Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.djvu/500

488 Petitions only bring mortals the results of their belief. We know that a desire for holiness is requisite to gain it; but if we desire holiness above all else, we shall lay down all for it. We must know our willingness to do this, in order to rely securely on the only practical way of reaching holiness. Prayer cannot change the unalterable Truth, or give us the understanding of it; but a desire to know and do the will of God will bring us into all Truth. Such a desire has little, need of any expression from the lips. Its very best expression is in thought and life.

Asking God to heal the sick has no power to gain more of the divine presence than is always at hand. The only beneficial effect of prayer is on the human mind, making it act more powerfully on the body, through a stronger faith in God. This, however, is one belief casting out another, — a belief in the unknown easting out a belief in sickness. It is not Truth itself that does this; nor is it the human understanding of the divine healing Principle, as manifested in Jesus.

This common method of treatment finds help in blind faith, whereas help should come from the enlightened understanding. Exchanges of belief can go on ad infinitum, for they are the merchandise of human mind, and not the outgrowth of Divine Science.

Does Deity interpose in behalf of one worshipper, and not help another, who offers the same measure of prayer? If the sick recover because they pray, or are prayed for, only petitioners (per se or by proxy) should get well. Now in Science all may avail themselves of God, as “a very present help in trouble.” Love is impartial and