THE realization that Christian Science is exact Science, capable of precise demonstration, gradually but none the less forcibly dawns upon the consciousness of the student. Through study he is continually discovering truths which are perhaps new to him, but which are as eternal as God Himself, for they are of God.
During the three years following her discovery of Christian Science at the time of her recovery from what was considered a fatal injury, Mary Baker Eddy searched the Scriptures for the cause or the exact Principle by which this divine healing had taken place. She informs us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 109) that "the search was sweet, calm, and buoyant with hope, not selfish nor depressing." Just so will it be for each and every one of us when we sincerely search for the underlying Principle by which we can perform the works that the clear and undeniable demands of the Messiah require of his followers. And search we must if we are to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils," in accordance with Jesus' demands. He came to show us the way, but not to do our work for us.
It was during this period that Mrs. Eddy realized that any explanation of or writing upon this Science must be couched in terms which would leave no room for misinterpretation if examined closely, and which would be exact in the highest sense; and she writes these meaningful words (ibid., p. 167): "Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized." A dictionary defines "radical" in part as follows: "Of or pertaining to the root or origin; original; that is radical which is thoroughgoing, or which reaches the root of the matter; reaching to the center or ultimate source." Any reliance less than "radical" must therefore be ruled out if we would gain the realization of this healing power.
