In the process of overcoming a problem through Christian Science treatment, one may occasionally experience apparent release from the particular difficulty only to find that his freedom is later challenged by a reappearance of the disturbing situation. Whether this reappearance is called a reversal, a relapse, or a recurrence, one is reminded of the experience of the children of Israel in escaping from the bondage of the Egyptian Pharaoh. We read in the Old Testament that Pharaoh gave his consent to the freeing of the Israelites but then quickly changed his decision and hurried after them with his army in an effort to recapture them.

So great was the horde of six hundred chariots and the frightening rumble of pursuit that the children of Israel completely lost courage to proclaim their freedom. They indicated to Moses a desire to return to the captivity of the Egyptians. But Moses, trusting in the protecting and guiding power of God, was able to say to his followers with complete assurance, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day." ^{Ex. 14:13;} And knowing the complete powerlessness of any material force to reverse the stand for freedom he had taken under God, he added: "For the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

Then, although the army of Pharaoh was overtaking his band from the rear and the Red Sea was forming a barrier to his company in front, Moses at God's command led the people forward, the only possible direction for continued progress out of slavery. Upon Moses' decision to go forward the sea parted, and the Israelites made their way safely to the other side.

Christian Science proves that evil is always error, a false belief that can be overcome, not an eternal fact God sustains. In efforts to free oneself or others from any evil, it is important, when error loosens it hold, take a firm and vigilant stand to guard against anything that might prolong or hinder the complete victory over it.

This is done by affirming and knowing that there can be no reversal to the action of Truth. As Mrs. Eddy states, "Neither animal magnetism nor hypnotism enters into the practice of Christian Science in which truth cannot be reversed, but the reverse of error is true." ^{Science and Health, p. 442;} And again, "In Christian Science there is never a retrograde step, never a return to positions outgrown." ^{p. 74;} This type of metaphysical work is a protection to the effects of Christian Science treatment and is the seal or completion of work well done.

Should the victory over error lack completeness and should error appear to counterattack or reclaim lost ground, it is most important that one yield not to discouragement but know that God has provided the means to withstand and escape all the attacks of error. As was proven in the experience of the children of Israel, those seeking complete freedom must move forward, that is, they must continue to progress Spiritward in their thinking, regardless of the arguments or signs presented by error, and not return to material beliefs. As Christ Jesus said centuries later, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ^{John 8:31, 32;}

The writer experienced the necessity of refusing to become fearful or discouraged when evil in the form of physical discomfort tried to declare itself capable of regrouping its forces after it had lost its hold. One morning the writer's young daughter manifested all the symptoms of cold and remained home from school. Christian Science treatment was given, and she was apparently free of the problem in the early afternoon. However, at bedtime she complained of the same symptoms again. At this point the story of the flight from Egypt was told to her as a bedtime Bible story. She readily likened the effort of Pharaoh to reclaim the children of Israel to the effort of evil in the form of physical discomfort to reappear in her experience. Her untarnished thoughts were so permeated with a complete trust in God to help her, as He did Moses, that the healing was completed and all was well the next morning.

There is no reason to indulge the claims of evil at any stage of a healing, whether it be instantaneous or prolonged. And certainly once freedom has been gained and victory becomes a reality, it is folly to be enticed again or entrapped by the same erroneous claim. It is essential that Christian Science treatment be complete and that this statement from Ezekiel be proved in the experience of those seeking to gain their freedom: "There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord God." ^{Ezek. 12:28.}