The neophyte in Christian Science is very apt to take too many things for granted. With a hastily acquired intellectual grasp of the letter of Science, he may essay to solve certain problems which an experienced worker would hesitate to touch. Through experience he finds that arguments alone do not heal, and when this lesson has been thoroughly learned the scientific affirmations of Truth take on a new meaning. While in no sense wanting in accuracy of expression and elegance of construction, the statements of truth, in order to be scientific declaration, must be clothed with spiritual understanding, else it is "as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." This should be no argument for discouragement on the part of the beginner, but rather an incentive to keep his mental gaze focused on the divine Principle of his work, knowing that it is God alone who worketh in him ''both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
The admonition of our Leader to "study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit" in order to advance "most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science" (Science and Health, p. 495), must be obeyed in its entirety. Poring daily over the contents of Mrs. Eddy's writings, or memorizing whole chapters of the Bible without any individual effort to apply what is theoretically acquired, does not constitute obedience to this command. The student who allows himself to become a mere bookworm in his study of Science will never "graduate under divine honors, which are the only appropriate seal for Christian Science" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 358). He must be a doer of the word, else he becomes his own worst enemy. Christian Science is theory and practise combined. Much that passes current as Christian Science, however, is little else than its dead letter. "These things ought not so to be," but after centuries of materialistic teaching, resulting in an intensified inclination to interpret all things through the physical senses, it is perhaps not surprising to find Christian Science subjected to the same treatment. The earnest and successful student soon finds that the letter and the spirit of Christian Science are both needed to educate humanity into a correct understanding of God and His creation.
How to distinguish the too common literal statements of the truth from scientific affirmations is one of the first steps to be taken by the student of Science. The repetition of scientific statements taken from our Leader's published works, where the motive is to ridicule or condemn, does not constitute scientific affirmation. Dishonesty and sensuality cannot voice the truth. Oratory, unless clothed with a knowledge of Science, cannot proclaim the truth. No form of selfishness can play any part in the affirmations of Christian Science, any more than it can in the demonstration of this Science. Affirmation and demonstration are really inseparable, and until this fact is recognized the student is very apt to lay more stress upon argument than upon demonstration. When he realizes that every statement of truth, in order to be a scientific affirmation, must be accompanied by confirmative conduct, he is apt to become more modest in his professions. When he declares that "God is love," it is absolutely necessary for him to think and to act lovingly toward his fellow man. When he declares that "there is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter" (Science and Health, p. 468), he must pledge himself to a concentrated effort to conquer the ills as well as the sins of the flesh, if he would understand the Science of being.
