Students of Christian Science cannot afford to separate words from the thoughts they represent. The divinely established facts presented in their textbooks, the Bible, and Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, are expressed by means of words. These words are food for thought. The truth of them has to be felt, identified with, and experienced—as well as understood. The spirit behind the words is what matters. It is infinitely more profound than the words themselves.
Once, when away from home, I asked a Christian Science practitioner for help because of a sudden incapacitating pain. After a long talk I still felt no better. But she encouraged me to declare that in truth I was strong, vital, and healthy; and pointed out that there is no gap between the declaration and its truth. I then glimpsed that my real self was not being invaded, and that the words meant what they said. Healing quickly followed.
In her Miscellaneous Writings Mrs. Eddy states, "The grandeur of the word, the power of Truth, is again casting out evils and healing the sick; and it is whispered, 'This is Science.'"Mis., p. 99; Statements of truth have power and authority. It does no harm to remind ourselves, however, that this potency shines out of the infinite generosity of God, good, and is not magically encapsulated in the words themselves. Throughout her writings Mrs. Eddy indicates that human words are inadequate for the expression of the heights and depths of spiritual reason and revelation.
