In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 394), "Knowledge that we can accomplish the good we hope for, stimulates the system to act in the direction which Mind points out." Expectancy looks forward to an objective, and progress is the orderly going forward toward an objective. In our human experience, progress involves the disappearing of false beliefs as well as the appearing of God's ideas and may be likened to the dawn whose ever-increasing light dispels darkness. The light only serves to reveal the form of what is already present. In like manner, spiritual ideas serve to illuminate consciousness and reveal the good already present. Progress goes on in accordance with divine law; it is inevitable and cannot be stopped.
It is well, therefore, for the student of Christian Science to ask himself often: "What do I expect? What have I reason to believe will happen?" For the experienced student of Christian Science, who has had many proofs of its healing power, the answer could only be, "Good." But the right to expect good may not be apparent or understood by the inquirer into Science, burdened with sorrow, lack, or sickness for which he seeks a remedy. To him, Christian Science comes with the assurance of proof, the confidence of an unchanging Principle, the promise of rest and peace, and the good news of a perfect God and perfect man. This is the same good news that Jesus proclaimed to mankind.
Jesus commended the expectancy of good. Seeking to arouse this expectancy, he asked some what they would have him do for them. In his home town, where the personal sense of him as a carpenter's son seemed to overshadow the truth of his divine sonship, he could not do many marvelous works. His neighbors did not expect a carpenter's son to heal and regenerate, and this limited material sense consequently blinded them to his true nature as the Saviour of mankind.
