NO structure can be built and expected to stand securely unless the foundation is firm, built on something substantial. Likewise, in Christian Science, no demonstrable deductions can be evolved and expected to endure all tests unfailingly, unless the fundamental basis for reasoning is truth—an understanding of God, of man, and of their relationship. For centuries mankind have been yearning for this knowledge. Glimpses of the glory of God have been caught all along through history by prophets, disciples, and spiritually minded persons, but an all-inclusive, practical understanding of God was made possible in this age when, through her consecrated efforts, Mrs. Eddy found the explanation of the healing works of Christ Jesus and gave it to the world in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Therein we learn that God is Principle, the infinite, omnipotent force governing and controlling all, that God is substance, Spirit, Life, Truth, and Love, and that He is Mind. In the first chapter of Genesis we find that "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good;" creation was complete and all was good. This is another way of saying that evil is powerless, that nothing which really exists possesses qualities other than good, for there cannot possibly be room in infinite good, God, for His unlikeness. He is "of purer eyes than to behold evil." In the first chapter of Genesis we also read that "God created man in his own image," so we see that the real man possesses no qualities apart from God; he is spiritual, immortal, and eternal.

Since man is the image and likeness of God, the reflection or expression of Him, and since God is Mind, it follows that man is the reflection of Mind. In infinite Mind all is harmony, unlimited wisdom, intelligence, and perfect action, and there is no unconsciousness, no fatigue, no confusion. So also in the real man are these attributes expressed. When problems arise that seem to baffle us, when sickness tries to make itself seem real to us, when temptations block our path and we waver beneath the stress, we must stop and declare this truth about God and man. It will awaken us from the material senses, will clarify our thoughts, and if we believe the declaration, not with blind faith but with trust that "with God all things are possible," it will gain for us the victory in the struggle.

What truly exists is the expression of Mind. The things with which we surround ourselves express our thoughts, and whether our lives be joyful or miserable depends upon us. We must not forget what the real man is or that our real life is spiritual, for on page 269 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says: "Metaphysics resolves things into thoughts, and exchanges the objects of sense for the ideas of Soul." The educational systems in our everyday experience are intended to awaken and develop reasoning, and to equip us with better thoughts, to lead us higher. Our habits of thought determine our individual progress. Paul tells us that we must work out our own salvation and that we need not wait indefinitely but that "now is the accepted time." What is meant by salvation Christian Science explains as an awakening from materiality to a demonstrable understanding of God, divine Mind, as All-in-all. We cannot expect to arouse ourselves from our indulgence in so-called material pleasures or indifference if we entertain all the promiscuous thoughts that crowd upon us. We are warned to control our thoughts, not by will power, which is purely mortal mind attempting to assert authority, when in reality it is powerless, but by spiritual alertness. We must begin simply, without delay, and strive conscientiously. We must remember that another's thought has no control over us, for it is only mortal. Mrs. Eddy sums up the whole question of thinking in this loving counsel on page 210 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany": "Beloved Christian Scientists, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to the mind already full. There is no door through which evil can enter, and no space for evil to fill in a mind filled with goodness," and then in the following paragraph she adds: "The right thinker abides under the shadow of the Almighty. His thoughts can only reflect peace, good will towards men, health, and holiness."