A Little child is early taught that two times two makes four. Later he goes to school and through a process of memorizing and reasoning learns that certain numbers, when combined in certain ways, bring about correct answers to his arithmetical problems. He begins to use his knowledge and has faith that every time he does so he will get the right result. As he advances in the study of mathematics he finds that logical and correct reasoning from the basic elementary facts will always bring the right solution. The rule of mathematics is therefore found by him to be infallible and always available.
In the Science of Being, or Christian Science, there is an underlying, explainable, provable Principle which is God, and to which we may turn with trust and assurance, in order to find the right answer to this problem of human existence. Like the child learning numbers we advance in the study of Christian Science; we take the steps first of acceptance and belief, repeating with childlike simplicity the beautiful statements of truth which we discover in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. Secondly, we take the step of faith, as we joyously use those truths about God and man to bring about the right solution to our human problems. Thirdly, we gain understanding, wherein we rest in the assurance that Principle is ever operative in our behalf. So we trustingly press forward, knowing that God governs every right idea, and that as His children we reflect infinite intelligence and know how to think accurately and aright. On page 23 of the textbook Mrs. Eddy says, "Faith, advanced to spiritual understanding, is the evidence gained from Spirit, which rebukes sin of every kind and establishes the claims of God."
The basic truth concisely stated on page 468 of Science and Health under the caption, "What is the scientific statement of being?" concludes with these words: "Man is not material; he is spiritual." To one just becoming interested in Christian Science, this statement may seem very difficult to believe or to understand, since the education of centuries has taught that man is both mental and physical. Turning to the analogy of numbers, one would never be tempted to believe that a pencil or chalk mark constitutes the reality of a number in arithmetic. The relationship of numbers cannot be altered, interfered with, or denied. It maintains its perfection apart from the physical symbol. So man, as God's idea, holds always his definite, assured place in Mind as the son of God, his positive and unimpeachable oneness with his perfect Principle. We may call the mortal concept man—we may say that he can be sick, sorrowing, out of a position or place; but that does not make the false sense true. It does not alter the fact that man exists, always and forever, as a perfect idea, emanating from perfect Principle, God. As we hold this exact and true concept of man always in consciousness, the false or counterfeit becomes less real to us and concerns us less, and as a result gives us less cause for concern.
