Parallel with the question, "Can spirituality be taught?" runs another question, "Can spirituality be learned and demonstrated?" The answer to both these questions is Yes. Truth itself is a revelation, but the beholding of this revelation comes through spirituality, not materiality. The attaining of spirituality, therefore, is of foremost importance if we are to perceive and understand Truth.

Christian Science finds us in different states and stages of consciousness. Some individuals have a clear, innocent thought and readily learn the lessons which change the basis of thinking from materiality to a measure of spirituality. Others of us may appear to be more entrenched in the ways of worldliness and may find we have many struggles before material sense yields to the spiritual. But if we sincerely and honestly desire to know Truth, God, we can learn the way.

Mrs. Eddy, herself both a teacher and a student of Christian Science, referred to Christ Jesus as both student and teacher. She writes: "Our Master taught spirituality by similitudes and parables. As a divine student he unfolded God to man, illustrating and demonstrating Life and Truth in himself and by his power over the sick and sinning." ^{Science and Health, p. 117;}

The people Jesus taught were on the whole simple, unprejudiced, everyday workers. The similitudes and parables by which he taught spirituality were easily understood by them. The city set on a hill or the candle placed in a candlestick, lighting up the whole house, vividly portrays the irradiance of Soul. The parable of the man who was more occupied in building greater barns to store his wealth than in learning more of spirituality, or that of the two houses—one built on rock and the other on sand—is a living lesson in the folly of materiality and the wisdom of spirituality. Each is a living lesson, clear and unmistakable, for us to learn today and will remain so for as long as mankind need to learn the lessons of spirituality.

Mrs. Eddy also uses an allegory to illustrate the attainment of spirituality. She pictures toilers in a valley who at the coming of a Stranger follow him up the mountain path. The allegory shows how the various problems which arise along the way may be overcome. She also gives assurance of God's love and care. She states, "Whatever obstructs the way,—causing to stumble, fall, or faint, those mortals who are striving to enter the path,—divine Love will remove; and uplift the fallen and strengthen the weak." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 328;}

None of us need feel we can never understand Truth or think that our understanding is insufficient for any demand which may be made upon us. Such suggestions only point to the fact that right now is the time to learn more of Truth. The study of Truth, the exercise of spirituality, and growth in grace and understanding require patience, untiring persistence, constant self-immolation. This means work, but it need not be arduous. On the contrary, properly done, such work is inspiring and health-giving.

Christ Jesus said: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto Your souls." ^{Matt. 11: 28, 29.} As we let Christ instruct us, the heavy burdens fall away, thought becomes buoyant, and the enlightenment of Truth rests and satisfies us.

However, spirituality cannot be learned and then abandoned, as if there were nothing more to be done about it. If it is to be of any use, what has been learned must be utilized, as in the case of a foreign language which, once learned, must be used and practiced, or the learning of it will be wasted. First we have to learn, then we have to continue in the practice of what we have learned. This is as true of spirituality as of anything else. As we wholeheartedly surrender to God, turning to Him as the flower turns to the sun, our thought relinquishes earthly taint and gives way to the revelations of Truth.

Spirituality is the gate which opens out onto unlimited vistas of spiritual reality, the gate which leads to the recognition of man's perfect spiritual estate. Let us, then, rededicate ourselves, sitting at the feet of Christ Jesus, the great Teacher, as humble students, reach and willing to learn the lessons of Love.