In these days of conflicting mental forces, when experimental forms of government are everywhere at war with established customs, it is of paramount importance to understand that there is a divine law, which transcends human frailty, and which can be invoked in the interests of human welfare. In the Preface to the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. vii), "Though empires fall, 'the Lord shall reign forever.' "
The scientific divine Principle upon which this statement is based is comprehended slowly. When it is understood, however, the first step has been taken towards its establishment on earth. The next step is to live in obedience to this divine Principle. Here the tendency is to pass the responsibility on to others. But when it is realized that this cannot be done, the student begins to face the unescapable task of subduing the foes within his own mental household. Experience teaches that while it is easier to see the faults of others than to acknowledge and correct our own, we have the unquestioned right to regulate our own thinking, but no right to force our standards upon others. Our only legitimate course, therefore, is to exercise our individual right of self-government, and thus bring our own life into conformity with the truth as we see it. When, for example, a spiritual idea has dawned in our consciousness, and when with the strength of the conviction thus gained we are able to cast out a devil of sin or suffering, we have to that extent established the kingdom of heaven within.
Following the example of the great Way-shower, who lived consistently with his own teachings, Mrs. Eddy began her ministry by proving the truth which was revealed to her. From her own experience of spiritual healing and through her ability to help others also, she learned that "disease is not an intelligence to dispute the empire of Mind or to dethrone Mind and take the government into its own hands" (ibid., p. 378). As this vital point is realized, one is equipped with the most powerful weapon of self-defense conceivable; for to quote from Isaiah, "One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one." That is, error flees before one of God's ideas, and one on God's side is always a majority.
