Webster defines the word "attain," in part, as to reach, to gain, to accomplish.
Mary Baker Eddy uses the word "attainment" many times in her writings, and almost exclusively with the higher signification as of victory over the flesh, over mortality, mortal mind laws, theories, human tendencies, and mental suggestion. On page 10 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" she writes, "Spiritual attainments open the door to a higher understanding of the divine Life."
How pointedly does Jesus' first recorded utterance breathe the spirit of our Leader's statement: "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Even at the early age of twelve years his high purpose admitted of no other pursuit. He had no other calling than that which he thus designated. The door of spiritual attainment was always before his thought.
