IN our study of Christian Science we come to accept without question the absolute statements of truth in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. We reach the mental attitude where observation and experience convince us that our Leader's sayings are true, whether we fully understand them or not. There is no doubt that this is a very helpful and, it would seem, necessary attitude before much progress in the understanding of Christian Science can be made; but if we are to prevent erroneous experiences, and prepare to help ourselves and others, these truths must be individualized, established by right reasoning and demonstration.
In the parable of the sower, found in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, Jesus implied the necessity of sowing the seed on good ground. Some seeds, he said, fell by the wayside and the fowls devoured them; some fell on stony places, and because they had not much earth the sun scorched them; some fell among thorns and were choked; but some fell on good ground and brought forth fruit. Acceptance of statements without knowing the reason why they are true might be compared to mere belief; while the truth understood and made one's own might well be likened to the seed which fell on "good ground." Because it had "deepness of earth" it could not be prevented from bringing forth fruit.
The Christian Science textbook abundantly sets forth the truths which must be established in our own thinking. We find therein absolutely true statements about Truth and error, good and evil, Spirit and matter, health and disease, in short, the truth about Deity and devil. We are learning that it is highly important that we should understand the truth about devil, as well as the truth about Deity, in order that we may be scientifically and spiritually equipped to handle specific problems as they present themselves. Those who are able to accept all the statements of truth made by our Leader will find her reminder on page 192 of "Miscellaneous Writings" sufficient in this connection: "It is of infinite importance to man's spiritual progress, and to his demonstration of Truth in casting out error,—sickness, sin, disease, and death, in all their forms,—that the terms and nature of Deity and devil be understood."
