Many years ago I worked as a Christian Science Nurse. I was well taught on how to physically care for the sick but there was a great lack in how to handle animal magnetism which opposes true healing. This understanding is necessary as we can learn from reading Gilbert Carpenter’s book, “Mary Baker Eddy, Her Spiritual Footsteps” which is about working in Mrs. Eddy’s home. It provides clear explanation of how to live and demonstrate Christian Science daily and how to handle animal magnetism (that which is opposed to God). Not long ago I had an opportunity to provide nursing care for a person who was under the care of a Plainfield practitioner. I used what I have learned here and got Plainfield practitioner support during this time. The results for both of us demonstrated to me the truth in what is taught here. Before coming here my care was focused on person, making others happy, comfortable, and meeting their demands. This perpetuated dependence on person and matter rather turning to God. This was not “taking no thought for the body”(Matt. 6:5) Carpenter teaches that it is the thought behind the action that matters. Animal magnetism hides behind what seems to us as good. Paul reminds us, “…though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”(1 Cor. 13) I am learning that Paul did not mean a human sense of love but Christly affection.

“An ill-tempered, complaining, or deceitful person should not be a nurse. The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith, — receptive to Truth and Love.” Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy p. 395