A Parallel may be drawn in some ways between a student working out a problem in Christian Science and a student demonstrating a theorem in geometry. In both cases the workers have before them propositions involving definite hypotheses and conclusions. The student of geometry considers carefully the given conditions of his theorem; then by means of geometric construction and the application of certain axioms, postulates, and theorems already proved, a demonstration is completed. The Christian Science worker first considers earnestly the statements of truth bearing upon his problem. Then he takes these truths as given in his textbooks, the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings, and applies them to the particular problem under consideration. He realizes that after doing so certain logical conclusions are bound to follow. His demonstration is complete if he has really been convinced of the truth of the original proposition.

The student of geometry, studying his subject superficially, may, by memorizing an outline or formula, complete his demonstration theoretically without understanding in the least the reasoning. His learning is thus by rote; his work, merely mechanical; and so far as he is concerned, the mathematical law which he has demonstrated will not have much, if any, practical or applicative value to him. The Christian Science worker is, however, likely to be sincere in his demonstration; but even though he be earnest and conscientious in his work, he sometimes finds it difficult to establish the truth of the hypotheses before him. He believes that all the propositions of Truth written in the Christian Science textbooks are true; even as themathematical student knows that the formal theorems in his geometry text are true. In both cases the experience of multitudes of people proved the truth of those propositions before they were stated in formal writing. Taking something for granted is not difficult; but to furnish logical, convincing proof requires most consecrated effort.

The fundamental law of a proof must be understood before a proof can be demonstrated honestly and thoroughly. The student of geometry grasps the law on which his theorem is based and applies it by reason and strict application. If these fail to bring understanding, he seeks aid from his instructor. The Christian Science worker has before him, we shall say, some such proposition as this: Since God is infinite, including all power, all truth, all intelligence, it must follow that the phase of evil which is trying to disturb thought has no power, no truth, no intelligence in it. Reduced to a formula, and iterated and reiterated without serious contemplation, this proposition would mean next to nothing. It must be understood in order to be applied properly. The hypothetical part must be analyzed. If God is all-powerful, then there can be no other power. Is that statement really understood? Is its truthfulness apparent and admitted? If not, then reason, which Mrs. Eddy describes on page 327 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as "the most active human faculty," will have to be directed along other avenues leading to conviction. It is the understanding of Truth, rather than mere affirmation, which brings healing and redemption. The understanding of God's laws and of Him as unchanging Principle destroys error of every description, even as light destroys darkness. The understanding of divine Principle means power to overcome all that is unlike God.

Now the worker with Truth may cry out at times, as did the father of the son from whom Christ Jesus cast out the dumb spirit, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." The worker may plead: I believe God is almighty. I grant that God is good, and that there is none beside Him; but how can I understand that this evil which has befallen me is not real? Here is an example of a proposition not proved; and here, too, is a very definite appeal for help. Fortunately, this help is always available. We read in Isaiah, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Infinite Mind always supplies inspiration and sustenance for those who are sincere in their quest for understanding and righteousness. All things are added to those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. On page 494 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." There is never any need to fear that God's laws will not apply in some particular situation. God's infinite laws of love and harmony are always applicable; and sooner or later our demonstration of these laws will be made complete.

Perhaps it takes one worker in Christian Science a little longer to prove a given proposition than it does another; but so long as one works faithfully and honestly, one gains in understanding, however long the proposition has been worked on, or whatever its number is in a series of propositions considered. The primary purpose of all Christian Science work is to obtain an understanding of the Word of God, of God's law. Proof which results in physical healing should not be, then, one's sole objective, but rather the understanding of the divine Principle, which makes such proof a natural sequence of demonstration.

Christian Science workers should never be discouraged or disheartened because they must work and pray long and earnestly for understanding. In the following beautiful paragraph from Science and Health (p. 22) Mrs. Eddy quotes both Christ Jesus and Paul in her admonition to Christian Scientists: "'Work out your own salvation,' is the demand of Life and Love, for to this end God worketh with you. 'Occupy till I come!' Wait for your reward, and 'be not weary in well doing.' If your endeavors are beset by fearful odds, and you receive no present reward, go not back to error, nor become a sluggard in the race. When the smoke of battle clears away, you will discern the good you have done, and receive according to your deserving."