     years ago I do not consider a precedent for a present
       student of this Science. The best mathematician has
       not attained the full understanding of the principle
9     thereof, in his earliest studies or discoveries. Hence, it
       were wise to accept only my teachings that I know to
       be correct and adapted to the present demand.

TAKE NOTICE

To Christian Scientists: — See Science and Health, page
442, line 30, and give daily attention thereto.

PRACTITIONERS’ CHARGES

       Christian Science practitioners should make their
       charges for treatment equal to those of reputable phy-
18    sicians in their respective localities.
       BROOKLINE, MASS., December 24, 1909

TAKE NOTICE

21    The article on the Church Manual by Blanche Hersey
       Hogue, in the Sentinel of September 10 [1910] is practi-
       cal and scientific, and I recommend its careful study to all
24    Christian Scientists.

Chapter 10 — Admonition and Counsel

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