EXPERIENCE is a very necessary asset in the practice of Christian Science. This does not imply that only those who experience various difficult phases of mortal existence can benefit by the healing Christ which Christian Science has made practical and possible. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 351) Mary Baker Eddy speaks of "the living, palpitating presence of Christ;" so this great truth is ever operative, omnipresent, and enlightening. Just as darkness vanishes before the light, so does the false claim of the ills of the flesh fade out before the true knowledge of God and His spiritual creation, man and the universe.
Nevertheless, the one who is desirous of helping his fellow man, and of lifting the heavy burden of world beliefs, welcomes each event in his human experience as an opportunity to break down more of the fears and illusions of the mortal, and replace them with the understanding of the God-given dominion and reality of man's spiritual being.
It is interesting to note that Christ Jesus, before he started his great healing work, met the temptations of the devil in his own human experience, and not once did he overcome them merely as the human Jesus. Always he turned to God as the I AM, to be worshiped and served. In significant words he later said, "I and my Father are one."
