Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures E-Book

Mary Baker Eddy

• Herausgeber: GIANLUCA
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Beschreibung

PREFACE
CHAPTER 1. PRAYER
CHAPTER 2. ATONEMENT AND EUCHARIST
CHAPTER 3. MARRIAGE
CHAPTER 4. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE VERSUS SPIRITUALISM
CHAPTER 5. ANIMAL MAGNETISM UNMASKED
CHAPTER 6. SCIENCE, THEOLOGY, MEDICINE
CHAPTER 7. PHYSIOLOGY
CHAPTER 8. FOOTSTEPS OF TRUTH
CHAPTER 9. CREATION
CHAPTER 10. SCIENCE OF BEING
CHAPTER 11. SOME OBJECTIONS ANSWERED
CHAPTER 12. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PRACTICE
CHAPTER 13. TEACHING CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
CHAPTER 14. RECAPITULATION
CHAPTER 15. GENESIS
CHAPTER 16. THE APOCALYPSE
CHAPTER 17. GLOSSARY
CHAPTER 18. FRUITAGE

Leseprobe

SCIENCE AND HEALTH

WITH

KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES

BY

MARY BAKER EDDY

First digital edition 2017 by Gianluca Ruffini

PREFACE

CHAPTER 1. PRAYER

CHAPTER 2. ATONEMENT AND EUCHARIST

CHAPTER 3. MARRIAGE

CHAPTER 4. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE VERSUS SPIRITUALISM

CHAPTER 5. ANIMAL MAGNETISM UNMASKED

CHAPTER 6. SCIENCE, THEOLOGY, MEDICINE

CHAPTER 7. PHYSIOLOGY

CHAPTER 8. FOOTSTEPS OF TRUTH

CHAPTER 9. CREATION

CHAPTER 10. SCIENCE OF BEING

CHAPTER 11. SOME OBJECTIONS ANSWERED

CHAPTER 12. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PRACTICE

CHAPTER 13. TEACHING CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

CHAPTER 14. RECAPITULATION

CHAPTER 15. GENESIS

CHAPTER 16. THE APOCALYPSE

CHAPTER 17. GLOSSARY

CHAPTER 18. FRUITAGE

PREFACE

PREFACE

To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings. The wakeful shepherd beholds the first faint morning beams, ere cometh the full radiance of a risen day. So,shone the pale star to the prophet shepherds; yet it traversed the night, and came where, in cradled obscurity, lay the Bethlehem babe, the human herald of Christ, Truth, who would make plain to benighted understanding the way of salvation through Christ Jesus, till across a night of error should dawn the morning beams and shine the guiding star of being. The Wisemen were led to behold and to follow this daystar of divine Science, lighting the way to eternal harmony. The time for thinkers has come. Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity. Contentment with the past and the cold conventionality of materialism are crumbling away. Ignorance of God is no longer the steppingstone to faith. The only guarantee of obedience is a right apprehension of Him whom to know aright is Life eternal. Though empires fall,“the Lord shall reign forever.”A book introduces new thoughts, but it cannot make them speedily understood. It is the task of the sturdy pioneer to hew the tall oak and to cut the rough granite. Future ages must declare what the pioneer has accomplished.

Since the author’s discovery of the might of Truth in the treatment of disease as well as of sin, her system has been fully tested and has not been found wanting; but to reach the heights of Christian Science, man must live in obedience to its divine Principle. To develop the full might of this Science, the discords of corporeal sense must yield to the harmony of spiritual sense, even as the science of music corrects false tones and gives sweet concord to sound.

Theology and physics teach that both Spirit and matter are real and good, whereas the fact is that Spirit is good and real, and matter is Spirit’s opposite. The question,whatis Truth, is answered by demonstration, by healing both disease and sin; and this demonstration shows that Christian healing confers the most health and makes the best men. On thisbasis,Christian Science will have a fair fight. Sickness has been combated for centuries by doctors using material remedies; but the question arises, Is there less sickness because of these practitioners? A vigorous“No”is the response deducible from two connate facts,the reputed longevity of the Antediluvians, and the rapid multiplication and increased violence of diseases since the flood.

In the author’s work, RETROSPECTION AND INTROSPECTION, may be found a biographical sketch, narrating experiences which led her, in the year 1866, to the discovery of the system that she denominated Christian Science. As early as 1862 she began to write down and give to friends the results of her Scriptural study, for the Bible was her sole teacher; but these compositions were crude, the first steps of a child in the newly discovered world of Spirit.

