Article March 21, 1942 Issue

Study and Devotion

[Written Especially for Young People]

CAROLINE B. WINGERT

The real man, being the expression of infinite Mind, is inseparable from divine intelligence. Using this basic fact as a foundation for his thinking, the young student of Christian Science can prove conclusively that "the devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible." This statement, so filled with true encouragement, may be found on page 199 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. It bespeaks Mrs. Eddy's own experience in establishing the Christian Science movement, which today through its activities is found ministering to the world.

The desire for success is wholesome and normal, and no one need stop short of it provided one's motives and intentions are right—actuated by an unselfish desire to be useful. Fortunate indeed is the student of Christian Science who learns early that the working out of his salvation is an individual experience. Even though he desire to do so, no one can walk, breathe, or live for another; neither can one individual enter the kingdom of heaven for another. True it is that a corrected and successful life may inspire others to press on to success, yet the actual working out of our lives is an individual experience. Our own thinking, not someone else's, is responsible for our heaven or hell.

The beloved Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy, knew, for she had proved it, that progress in Christian Science is the result of study and of practical devotion to the truths revealed in that study. In answer to the question, "How can I progress most rapidly in the study of Christian Science?" she writes in part (ibid., p. 495), "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit." Wise counsel, which needs to be heeded today in order that our movement may carry out the purpose for which it was established. "Study thoroughly"! Obviously, it behooves each one not to be caught napping and therefore studying in a half-hearted manner or with divided interest.

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