Christian Science Practitioner as Next Friend

Christian Science Practitioner as Next Friend

One cold and wet day in Kansas City, a young woman was on her way to an appointment with a Christian Science practitioner and teacher. The teacher had been a solid worker in Mary Baker Eddy’s household and the young woman wanted to know more about Mrs. Eddy. So, she made an appointment to see this early worker. This young woman felt she really didn’t have anything appropriate to wear to meet with a Christian Science practitioner, but she did have a little pair of black velvet slippers which she could wear – even though it was bitterly cold.  The only way the young woman could possibly get to the Christian Science practitioner’s house was by a series of streetcars – waiting in the cold for them one by one. By the time she arrived her feet were so cold she could hardly bear it. 
She made up her mind not to say anything to the Christian Science practitioner. However, when the door was opened, this young woman began to cry and told the Christian Science practitioner how cold her feet were. The Christian Science practitioner immediately took her to the register in the floor, where warm air heated the room, and sat on the floor and rubbed her feet. She stayed on the floor the whole time she was there and talked to her of Mrs. Eddy. When the young woman asked if Mrs. Eddy would approve of her holding her feet to warm them, the Christian Science practitioner replied, “that is exactly what Mrs. Eddy would have her do.” 
These women, Louise Hovnanian, the younger woman with the cold feet, and, Martha Wilcox, the more experienced woman who worked in Mrs. Eddy’s household, show us today the true sense of what it means to be in the practice of Christian Science.  To be in the Christian Science practice means to serve. It means to comfort. It means to love. It means to heal. 
Sometimes, the smallest gesture heals a case, as when a friend of mine healed another of depression when she simply touched her friend’s hand in greeting her. Was it the touch that healed? Was it the caring for Mrs. Hovnanian’s cold feet that healed her that day? Not at all. It was the mental touch of the healing Christ that uplifted thought, away from matter, and its discomforts, to the divine Comforter. It is the same Christ that is here and now, healing you and me today. 
The public practice of Christian Science is the highest calling on earth, and the demonstration for the public practice must be the individual’s demonstration in every case. But, here, let’s remember that Mrs. Eddy does not use the term “public practice” in her writings. However, she does refer to practicing Christian Science. So, whether we’re talking about public or private practice, let’s begin by realizing that practice is practice, and rarely does it stay private – because the presence of the Christ in our thought, touches the Christly thought in another. There’s no way that the Christ in us can keep from touching the Christ in another. This Christly comforter that exudes love, care, and a spiritual awareness of another’s perfection, can never be limited or contained. Rather, as we learn more of man’s true perfection, his Christly nature, we can’t help but to see it more and more in ourselves and in others. This gives us unconditional love for everyone, a divine love based in God, good. And this Christly love heals. 
The role of the Christian Science practitioner is epitomized in Christ Jesus’ words: “I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27). That role is exemplified in his own healing and teaching ministry. There are at least three aspects or roles which the Christian Science practitioner holds in his daily practice, but for now, let’s talk about the first one: The Christian Science practitioner as Next Friend.
When we pray for ourselves, our spiritual sense gets stronger and clearer. In Christian Science, treatment is a Do–It–Yourself proposition, – or at least, that’s the goal, because anyone who honestly studies Christian Science naturally learns to heal. However, there are times to ask another for Christian Science treatment. One reason may be that we feel a sense of inability to do-it-ourselves. We feel a sense of need, urgency, or desire to break through the claim – and this need for healing is justified  when we may feel incapable of taking up the prayerful work ourselves.This is one reason Mrs. Eddy set up the office of the Christian Science practitioner. She understood the need for scientific, metaphysical support. In this aspect of the practice, then, the Christian Science practitioner becomes “next friend” to the one seeking help. 
As next friend, the Christian Science practitioner undertakes the defense against the mesmeric attack of the “liar, and the father of it,” mortal mind (John 8:44).” The Christian Science practitioner scientifically pleads the case before the bar of justice, against the murderous hate of mortal mind, and for the healing power of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).  The Christian Science practitioner exercises the power of attorney, on behalf of the afflicted one, the patient. He casts out the illegal false beliefs and reveals the legitimacy of the true man. And he does this by seeing and embracing the true man, the Christlike man, made in God’s image.
How long does the Christian Science practitioner do this? Until the lie of inability is cast out and the right sense of “I can” is restored. It is not always necessary for the Christian Science practitioner to stay on the case until it is completely dissolved. Often, just getting the patient started on the right track is what is necessary – letting the patient complete the healing work  himself, adds to his spiritual growth and strength. In this way, the patient strengthens his spiritual love for himself and others, and this spiritual love heals.
So, we see that the Comforter comes to thought and cares for the individual, meets his needs, uplifts his thought, and encourages him to press on. His next friend is there to plead the case and heal him when needed. But God, divine Love, is always there loving and caring for His child, and this, too, can be felt, as we grow spiritually.

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Christian Science Practitioner as Helper

Christian Science Practitioner as Helper

Hymn 136 by Violet Hay

Hymn 136 by Violet Hay