Article August 17, 1899 Issue

Questions and Answers

with contributions from A Beginner, Same Inquirer

What are the first steps to be taken in acquiring an understanding of Christian Science?—A Beginner.

One who desires to understand Christian Science needs in the first place a copy of its text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," by Mary Baker G. Eddy. This book should be faithfully studied in connection with the Bible. As fast as the ideas of Truth are discerned they must be put into practice. Here is where the real work of the student of Christian Science begins. From an intellectual standpoint the study of Science and Health and the Bible may be a very pleasant pastime, but a right conception of Christian Science cannot be gained in this way for it cannot be mastered by the human intellect.

The student must first demonstrate the rudiments of this Science; then the higher demonstrations will follow. He need not be surprised if he finds that all error does not at once yield to his declaration of Truth. To declare the Truth mentally is a step in the right direction, but the simple declaration is not sufficient. The Truth must be lived. By this is meant that one's actions, words, and thoughts should be in harmony with his declaration, for only in this way does Truth become sufficiently real to human consciousness to destroy the claims of error. Successful demonstration can only be the result of spiritual growth. Mere discernment of the letter is not sufficient, for this does not heal physically any more than it heals morally.

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