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.
"Radical reliance" is the faith, born of understanding, which is assured that to God all things are possible; that there is no other power or presence than God, good. It refuses to accept the outward appearances as observed by the physical senses, and is satisfied with nothing less than the actual finding of the cause behind all reality.
It was this reliance which was expressed when, despite the outward appearance of death, the Shunammite woman said to the servant of Elisha, the man of God, "It is well." Through the faith of this man of God she turned whole-heartedly to God, and it was through this "radical reliance" that her son was restored alive to her.
It was such reliance that enabled Daniel fearlessly to face the lions in the den into which he had been cast for continually serving his God, and for refusing to bow down to any false god. Through it he was enabled to know that Love is ever present to control all. He completely shut out from his consciousness all thoughts of hatred and fear, and fulfilled the purpose of Love in reflecting Love.
It was this selfsame reliance on Truth which enabled our beloved Leader, in the face of criticism, hatred, and slander, to carry on to the establishing of the Christian Science movement upon a firm foundation. Nothing less could have sustained her in carrying this burden during the "heat of the day." Through it, and through her pure thinking, she was enabled to fulfill her mission as God's messenger to this age, bringing to all mankind an assuring message of love and of present salvation from the ills of the flesh.
Above all, it was his complete, radical, or unreserved reliance upon God, his Father, which enabled Christ Jesus to fulfill his mission, to do all the works which he came into the world to do, to bear that witness which shows us the way to eternal life, so that we too can strive to realize that man is perfect even as the "Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Complete reliance is not gained in a day, but "here a little, and there a little." This statement, however, need carry no thought of discouragement to the earnest seeker after Truth, for we are informed by our Leader that "in order to apprehend more, we must put into practice what we already know" (ibid., p. 323). If the student of Christian Science relies radically upon what he now understands of the Science of being, he cannot fail to succeed, in so far as he puts this understanding into practice. The sincere desire or prayer to do good is blessed by the all-loving Father.
Should a Christian Scientist facing a problem in healing, whether it be of sickness, of discord, of sin, or of business, momentarily fail to realize this "scientific healing power," let him take inventory of his stock in trade, his thoughts. Let him ask himself whether he is harboring a fear or doubt that perhaps this solution is not possible to God, or a fear that he has not the understanding necessary to bring about the desired healing. As soon as he entirely eradicates from his consciousness the false beliefs about God and himself, and turns unreservedly to Truth, knowing that all understanding and all healing power are in and of the one infinite Mind, and that they are his by reflection, just so soon will he realize the healing power of Truth, and the fruits of his labor will be made manifest to him.
That the healing branch of primitive Christianity is restored, and that Christian Scientists all over the world to-day, "through radical reliance on Truth," are realizing "scientific healing power," is witnessed to by the many well-authenticated testimonies of healing which are being continually published in the Christian Science periodicals. One has but to refer to these periodicals or to attend one of the Wednesday evening testimony meetings held in The Mother Church and its more than two thousand branch churches and societies throughout the world, to verify this statement.
These healings of sin and disease are some of the "signs following" to which Jesus referred when he said to his disciples, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."
