Christian Science treatment leads to the inspired realization that all is perfect Mind and its perfect, spiritual reflection. Evil in whatever form would deny God's allness. But metaphysical treatment removes this denial by opening consciousness to the action of God, Principle. When error leaves our thought, it leaves our life.
It is important to understand the rules of scientific treatment. Mrs. Eddy says: "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick."Science and Health, pp. 476-477;
This understanding of God and the spiritual man was more real to Christ Jesus than the evidence of material sense. For most of us, the clarity of the view of perfect God and perfect man is not always sufficient to destroy the erroneous evidence immediately. Therefore, to heal effectively, we often must use Christianly scientific reasoning to lift thought above matter's false evidence to the point where Truth becomes so vivid that false suggestions leave.
There is no formula, no invocation of magic words or certain set of notions, to bring about healing. But Mrs. Eddy provides in her writings specific points for treatment, or scientific prayer, which heal—if faithfully followed. One recognizes God's allness when giving Christian Science treatment. He sees man as the pure expression of God, manifesting all His qualities free of a matter body or a material environment. He denies the errors of mortal mind. This denial includes the physical discord presented in the situation; but the practitioner should also detect and reject firmly the mental errors troubling the patient.
Listening is essential for effective treatment. As we fill thought with the true nature of God and man, we will often be led to concrete facts about a specific synonym for God, the very synonym whose qualities will directly offset mental misconceptions. This is the Christ acting on thought. As we listen to Mind, the specific errors that need to be challenged are recognized. Here is one of the most important points. No one should be so busy mentally affirming the truths of God and man and denying errors that he forgets to listen.
Denials must be discerning. If a practitioner is rejecting error with too much humanly based vigor, perhaps he or she is making a reality out of the very traits that must be identified as nothing. If one keeps thought on the nature of God and man, he can see that false traits are false—they don't exist—and so he dismisses them. For example, one might realize: Because God is Love, there can't be any hatred; because Love is supreme, it's impossible for there to be unkindness.
Treatment gives us and our patients a clearer view of the perfection of Mind, which contains no error. When the practitioner's affirmations have brought him to that view and he clearly feels God's loving presence, he can turn to a full enjoyment of being in His presence. Then one becomes aware that divine Mind is revealing its own truths, powerful truths, truths that heal. This unity with God is the consciousness that results in healing.
Mrs. Eddy writes, "By the truthful arguments you employ, and especially by the spirit of Truth and Love which you entertain, you will heal the sick."ibid., p. 418; Here is a vital point: While we must obey the divinely given rules for treatment enumerated in Mrs. Eddy's Science and Health, it is only as we do so with spiritualized consciousness that treatment is effective. Like a concert pianist who daily practices so that he can give an outstanding performance, the Scientist needs constantly and unselfishly to practice being at one with God and being aware of His loving presence. Then, when need arises, he or she can more quickly see Truth with a consciousness uncluttered by the darkness of mortal thought.
One must also finally turn the problem over to God, realizing that He is the governor and His power brings to light unobstructed goodness. We can know with deep gratitude that God is revealing Himself. Proper treatment expresses God's declaration of His own truths— and what He declares must be manifested. The Bible states, "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast."Ps. 33:9;
If one stood under Niagara Falls, he couldn't help getting wet. He couldn't push the water back. Neither could any number of people. When one accepts in consciousness God's presence as All, he sees there is no other power—in him or in anyone else—that can push that spiritual consciousness away. The claims of mortal mind are drowned out by a perception of God's allness.
These are some aspects of Christian Science treatment. Through study and practice we strengthen our application of the many healing rules of Science. Spiritual growth lifts us toward the point where we can perceive the presence of God and man so clearly, as Jesus did, that the false evidence of material sense quickly disappears. This is possible and will be accomplished. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."John 14:12. Doesn't this imply for one thing that we can learn to heal as Jesus did? The important point to realize is this: No matter at what level of spiritual advancement we individually may be, if we faithfully pray as Christ Jesus and Mrs. Eddy have taught us, such treatment will heal! Faithfully expect it. Humbly insist on it.
