The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-05-17

stian Science Monitor. human needs. If our theology is not continually put to the test of prac- tical application, of demonstration, 1t will soon cease to be any more than theory.
 In our textbook there Is very practical chapter entitled "Chris- tian Science Practice" When thel practice of Christian Science is mem tioned, many are apt to think this term refers solely to that part of 8 Christian Scientists time which isI devoted to the healing of the illsl of his fellow men. But the healing of disease is not of itself Christian Science practice; rather is 1t one of the results of such practice. One be- gins the practice of Christian Sci- ence the moment he begins to think rightly, or from purely Christianl standpoint. Christian Science prac- tice is the practice of righteousness in his own thought and life. Noth1| ing short of right thinking and right acting, from a purely spiritual view point, is Christian Science practice and to the extent this is done, effects or headings will naturally follow.
 Calming the fearful, comforting the sorrowing, healing the sick. and reforming the sinner are services we should and must render to those who seek our help. Nor should these privileges be left entirely td those who give their entire time td the public practice of healing. Every Christian Scientist has, to use tho words of our textbook, enlisted tC lessen evil, disease, ad death" (Sci- ence and Health, p. 450); that is, tf put into practice what he is learning about God and man, and he mus not, at his peril, neglect to do this
 This does not mean that one who is just beginning the study of Chris tian Science becomes immediately competent practitioner, but 1t doei mean that the best way to know more is to put to the test, or to put into practice, what he has already learned.
 Means and Motives
 Every normal person has a desir} to help others, but such desire, doe! not always carry with 1t the abilit. to render the needed service. Sd Mrs. Eddy has cautioned (Miscel laneous Writings, p. 9O, Be surf that your means for doing good arr equal to your motives" Good nj tention is not sufficient; ther' must be ability, or fitness. For exam pie: The intention to join church laudable as that may be, is on' thing; to be fit to join may b quite another. To desire to serv' your organization in a certain ca pacity is one thing; to be equipped to render satisfactory and efficien service is another. To accept som needy person as a patient is on thing; to heal him is another. And by the way, Christian Scientis accepts a patient for only one pur1 pose, and that is to get rid of him. I mean, to heal him. His purpose not to gather around himself large clientele, a body of follower. or supporters. His endeavor is t. turn the attention of his patient, no to himself, but to God, because Got alone is the source or Principle o healing.
 A desire to do good is quite proper but unless one knows what 1t ! good to do, 1t may be dangerous. f lack Z, of wisdom" our Leader ,ha pointed out CMiscellany, p. 128), "be trays Truth into the hands of evi as effectually as does subtle con spirator ;the motive is not as wicked but the result is as injurious" Thi, is strong language. Unfitness ma. be treachery.
 As we said before: to desire t' heal is one thing; to be able to hea is another. This is, just what tn Christian Scientist is constantly ant conscientiously endeavoring to do- to fit himself to heal quickly. IT. do this he knows that he needs mor' humility, more love, more wisdom, better understanding of God am His laws, and a clearer vision o man as Gods expression. To tn end he studies daily the most help full books in the world, the Bible ant the Christian Science textbook. Mrs Eddy leaves us in no doubt as tolth' necessity for consecrated prepara tion for the work of Christiai Science healer. She has WritteI Christian Healing, p. 1D, Ih preparation for a metaphysics practitioner is the most arduous tasI I ever performed"
 One word more before we leav this subject. The influence of Chris tian Science teaching Is today fei far beyond the confines of tn Christian Science churches. By req son of 1t humanity is being awak ened to see that, distreSses, whicl were formerly regarded as acts God, and, therefore, to be endure' with becoming resignation, are no of God at all, but are evils, Whici should be overcome and destroyed Because of this awakening. there g growing demand for freedom fror discord, and an irsistence that Sucl a freedom Is humanity's right. Thi demand Christian Science mus meet; in other words, Christian SCI ence has helped to create this de mand, and Christian Science mus meet 1t, and we as Christian ecien