Turning to "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy for assistance in the solution of a problem, the student will find many definite rules to be applied in healing. Simple and direct, these rules call for the recognition of certain scientific facts and the attainment of a state of exalted spiritual consciousness, with the assurance that healing effects will follow.
As the student proceeds to apply these rules, however, he sometimes finds it difficult to meet their requirements with the certainty and conviction necessary for satisfactory results. The rule is before him, but he lacks the spiritual understanding needed for the clear recognition of its meaning. At such times a consideration of the following statement by our Leader in Science and Health may reveal a reason for this apparent lack of understanding(pp. 323, 324): "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,—this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony." The need is for spiritual receptivity, the proper mental attitude for imbibing a deep spiritual sense of Truth.
The importance which Jesus attached to the childlike thought is shown in his emphatic declaration, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." There is implied in this statement . no weakness or assumed innocence, but a strong, clear alertness, an eager willingness. To experience the kingdom of heaven, or consciousness of ever-present harmony, must be the desire of every thinking person, yet with how little success has this essential rule been applied throughout the centuries!
