To become increasingly conscious of the harmony and dominion of true being is the rightful aim of every earnest student of Christian Science, and probably no Biblical statement more fitly gives the key to such spiritual experience than that of the Psalmist (Ps. 46: 10), "Be still, and know that I am God." How hopeless would be our lot if there were no relief from the ills and woes of human life. But there is relief in abundance, and complete healing, for those who turn constantly to God as the only source of consciousness and gain a true conception of Him and of man, His image.
Since all persons differ in individuality and background, their approach to the study of Christian Science naturally differs. Some students are at first mainly interested in the human benefits. They tell joyfully of their healings, but may yet have given little thought as to how these healings came about. Others, though grateful for demonstrations, turn at once to deeper study to learn more about God and the healing operation of Christian Science. Regardless of human tendencies, all must sooner or later learn the vital importance of spiritual contemplation and seek quiet periods when, with material sense silenced, they perceive clearer views of divine reality.
In her writings Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, makes generous use of the word evidence. One such reference, which states concisely its essential significance in the demonstration of Science, is found in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and reads (p. 297): "Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher." Spiritual evidence, the appearing of absolute truth, will eventually destroy whatever is mortal in human consciousness. With consciousness spiritualized we do our work better, love our neighbor more, bring healing to ourselves and others, and reveal in a degree the nature of God to a God-hungry world. God, divine Mind, is the source of every right mental condition which humanity longs to experience. Mortal mind, God's opposite, would continually suggest that harmony and satisfaction are to be found elsewhere. It would persistently urge its own concepts of such spiritual qualities as joy, satisfaction, affection, freedom. The joy which mortal mind offers can turn to sorrow at any moment. Its belief of satisfaction, failing to satisfy, tempts to the trial of something else, which likewise fails to satisfy. Its concept of affection, often sensual, may lead to false hopes and shattered lives. Its sense of freedom, which is more often license, binds instead of frees.