She also began to jot down her thoughts on the main subject, but these jottings were only infantile lispings of Truth. A child drinks in the outward world through the eyes and rejoices in the draught. He is as sure of the world’s existence as he is of his own; yet he cannot describe the world. He finds a few words, and with these he stammeringly attempts to convey his feeling. Later, the tongue voices the more definite thought, though still imperfectly. So was it with the author. As a certain poet says of himself, she“lisped in numbers, for the numbers came.”Certain essays written at that early dateare still in circulation among her first pupils; but they are feeble attempts to state the Principle and practice of Christian healing, and are not complete nor satisfactory expositions of Truth. To-day, though rejoicing in some progress, she still finds herself a willing disciple at the heavenly gate, waiting for the Mind of Christ.

Her first pamphlet on ChristianScience was copyrighted in 1870; but it did not appear in print until 1876, as she had learned that this Science must be demonstrated by healing, before a work on the subject could be profitably studied. From 1867 until 1875, copies were, however, in friendly circulation.

Before writing this work, SCIENCE AND HEALTH, she made copious notes of Scriptural exposition, which have never been published. This was during the years 1867 and 1868. These efforts show her comparative ignorance of the stupendous Life-problem up to that time, and the degrees by which she came at length to its solution; but she values them as a parent may treasure the memorials of a child’s growth, and she would not have them changed.

The first edition of SCIENCE AND HEALTH was published in 1875. Various books on mental healing have since been issued, most of them incorrect in theory and filled with plagiarisms from SCIENCE AND HEALTH. They regard the human mind as a healing agent, whereas this mind is not a factor in the Principle of Christian Science. A few books, however, which are based on this book, are useful.

The author has not compromised conscience to suit the general drift of thought, but has bluntly and honestly given the text of Truth. She has made no effort to embellish, elaborate, or treat in full detail so infinite a theme. By thousands of well-authenticated cases of healing, she and her students have proved the worth of her teachings. These cases for the most part have been abandoned as hopeless by regular medical attendants. Few invalids will turn to God till all physical supports have failed, because there is so little faith in His disposition and power to heal disease.

The divine Principle of healing is proved in the personal experience of any sincere seeker of Truth. Its purpose is good, and its practice is safer and more potent than that of any other sanitary method. The unbiased Christian thought is soonest touched by Truth, and convinced of it. Onlythose quarrelswith her method who do not understand her meaning, or discerning the truth, come not to the light lest their works be reproved. No intellectual proficiency is requisite in the learner, but sound morals are most desirable.

Many imagine that the phenomena of physical healing in Christian Science present only a phase of the action of the human mind, which action in some unexplained way results in the cure of disease. On the contrary, Christian Science rationally explains that all other pathological methods are the fruits of human faith in matter, faith in the workings, not of Spirit, but of the fleshly mind which must yield to Science.

The physical healing of Christian Science results now, as in Jesus’time, from the operation of divine Principle, before which sin and disease lose their reality in human consciousness and disappear as naturally and as necessarily as darkness gives place to light and sin to reformation. Now, as then, these mighty works are not supernatural, but supremely natural. They are the sign of Immanuel, or“Godwith us,”a divine influence ever present in human consciousness and repeating itself, coming now as was promised aforetime,

To preach deliverance to the captives [of sense], And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised.

When God called the author to proclaim His Gospel to this age, there came also the charge to plant and water His vineyard.

The first school of Christian Science Mind-healing was started by the author with only one student in Lynn, Massachusetts, about the year 1867. In 1881, she opened the Massachusetts Metaphysical College in Boston, under the seal of the Commonwealth, a law relative to colleges having been passed, which enabled her to get this institution chartered for medical purposes. No charters were granted to Christian Scientists for such institutions after 1883, and up to that date, hers was the only College of this character which had been established in the United States, where Christian Science was first introduced.

During seven years,over four thousand students were taught by the author in this College. Meanwhile she was pastor of the first established Church of Christ, Scientist; President of the first Christian Scientist Association, convening monthly; publisher of her own works; and (for a portion of this time) sole editor and publisher of the Christian Science Journal, the first periodical issued by Christian Scientists. She closed her College, October 29, 1889, in the height of its prosperity with a deep-lying conviction that the next two years of her life should be given to the preparation of the revision of SCIENCE AND HEALTH, which was published in 1891. She retained her charter, and as its President, reopened the College in 1899 as auxiliary to her church. Until June 10, 1907, she had never read this book throughout consecutively in order to elucidate her idealism.

In the spirit of Christ’s charity, as one who“hopeth all things, endureth all things,”and is joyful to bear consolation to the sorrowing and healing to the sick, she commits these pages to honest seekers for Truth.

MARY BAKER EDDY

CHAPTER 1. PRAYER

CHAPTER 1. PRAYER

For verily I say unto you,thatwhosoever shall say unto this mountain,bethou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.Therefore,I say unto you,whatthings soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him. - CHRIST JESUS.

