First steps

We are pleased to reprint this selection from the August 17, 1899, issue of the Sentinel. Subscribers to JSH-Online.com can also find this online under the title “Questions and Answers.”

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 textbook, 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.

The student must not be a house divided against itself. He must not expect to succeed by declaring the Truth one minute and voicing error the next. His faithfulness to the letter of Truth, as he has discerned it, determines the rapidity of his growth and his success in demonstration. “If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light,” is the declaration of Scripture. Constantly looking to Truth as the only reality of being, destroys the sense of reality claimed by error and proves its nothingness. Each demonstration over error brings a clearer realization of Truth, and this in turn, is followed by still greater achievements.

Thus the faithful student of Science and Health and other writings by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science [Mary Baker Eddy], cannot fail to add daily to his understanding of Christian Science, and he will be able to prove by “signs following” that his faith is right.