It often occurs that a first impression of a particular subject, person, or thing is an indication of a future line of conduct or attitude, though at the moment of the impression no particular significance attached to the incident. The writer well remembers his first impression of what little he grasped of Christian Science and its meaning, when it was explained that Mind is the only real power, the only energizing force or cause of existence, and that Mind is infinite good. The revelation which followed has remained fresh in memory and is oft repeated in experience to this very day. That these things were capable of being brought into one's experience, of being demonstrated and proved true was an immense uplift. Further, it was seen that if one is honest and straightforward in motive and ambition there is no limit to the capacity for good which the individual can gain or demonstrate. Here in Christian Science was found an infallible implement or means of combating the evils and accidents which so constantly appeared in the daily human experience. The sickness which tried to rob the home of happiness and content, or the sin which made itself one's bosom companion, were given short shift, and expelled from thought and so stifled in their inception.
That, however, which stood out above all else was the sublime simplicity of Mrs. Eddy's discovery, the beauty of its logic and philosophy. And as one's knowledge of the Science and Christianity of her demonstration broadens and expands there are so often times when, speaking in Scriptural metaphor, it seems necessary to take the shoes off one's feet, for the place whereon we stand is holy ground.
One of the first statements which are a part of the early impression of Christian Science is that saying of Paul's, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." That saying paraphrased is simply the admonition to accept only that which one is capable of understanding,—only that statement of Principle, in other words, which appeals to the understanding should be acceptable or admitted. All else is sheer fiction, unless it be that a particular statement is in advance of our point of progress in the understanding of the Word; in which case, if it is of God, Principle, it will unfold itself as the revelation of the Christ develops and becomes better understood. If the statement is not of God it will fall through lack of support in Principle; for only that which Principle sanctions can stand the test of experience.
