TOWARDS the close of the last century Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, wrote these revolutionary and prophetic words (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 170): "Spiritual causation is the one question to be considered, for more than all others spiritual causation relates to human progress. The age seems ready to approach this subject, to ponder somewhat the supremacy of Spirit, and at least to touch the hem of Truth's garment."
This book startled and antagonized the complacency and dogmatism of materialism, and its influence has brought about remarkable changes in the outlook of those who have accepted its teachings, and also in the views of physical scientists. That matter is less generally regarded as solid substance, that time and space and the material earth by many have ceased to be considered as fundamental realities, is important evidence of increasing enlightenment.
Typical of the changed outlook is the following statement by a wellknown English physicist: "It is our minds that have built up this vivid world of lumps of matter wandering through space and time. The reality is something so different that we cannot even imagine it." This use of the word "reality" is interesting, for it is one used by Christian Science as meaning God and His creation, the spiritual universe. The meticulous care with which Mrs. Eddy selected her words is well known. Therefore, in studying a given passage it is always instructive to consider the scientific, spiritual meaning of the words employed.
