Editorial January 6, 1962 Issue

"A definite rule discovered"

Helen Wood Bauman

To apply a science successfully, we need definite rules to use. And this is true of Christianity, which is spiritual Science. Under the marginal heading "A definite rule discovered," Mary Baker Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 147): "Our Master healed the sick, practised Christian healing, and taught the generalities of its divine Principle to his students; but he left no definite rule for demonstrating this Principle of healing and preventing disease. This rule remained to be discovered in Christian Science."

A rule is a guide for action, and many rules come under the "definite rule" by which the truths of being revealed by divine Science are made practical. The textbook, Science and Health, is replete with carefully stated rules, and so are the other writings of Mrs. Eddy. Following these rules obediently and in the Christly spirit of their meaning, one cannot fail to demonstrate Christianity in its Science.

Scientific rules are often couched in the imperative mood, and these are easily distinguished. Take, for instance, the four rules given on page 495 of Science and Health. The first two read: "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought." The other two rules in this paragraph demand that we handle fear and doubt and that we let Christian Science support our understanding of being.

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