Mrs. Eddy tells us that "it is possible,—yea, it is the duty and privilege of every child, man, and woman,—to follow in some degree the example of the Master by the demonstration of Truth and Life, of health and holiness." ^{Science and Health, p. 37;} How arresting to note that in this statement she mentions the child first! Perhaps one can take this as a clear indication of the importance of teaching children as well as adults to heal.

There are three main points that the wise parent includes in the spiritual training of his children. First, he must teach them to love God supremely. By loving God, they will naturally turn to Him in every situation.

Mrs. Eddy writes, "Parents should teach their children at the earliest possible period the truths of health and holiness." ^{p. 236;} Guiding children to rely completely on God enables them to grasp these truths. This reliance gives them spiritual power and freedom to solve their daily problems. When children are taught that God is omnipotent, they can readily see that it is His almighty power which uplifts and heals mankind.

A child's concept of God is enlarged as it includes the seven synonyms for Him which we find enumerated in the teachings of Christian Science. Thus he learns that God is Principle, one meaning of which is the great creative cause; Mind, the source of intelligence and wisdom; Soul, the giver of purity and the beauty of holiness; Spirit, from which emanates all spiritual strength; Life, man's immortal heritage as the reflection of God; Truth, the healing, saving, regenerating power; Love, the great liberator embracing all of God's children in tender, loving care.

Secondly, a knowledge of Christ Jesus, the Son of God, further aids our children in understanding how to heal. The realization of his mission to save the world from sin, sickness, and death inspires them to follow his example. They learn that to heal emulates the mighty works of Christ Jesus. The Beatitudes, the Golden Rule, and the Lord's Prayer, found in the Sermon on the Mount, are a firm basis for their lessons.

Jesus demonstrated that God is a loving God. Because He loves His children, we must all learn to love each other. Christ Jesus' wonderful healings vividly illustrate God's love and prove that man is in reality the perfect reflection of the one perfect God.

Jesus recognized the great spirituality inherent in children. When the disciples asked him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, he called a little child to him. His answer to them was definitely clear, "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." ^{Matt. 18:3;}

Understanding God as infinite good and Christ Jesus as the Way-shower, a child is able to practice the rules of Christian Science. This is the third important point. Mrs. Eddy instructs us, "Children should lie taught the Truth-cure, Christian Science, among their first lessons, and kept from discussing or entertaining theories or thoughts about sickness." ^{Science and Health, p. 237;}

It is highly important that a child in his formative years should learn to apply Christian Science himself. As a parent trains him to know that God's presence is everywhere, the child gains spiritual confidence. He realizes that he is always in his heavenly Father's house, whether he is at home, in school, or with friends.

Turning to God and His Christ enables the child to feel continual protection. Therefore, when he is confronted with mortal mind suggestions of fear or sickness, he has the proper tools to correct the situation instantly.

A deep love for and appreciation of Mrs. Eddy as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science are essential to a child's spiritual growth. The child should know that Mrs. Eddy is the revelator of Truth to this age and that she cannot be separated from her great work. Alert parents will see that a child is thoroughly familiar with the life of Mrs. Eddy. They will help him to understand the import of her sacred mission. Then the child will be better equipped to practice the healing power of Christian Science.

A young mother was suddenly gripped with a severe pain one morning. She managed to get to a chair; and, as she sat down, she noticed her three-year-old standing by her. The child laid her hand on her mother's arm. "God is Love for my mommy," she said simply. Immediately the mother felt free. This experience was a graphic proof to her of the importance of teaching a child about God and His healing power.

Another time a six-year-old, a pupil in a Christian Science Sunday School, burst into the house to tell her mother enthusiastically: "My friends were being mean and I started to be mean back. But then I remembered the Golden Rule. Everybody was happy and friendly again!"

Whatever the problem seems to be, it can be met and mastered through the teachings of Christian Science. A child who is taught spiritual truths and who demonstrates them himself will not turn away in later years, for his understanding will be spiritually provable, not mere blind faith. The Bible informs us, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ^{Prov. 22:6.}

Parents living in the United States may have heard the statement that their children are the hope of America. Going a step further, we can say that a child reared in the light of Christian Science healing is the hope of the world.