Throughout the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we find what may be called signposts bearing unmistakable directives for leading the sincere seeker to greater heights of spiritual understanding. Not only must these signs be carefully read, but they must be followed without deviation.
One such arresting sign reads (p. 400), "By lifting thought above error, or disease, and contending persistently for truth, you destroy error." Here we find two distinct directives to be followed, the first of which has to do with "lifting thought above error, or disease." Let us consider just what this requires in the way of obedience. An important, though apparently little word in this phrase is "above," and immediately we realize that when we lift our gaze above anything, sight is no longer in a direct line with it. Just as we cannot see the devastation in the valley when we lift our gaze to the mountains, so we cannot see disease when we lift our gaze above it.
But one may say: "Yes, it is understandable that when one's gaze is lifted above an object it is no longer within the direct range of his vision. Yet it is possible to look at the mountains and be thinking of the devastation in the valley below." This is quite true; so it is necessary to lift not only one's gaze, but one's thought as well. We may wonder why thought is so important, but in "No and Yes" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 12), "The essence of this Science is right thinking and right acting—leading us to see spirituality and to be spiritual, to understand and to demonstrate God." Thus in right, scientific thinking lies release from error of every sort.
