Through the years, month after month, The Christian Science Journal has been playing a vital role in my practice of Christian Science healing. For example, when I was establishing myself in the public practice of Christian Science, the Journal published Myrtle C. Ayres's article "The Importance of 'right foot' Treatment." This article made a significant impression on me as to the importance of paying primary attention to the fundamental facts of spiritual being when giving Christian Science treatment; such a course enables the healer to exercise authority over the general belief of life and intelligence in matter from which sin and disease come forth. This point has been a wonderful help to me in destroying specific visible claims of sin and disease with Truth and Love.
Now, what if there had been no Christian Science Journal to publish Mrs. Ayres's article for me to read? Would I have lacked opportunity to learn an important point in Christian Science and thereby be hampered in my ability to demonstrate the healing power of Christian Science? No; "the inspired Word of the Bible," See Science and Health, p. 497 and the full statement of the divine Principle and rules of Christian Science by its Discoverer, Mary Baker Eddy, in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, contain everything the learner needs to know in order to practice successfully the Science of Christian healing, which Christ Jesus himself practiced. But I would have lacked the opportunity to learn from Mrs. Ayres's experience. In her study and practice of Christian Science, the point she brought out in the article had been highlighted to her as important, and in reading about it in the Journal, its significance was highlighted to me. (This article is reprinted on the previous page of this month's issue.)
It is clear that nothing can be added to the teachings of Christian Science as presented in the Bible and in Science and Health. These books form the student's definitive source of correct teaching on the subject. But students of these books can also learn by hearing of one another's practice of the truths explained therein. Inspiration shared can lead readers to certain points in these books that strengthen their own understanding and practice.
