No fact becomes more certain to the student of Christian Science than the futility of so-called speculative theories, as agencies for healing humanity of its ills, individual and collective alike. Were one to review the history of speculative philosophy, he would find that many attractive theories apparently conforming to all the rules of logic, and conclusive in their reasoning, if once their premises be granted, put to the test in the bringing forth of good works, have fallen woefully short; and this result has obtained for the best of reasons: such theories are not founded upon divine Principle, the infinite Mind, from which basis all right reasoning must start. Mrs. Eddy, under the marginal heading, "Spiritual existence the one fact," says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 492): "For right reasoning there should be but one fact before the thought, namely, spiritual existence. In reality there is no other existence, since Life cannot be united to its unlikeness, mortality." It will be readily granted that many of the great intellectuals of all times, who have turned their trained mentalities to solving the problem of life, have evolved theories and modes that have had great vogue, commanding the support and devotion of many followers. But not one of these speculative philosophies has served the purpose of leading a single person into the true sense of freedom, or has moved him one stage along the way leading to salvation, except in so far as it has revealed something of the Christ.

No fact did our Leader more definitely emphasize than the necessity of proving the truth which she revealed; and thereby she at once removed Christian Science from the field of speculative philosophy into the realm of true Science, proved beyond possibility of doubt through manifold demonstrations. Christ Jesus recognized the need of proving his teachings to the point that would render their acceptance a necessity because of their demonstrated truth; or that would, as an alternative, occasion the denial of unimpeachable evidence. Is there not found in his familiar answer to the messengers of John the Baptist proof of his great wisdom in this direction? What could he have said in the way of doctrinal statement that could by any means have carried so great a weight of evidence as the exhibition of his healing works in the presence of these messengers in the "selfsame hour," that is to say, while they waited? Christ Jesus rested not upon statements which, however convinced he may have been of their absolute truthfulness, were open to denial by those who had seen no proofs: but, by positive proof of his claims, he at once placed his teachings beyond the possibility of classification as mere speculative theories. And it is manifest that great as was the beneficence of his specific works in the destruction of sin, suffering, and misery, yet their far greater value is found in their proof of God's presence, power, and availability to heal all the ills of mankind.

In view of the attendant circumstances, the conclusion seems warranted that the Nazarene's refusal to reply when asked the historic question, "What is truth?" resulted from his conviction that if his healing works—of which he had performed many, news of which must have reached Pilate's ears—had not revealed to the Roman procurator the meaning of his mission, nothing that he could say would by any means add to the weight of evidence. Therefore, it appears, rather than subject his Christly teaching to the possible ridicule of either Pilate or the spectators, he preserved the silence about which so much speculation has arisen. Down the centuries the attention of Christianity has centered, to a large degree at least, upon the doctrines of Christ Jesus, minimizing, it would seem, the significance of his deeds, while evolving from his teachings a kind of speculative theology, quite devoid of proof in a general repetition of his works. The theory of Christianity has, to a marked degree, superseded the practice, which resulted in the destruction of the various claims of sin and sickness, as well as in overcoming many so-called physical laws supposed to be fixed and unvarying.

Christian Science demands of its students proof through demonstration, rather than mere acceptance. Mrs. Eddy laid the greatest emphasis upon the necessity for each student to demonstrate for himself the efficacy of the Christ in proof of its origin and power as a remedial agency for overcoming sickness and sin. Thus did our Leader make demands upon all students of this religion, through demonstration, to raise the teachings of Christian Science out of the realm of speculative theory into the light of proved Science.

Paul's admonition, "Work out your own salvation," finds its counterpart in Christian Science; and no student of this religion may justifiably expect to progress in gaining spiritual understanding except through the proofs he establishes for himself. While another may assist in pointing the way, even placing one's feet in it, yet the steps must be taken by each. Spiritual understanding is subjective with each, an experience which above all others is individual, and for which there can be no substitute. True understanding of God and of the operation of His perfect law is not gained vicariously; for that which remains unproved by individual experience is not apart from speculative theory; and the teachings of Christian Science become demonstrated Science to the individual only as each proves its truth and potency for himself. Proof alone establishes fact. Mrs. Eddy, in speaking of scientific evidence, declares in Science and Health (p. 109): "Christian Science reveals incontrovertibly that Mind is All-in-all, that the only realities are the divine Mind and idea. This great fact is not, however, seen to be supported by sensible evidence, until its divine Principle is demonstrated by healing the sick and thus proved absolute and divine. This proof once seen, no other conclusion can be reached." The Christian Scientist proves for himself the teachings set forth by our Leader. By this means and this alone is Christian Science for him lifted into the category of demonstrated Science.

Albert F. Gilmore.