Editorial May 31, 1930 Issue

Elemental Points

Clifford P. Smith

All who are interested in Christian Science want to know how to practice this religion, especially in healing. Instruction on this theme is to be found at many places in Mrs. Eddy's writings. In particular, there is a chapter on it in her principle work, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 362–442). In particular, also, there is "an outline of the practice" on pages 8-13 of the small volume entitled "Rudimental Divine Science," which she issued in 1891 and revised in 1908. This six-page outline is of great value to students in all stages of attainment, and it has an interest of its own because Mrs. Eddy revised it not long before she passed on.

The first point to be noticed by the thoughtful reader or student of the discussions just mentioned is that neither of them begins with any reference to mental processes. On the contrary, both of them begin by requiring moral and spiritual character; they begin by specifying such components of Christian character as affection, contrition, meekness, humanity, honesty, trueness, and reverence. Not only are such qualities the first requisites for the practice of Christian Science, but they are also essential, first and last, to being classified as a Christian Scientist. In short, Christian Science insists strongly on Christian ethics.

The next point to be noticed is that the practice of this religion is not based on human will; it is based on immortal Mind, divine Principle. The practicer, therefore, needs to cultivate truthful and spiritual thinking. To this end, he must learn the attributes of God, together with the corresponding qualities of man, and he must learn God's government of man. He must both study and use the truth of being until he gains a clear conviction thereof; he must prepare himself to demonstrate the spiritual understanding of God and man.

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A Great Life-Purpose
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