The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-08

by Christian Science is able to discrini- nate intelliEentiy between the impressions and suggestions which present them selves, excluding those which later pro- duce sin. sickness and death. Such per- son, furthermore, through the demonstra- tion of Christian Science. admits into his only those ideas of truth and good which he desires later to see re- produced in his active experience, in facts of health, strength. righteousness and peace.
 DISEASE PROPAGANDA
 DESTROYED
 If one was seeking vivid example ot mental suggestion it would not be neces- sary to go any further than to look upon any so-cailed epidemic of disease which from time to time sweeps over this or any other country. Much of epidemic disease is nothing more nor less than disease propaganda. It is quite generally recoR- niZed that q close study, contemplation, or a fear of disease will frequently re- suit in the reproduction of the symp- toms of such disease. This is so well recognized among medical students that it is often the subject of jest when q student is reported i'll. Under such cir cumstances students will inquire in jest ing spirit in regard to the special disease which formed the subject of the day s lessen; the theory being that the symp- toms of this particular disease have been developed by the student who is ill If all the reports and bulletins in regard to so- called epidemics of disease were to be honored, one might feel as though he were surrounded by enemy germs and mi crobes, each particular germ endowed with the intelligence and cunning neces- sary to destroy the understanding and health of mankind.
 During the course of a recent So-called epidemic of disease, I have encountered numerous interesting experiences. some of which have been quite illuminating. In some of the cities visited schools. churches, theatres and public gathering places generally were entirely closed. In other cities conditions varied as thought varied In one very large city the regu- lations provided that church services might be held if the members of the congregations were seated at intervals of four feet apart. It was not apparent as to just how those who were reSponsi- ble for the order arrived at this exact placement of four feet I daresay the theory may have been that an active young germ at its best might not be able to jump so far as four feet
 Coming into my home city of New York ir was a wonderful relief to experience freedom from fearful and foreboding re- strictions. Here were found churches, schools, theatres and public gathering places open freely, and business going on in quite normal, healthy fashion. Call ing upon the health commissioner of New York to congratulate him upon the con ditions which prevailed, I was thanked for the acknowledgment and received the assurance that those in charge did mol believe it was a good plan to carry or a campaign of fear that would scare the people out of their existence
 The wisdom of this policy is shown by records which indicate that the mortality and sick rate were much lower in New York city during this particular epidemic than in other cities and localities through out the country which had been helc under foreboding bans and bulletins o1 fear. This is particularly gratifying. since it is traditional with New York. that Il it has an epidemic or anything else its pride is to get" it little bit harder than any other locality.
 DISEASE THOUGHTS GERMS
 Let it be understood, however, ir connection with this subject that the Christian Scientist does not ignore any more than he fears the germ or dis ease. Too little is really known about the germ, however. to justify taking 1t as seriously as some would have
 
 rus do.
 F Even among those, who are supposed to know all about the germ there seems to be a very wide difference of oplu- ion as to whether the germ starts the disease or the disease starts the germ This point is well illustrated in the experience of a gentleman who grad uated from a medical school a quarter of century ago. This man follow ed the practice of medicine for period of years, until he learned that there was another and better way in which the sick were healed and the shining regenerated, by one and the same pro. cess in Christian Science.
 Since that time this gentleman has devoted his activities and energies [, the field of Christian Science Som months ago his business called this man to the city where the medical sckool is located from which he was graduated. Coming into the hall of biology, he found the professor in charge and a large class of students each busily engaged with his own mi croscope in carrying out bacteriolosi cal examipationa Upon being intro drced to this professor. the gentleman said to him, Well, professor. how far have you gotten along with this thing ?? The professor. somewhat surprised q tion Well" answered the gentle man, "twenty-four years ago I was here in this very room doing the very things that you are doing here thls morning and was wondering as l came into the hall how far you have got along with the work in these twenty -four years. Have you found out yet, which ls first the germ or the disease?" "oh.v replied the pro. lessor. looking at him curiously for 6 moment you come around again in twenty-four years"
 All there is 10 germ s a diseased thought: and all there is to a diseased thought germ is in. to. and of the mor- tai mind. that mind which Jesus de scribed as d liar. "a murderer from .he beginning" and without truth. Mrs Eddy refers to this subject on page 1C4 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" when she says, "Muc! yet remains to be said and done before all mankind Is saved and ell the men tai microbes of sin and all diseased thought-germs are exterminAted." Tn, Christian Scientist knows that an ides of Truth. of Mind or God will at ono, |aestroy diseased thought-germs, who's only existence Is in, to. and of th' mortal mind. This mortal mind beinf liar. and having no truth in itself cannot produce in its own beliefs eithe