The statement "I am well" can be made with conviction under all conditions by anyone who has been inspired by the words of the Bible as interpreted by the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. Because man, made in God's image and likeness, is always well, this basic truth can be applied in individual demonstration by one's knowing, "I am well." Such a declaration is in keeping with the understanding of Mrs. Eddy's words in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 468): "Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual."

Regardless of seeming material conditions, anyone inspired by unwavering faith in the omnipotent goodness of God and the perfection of man can rise above the evidence of material sense and humbly and confidently abide in the spiritual understanding of perfect harmony.

An illustration of this is given in the fourth chapter of II Kings, where a great woman who perceived that Elisha was a holy man of God is described. When her son apparently had died after a brief illness, she went to Elisha, who sent his servant to meet her and to inquire for her husband and for the child. She replied simply and courageously (verse 26), "It is well." Elisha, however, perceived that she was troubled, and when he learned what had occasioned her visit, he went with her to the child and revived him. Truly all is well when faith in and the understanding of God rule our thought.

Recently the writer was troubled by pains in the back and acute indigestion. Neither condition seemed severe, and he expected they would go away soon. Then he realized that if he expected them to go away, he was actually admitting their presence and reality. Before long specific prayerful work to realize man's spiritual status eradicated these false beliefs completely.

To establish in thought the truths that enable one to become and remain aware of the spiritual status of man and of his exemption from all evil, each of us has only to study and absorb the words of the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy.

Certain subjects in the Christian Science Quarterly Lesson-Sermons provide an effectual guide to such study. These lessons are made up of citations from the Bible and from Science and Health. At first the beginner may not get much light, but earnest expectation will be abundantly rewarded in increasing measure as he persists in his studies.

One great reward is a growing understanding of the allness of God and the nothingness of matter. The student begins to realize that he can declare with conviction, "Now are we the sons of God" (I John 3:2), and enjoy all the privileges implied in that statement and also help others to enjoy them.

In addition to studying the lessons in the Quarterly and doing further study in the Bible and in Science and Health and Mrs. Eddy's other writings, one may find valuable citations on subjects of specific interest in the Concordances to the Bible and also to Mrs. Eddy's writings, which are available in many libraries and in Christian Science Reading Rooms. Inspiring reading is also available in the periodicals and publications of The Christian Science Publishing Society.

The cumulative effect of such study and reading is to imbue thought with the unshakable realization that man's true being is spiritual and that no part of the material body can of itself cause either suffering or satisfaction. Since man is spiritual, he possesses now and forever by reflection all the goodness, glory, and power of God. The body, responding to a spiritualized state of mind, makes evident to human understanding the infinite perfection claimed by one as his real being.

Thousands of cases of healings such as those given in Wednesday testimony meetings in Christian Science churches and those published in the Christian Science periodicals establish the fact that, when its teachings are understandingly applied, Christian Science heals effectively all the ills that flesh is heir to. The realization that man is both spiritual and perfect gives one authority for stating under all conditions: "Man is well," and, "I am well."

As previously quoted, "Man is not material; he is spiritual." Spiritual man exists in Mind as idea and reflects all the qualities of God. He is neither in nor dependent on matter for sustenance, shelter, movement, information, health, harmony, or for existence itself. This does not imply that in our present state the requirements of normal daily living should be neglected; but they can be improved as one follows Jesus' advice (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Affirmation of spiritual truth is vital to successful demonstration in Christian Science. The assertion must be maintained, reaffirmed, and held to in spite of any and all claims of error.

The positive affirmation is supported, strengthened, and protected by the denial of the claims that would attempt to nullify or weaken it. We read in Science and Health (p. 91), "The denial of material selfhood aids the discernment of man's spiritual and eternal individuality, and destroys the erroneous knowledge gained from matter or through what are termed the material senses."

"The discernment of man's spiritual and eternal individuality" is necessary to one's understanding and conviction that he is indeed well in Truth, for he is Truth's idea.

Another statement by Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health is, "Denial of the claims of matter is a great step towards the joys of Spirit, towards human freedom and the final triumph over the body" (p. 242). There are many and varied and persistent claims of matter to be denied. Matter may claim that demonstration of well-being can be prevented or retarded by weather, climate, or environment. It may claim that youth, age, or heredity is controlling the situation. It may claim that material possessions or the lack of them take precedence over Spirit. One must deny the claims of matter in order to take "a great step towards ... the final triumph over the body."

The affirmation, "I am well," is an important step in the demonstration of Christian Science. The statement, however, should not be made perfunctorily or as a formula. It should be the expression of deep conviction of the allness of God, the perfection of His idea, man, and the nothingness of matter. And it should include the joyous expectation of the immediate proof of the truth thus declared.