AMONG many statements made by Mrs. Eddy regarding the need for Christian Scientists to prove their understanding of divine Principle through demonstration, one of the most cogent is found on page 34 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." In speaking of the ever-presence of the Christ-principle she writes, "If Christ, Truth, has come to us in demonstration, no other commemoration is requisite, for demonstration is Immanuel, or God with us." Demonstration, then, is the experience of the abiding sense which makes God's presence something felt and recognized.
In a broad way, since demonstration is proof, the degree of our realization of "God with us," of the forever presence of divine Love, must of a necessity determine the quality of our thoughts and acts—must, in short, determine the trend of our lives. Moreover, the realization which recognizes God's omnipresence is our highest demonstration; and in this demonstration every false belief gives place to spiritual truth, every error is reduced to its native nothingness. Mortals, however, even though they may have caught some glimpse of God's ineffable glory, which man forever reflects, yet, because they still cling to matter as reality and existence as material, refuse that complete submission which begets the richest blessings: their demonstration is not complete.
There can be little doubt that the so-called mortal mind loves above all else to have its own way. Wholly unmindful of the divine presence and unaware of the unfailing operation of spiritual law in the government of the universe, it holds to its false concept of creation, to its wholly mistaken sense of reality, and under all circumstances undertakes to work its own will. How successful it seems to be is attested by the extent to which mortals are engrossed in materiality. Oblivious of the unspeakable joy to be realized in obedience to divine law, the government of perfect Love, mortals continue to pursue their willful way, seeking that in the possession of which lies no lasting benefit.
