It is the sincere desire of the student of Christian Science to grow in the understanding and application of its teachings. With this desire he eagerly pursues the study of Mrs. Eddy's writings, and soon realizes that each one of our Leader's books has a vital part in the unfoldment of the truth in his consciousness. These books, together with the Bible, meet the need of each and every student, and one who has given them much time and study knows the treasures that they hold and the blessings that are to be found in them.
As the student continues his study, he discovers that reading or studying the books, or thinking aright as he is about his daily tasks, is not sufficient. He must learn to pray, learn that prayer, or what is termed treatment in Christian Science, includes the declaration of the truth about God, man, and the universe as well as the denial of the claims of evil. There is no secret about a Christian Science treatment, nothing difficult or complicated. Treatment is true communion with God. It is the humble, childlike thought drawing closer to man's divine origin, infinite Mind. Through treatment we open the door of our thought that the Christ, Truth, may come in; and the Christ as it finds lodgment in consciousness dispels the illusions of the carnal mind.
The sincere daily application of the truth is blessed by the all-loving Father-Mother God; and as the student carefully adheres to the various rules given him by our beloved Leader, his growth and success are assured. Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.323), "In order to apprehend more, we must put into practice what we already know." She gave us this admonition out of the fullness of her own experience, for the utilization of her unfolding understanding of Jesus' teachings was the secret of Mrs. Eddy's spiritual growth; and the student, in accepting her teaching, turns his thought to "radical reliance on Truth" (ibid., p.167), thereby proving its healing power.
