NO system of religion has ever emphasized the word "demonstration" as has Christian Science. In fact, without demonstration the organization founded by Mary Baker Eddy might be regarded as without claim to the world's recognition as differing from other religious movements. It is therefore not amiss to consider the deep significance of this word. Webster defines the verb as follows: "To point out; ... to establish beyond possibility of doubt; ... to manifest." While it may seem to the casual glance that these meanings are nearly synonymous, it may be inferred that they represent steps in the unfoldment of demonstration. "To point out," considered from the viewpoint of Christian Science, may mean to distinguish between man and the universe created by God and the mortal sense of this creation, as accepted by the so-called carnal or mortal mind. "To establish beyond possibility of doubt" is to show by proofs that the understanding of this true distinction restores the element of spiritual dominion which mortals have lost sight of. And "to manifest" is to cause this true distinction to appear in the restoration of health, happiness, and harmony.
All that can be demonstrated is that which is real, namely, Truth, divine Principle, and the perfection of spiritual being. One cannot demonstrate in Science a house, an automobile, or money. Christ Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He also gave the blessed assurance, "Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Correlative and explanatory of the modus operandi of true demonstration, is Mrs. Eddy's statement (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 307), "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies."
The Bible expounds the true nature of God and the real man; but our Leader has pointed out that this recognition of spiritual being necessarily includes acceptance of the fact that, since "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good," spiritual good is the only reality. Since man is made in the image and likeness of God, mortals—the unlikeness of God—are not His children; and since God is "of purer eyes than to behold evil," the belief of evil as real has no valid claim to acceptance. Thus Christian Science points out the true basis for thought and demonstration.
