ON page 182 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes: "We cannot obey both physiology and Spirit, for one absolutely destroys the other, and one or the other must be supreme in the affections. It is impossible to work from two standpoints." Spirit is the only standpoint from which the true perspective of creation can be gained and the true basis of health understood.
Material methods regarding health center thought, hope, and expectation on the physical body, leading one to observe physical symptoms either fearfully or hopefully. In contrast with this fitful outlook, Christian Science stands by the declaration of Jesus, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
In Christian Science both practitioner and patient trust to the healing power of God, Spirit. To a sick person this trust, diverted from visible matter to invisible Mind, may seem new and hazardous. Friends and relatives may assert that nothing is being done for the cure or alleviation of sickness. Therefore, believing the ailment to be purely physical, their desire and that of the patient may sometimes be to compromise by employing Christian Science as a mere accessory to medical or surgical treatment. But neither initially nor as an exception can material remedies be consistently or profitably combined with Christian Science treatment. Christian Science excludes the belief in matter, supposedly sick or well, as having anything to do with true health. Hence it is wise to give Christian Science treatment only to those whose sincere desire is for healing by spiritual means.