THE prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God,a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love. Regardless of what another may say or think on this subject, I speak from experience. Prayer, watching, and working, combined with self-immolation, are God’s gracious means for accomplishing whatever has been successfully done for the Christianization and health of mankind. Thoughts unspoken are not unknown to the divine Mind. Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds.

Right motives

What are the motives for prayer? Do we pray to make ourselves better or to benefit those who hear us, to enlighten the infinite or to be heard of men? Are we benefited by praying? Yes, the desire which goes forth hungering after righteousness is blessed of our Father, and it does not return unto us void.

Deity unchangeable

God is not moved by the breath of praise to do more than He has already done, nor can the infinite do less than bestow all good, since He is unchanging wisdom and Love. We can do more for ourselves by humble fervent petitions, but the All-loving does not grant them simply on the ground oflip service, for He already knows all.

Prayer cannot change the Science of being, but it tends to bring us into harmony with it. Goodness attains the demonstration of Truth. A request that God will save us is not all that is required. The mere habit of pleading with the divine Mind, as one pleads with a human being, perpetuates the belief inGod as humanly circumscribed,an error which impedes spiritual growth.

God’s standard

God is Love. Can we ask Him to be more? God is intelligence. Can we inform the infinite Mind of anything He does not already comprehend? Do we expect to change perfection? Shall we plead for more at the open fount, which is pouring forth more than we accept? The unspoken desire does bring us nearer the source of all existence and blessedness.

Asking God to be God is a vain repetition. God is“the same yesterday, and today, and forever;”and He who is immutably right will do right without being reminded of His province. The wisdom of man is not sufficient to warrant him in advising God.

The spiritual mathematics

Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution. Shall we ask the divine Principle of all goodness to do His own work? His work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God’s rule in order to receive His blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation.

The Divine Being must be reflected by man,else man is not the image and likeness of the patient, tender, and true, the One“altogether lovely;”but to understand God is the work of eternity, and demands absolute consecration of thought, energy, and desire.

Prayerful ingratitude

How empty are our conceptions of Deity! We admit theoretically that God is good, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite, and then we try to give information to this infinite Mind. We plead for unmerited pardon and for a liberal outpouring of benefactions. Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech.

If we are ungrateful for Life, Truth, and Love, and yet return thanks to God for all blessings, we are insincere and incur the sharp censure our Master pronounces on hypocrites. In such a case, the only acceptable prayer is to put the finger on the lips and remember our blessings. While the heart is far from divine Truth and Love, we cannot conceal the ingratitude of barren lives.

Efficacious petitions

What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds. To keep the commandments of our Master and follow his example, is our proper debt to him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done. Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since he has said:“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

The habitual struggle to be always good is unceasing prayer. Its motives are made manifest in the blessings they bring,blessings which, even if not acknowledged in audible words, attest our worthiness to be partakers of Love.

Watchfulness requisite

Simply asking that we may love God will never make us love Him; but the longing to be better and holier, expressed in daily watchfulness and in striving to assimilate more of the divine character, will mould and fashion us anew, until we awake in His likeness. We reach the Science of Christianity through demonstration of the divine nature; but in this wicked world goodness will“be evil spoken of,”and patience must bring experience.

Veritable devotion

Audible prayer can never do the works of spiritual understanding, which regenerates; but silent prayer, watchfulness, and devout obedience enable us to follow Jesus’example. Long prayers, superstition, and creeds clip the strongopinionsof love, and clothe religion in human forms. Whatever materealizesworship hinders man’s spiritual growth and keeps him from demonstrating his power over error.

Sorrow and reformation

Sorrow for wrong-doing is but one step towards reform and the very easiest step. The next and great step required by wisdom is the test of our sincerity, - namely, reformation. To thisend,we are placed under the stress of circumstances. Temptation bids us repeat the offence, and woe comes in return for what is done. So,it will ever be, till we learn that there is no discount in the law of justice and that we must pay“the uttermost farthing.”The measure ye mete“shall be measured to you again,”and it will be full“and running over.”

Saints and sinners get their full award, but not always in this world. The followers of Christ drank his cup. Ingratitude and persecution filled it to the brim; but God pours the riches of His love into the understanding and affections, giving us strength according to our day. Sinners flourish“like a green bay tree;”but, looking farther, thePsalmist could see their end,the destruction of sin through suffering.

Cancellation of human sin

Prayer is not to be used as a confessional to cancel sin. Such an error would impede true religion. Sin is forgiven only as it is destroyed by Christ,Truth and Life. If prayer nourishes the belief that sin is cancelled, and that man is made better merely by praying, prayer is an evil. He grows worse who continues in sin because he fancies himself forgiven.