The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-05-26

may be, are but incidents. This heal
ing is always and only the result of
moral regeneration. 1t is the fruit Of
intelligent, applied righteousness. 1t
can be practised best by those who
are purest in heart, and its effects
could not be otherwise than good.
Christian Science, therefore, is
unique in both means and aims, and
it does not resemble in any important
respect systems, whether mental or
physical, that strive only to make
humanity comfortable in matter, thu
require no moral standard whatever,
and that could be employed as readily
for improper as for proper purposes.
With these distinctions clearly in view
one may understand how far removed
is this spiritual healing from anything
that might be attempted through the
use of human will. mental suggestion,
or any "mind-over-matter" process.
Clean Thoughts and Good Health.
In view of what has been here said
it should be evident that Christian
Scientists have no fanatical objection
to drug medicines, or other material
curatives, as such. The Christian
Scientist dispenses with material me-
dicines under no species of compul-
sion, but as matter of voluntary
choice, based upon observation and
experience. If material remedies
were capable of doing all that is
claimed or hoped for them by their
most enthusiastic advocates, they
would yet fail to meet the require
ments of the Christian Scientist, for
the reason that the whole system Of
material medicine is devoted to physi-
cal conditions that the Christian
Scientist understands to be effects, not
causes.
Consider in this connection the mat
ter of germs. The bacteriologist for
the time being occupies the center of
the medical stage, and in his opinion
the chief foe to the well-being of hui
manity is an in6nitesimal material or
ganism called a microbe. Fortunately
a glimmer or two of light is discern
IDLE through this dark cloud. 1t is OBJ
served, for instance, that under certain
favorable conditions" of the body the |
germ is unable to operate, and it is be-
ginning to be realized to some extent
that persons who live clean lives are
east susceptible to contagion. Is it too |
much to hope that one day may every
where appear the direct relation be- |
ween clean thoughts and clean lives,
md the further coincidence of purity |
If heart and that. state of the body |
hat is not favorable" to the business
If the germ? There would seem to
'e some significance in the fact that
Scientists, who put not their
rust in filthy serums, enjoy as gen
raj rule an increasing measure of
rood health amidst the myraids of
microbes.
With all due respect to the bacter-
ologists who are conscientiously striv-
ng to rescue the race from destruc-
ion, it may do no harm for us to be
eminded that the germ at any rate
5 not cause, but is only an effect of
omething else, and that thus far all
hat has been said for the germ theory
f the origin of disease has come from
hose who do not pretend to know
That germ actually is, or where or
ow it originated, or whence it derives
he intelligence and power with which
is supposed to go about its work.
The healing of disease is incidental
0 and is not the prime object of
Science practice. But be-
ause this is not generally recognized
utside the Christian Science ranks
nd because the healings do constitute
Important proof of the correctness of
s teachings, it is pertinent to refer
richly to some of the evidence that
Science does heal all manner
{ disease