If the reader of this book observes a great stir through-
422:6 out his whole system, and certain moral and physical
symptoms seem aggravated, these indications
are favorable. Continue to read, and the book
422:9 will become the physician, allaying the tremor which
Truth often brings to error when destroying it.
Disease neutralized
Patients, unfamiliar with the cause of this commotion
422:12 and ignorant that it is a favorable omen, may be alarmed.
If such be the case, explain to them the law
of this action. As when an acid and alkali
422:15 meet and bring out a third quality, so mental and moral
chemistry changes the material base of thought, giving
more spirituality to consciousness and causing it to depend
422:18 less on material evidence. These changes which go on
in mortal mind serve to reconstruct the body. Thus
Christian Science, by the alchemy of Spirit, destroys sin
422:21 and death.
Bone-healing by surgery
Let us suppose two parallel cases of bone-disease, both
similarly produced and attended by the same symptoms.
422:24 A surgeon is employed in one case, and a
Christian Scientist in the other. The sur-
geon, holding that matter forms its own conditions and
422:27 renders them fatal at certain points, entertains fears and
doubts as to the ultimate outcome of the injury. Not
holding the reins of government in his own hands, he
422:30 believes that something stronger than Mind - namely,
matter - governs the case. His treatment is therefore
tentative. This mental state invites defeat. The belief
423:1 that he has met his master in matter and may not be
able to mend the bone, increases his fear; yet this belief
423:3 should not be communicated to the patient, either ver-
bally or otherwise, for this fear greatly diminishes the
tendency towards a favorable result. Remember that the
423:6 unexpressed belief oftentimes affects a sensitive patient
more strongly than the expressed thought.
Scientific corrective
The Christian Scientist, understanding scientifically
423:9 that all is Mind, commences with mental causation, the
truth of being, to destroy the error. This cor-
rective is an alterative, reaching to every part
423:12 of the human system. According to Scripture, it searches
"the joints and marrow," and it restores the harmony of
man.
Coping with difficulties
423:15 The matter-physician deals with matter as both his foe
and his remedy. He regards the ailment as weakened or
strengthened according to the evidence which
423:18 matter presents. The metaphysician, making
Mind his basis of operation irrespective of matter and
regarding the truth and harmony of being as superior to
423:21 error and discord, has rendered himself strong, instead
of weak, to cope with the case; and he proportionately
strengthens his patient with the stimulus of courage and
423:24 conscious power. Both Science and consciousness are
now at work in the economy of being according to the law
of Mind, which ultimately asserts its absolute supremacy.
Formation from thought