IN the first epistle of John we read, "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 259), "The Christ-like understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea,—perfect God and perfect man,—as the basis of thought and demonstration."
Human thought vaguely outlines a future heaven wherein abound riches, peace, and happiness; but the belief is that this desirable place may be entered only through the phase of human experience called death. Humanity, wearily plodding along its way, accepts the cruel wrongs and heavy burdens which beset the path, always believing that somewhere ahead is a haven of rest, which to human sense seems very far away; and when evil's claims seem almost unbearable, this sense begins to doubt whether there is a place of rest anywhere! Then despair and discouragement enter. It is at such a time that Christian Science comes to the notice of many who afterward become its devoted followers.
One of the first glimpses of the truth one has in taking up the study of Christian Science is that health is a present possibility, and that joy and abundance are God-bestowed and always available. Eagerly one reaches out to grasp more of this glorious news, and begins his search for permanent good with much earnestness, accepting the teachings in Science and Health and the other writings of Mrs. Eddy which present the real man as the perfect reflection of the perfect, all-powerful God, whose law may be demonstrated by each individual according to his faithfulness thereto.
