FALSE PRACTITIONERS OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.
What is abnormal in the conduct of some of my students, especially the injustice toward their Teacher, is charitably ascribed to certain idiosyncracies, which render them highly susceptible to the influence of Animal Magnetism, and to dishonest natures, which the mental malpractitioners could press into their service. Some of these students struggled at first against this baneful influence; but in the end they conciliated their foes by breaking from the ranks of loyal Christian Scientists, and taking their field against them. Those who were ignorant of the influence brought to bear upon them almost invariably succumbed to it. Others, who were sensible of its effects on themselves, were so contaminated by it that they denied the fact, and retracted their own words, which exposed and condemned this crime, and fell willingly into the jaws of this monster.
The silent arguments of those who themselves turn away, and would turn away others, from the Spirit of Christian Science, — these arguments exert a mode and power similar to that blessed, silent, mental argument which heals the sick and sinful. This silent subversion of mental power is the most hidden form, the highest attenuation, yet the most powerful mode of error, which can be employed to harm mankind; whereas the opposite work of healing, in the Science of Metaphysics, is the most sacred and salutary power which can be wielded. My loyal students, impressed with the true sense of the great work before them, enter this strait and narrow path rejoicingly, work conscientiously, and love their Teacher.
The Nineteenth Century, like the first, has its Judases who betray Truth for thirty pieces of silver,— dividing its raiment; “and for its vesture they cast lots.” Posterity demands that Christian Science be stated and demonstrated in its godliness and grandeur, — that however little be taught or learned, that little shall be
