The paramount desire in the heart of every sincere Christian Scientist is to follow the behest of our Leader in Article XXX, Section 7, of the Manual, where she says: "Healing the sick and the sinner with Truth demonstrates what we affirm of Christian Science, and nothing can substitute this demonstration. I recommend that each member of this Church shall strive to demonstrate by his or her practice, that Christian Science heals the sick quickly and wholly, thus proving this Science to be all that we claim for it." The advancement of the Cause of Christian Science in the world to-day rests upon the healing work. There would be no churches or any of the activities of Christian Science, but for this work of healing the sick through spiritual means.
A more careful study of the method of healing, as practiced by Jesus and by Mrs. Eddy, shows that the work of a faithful Christian Scientist is always progressive. Jesus did not at first raise the dead. His work was progressive; and every step he took was necessary to his great triumph,— his resurrection from the grave. When Christian Science first begins to unfold to the student, he finds himself speaking to the false beliefs of mortal mind with what appears to be marvelous authority; but he must continue to study the letter of this Science and assimilate its spirit, if he would advance in understanding. In prayer, or when reading the Bible or the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, he may catch a vision of Truth, which will help him or others instantaneously. He longs to retain this light, which may seem gradually to grow dimmer. Then, he often condemns himself for not retaining it; but, working steadily on, he learns that his first experience was but a glimpse of the glory which is yet to be revealed, and that the light had uncovered beliefs in his own consciousness which were the next errors to be overcome in the upward journey out of material sense into the realization of spirituality. The vision was not lost; but, instead, it helped to urge him on to the obtaining of a more complete manifestation of the light which reveals the permanent reality of being.
A faithful Christian Scientist receives all along the way an inward assurance that he is having a closer walk with God. He finds himself more willing to do God's work, and more persevering in finding it. The mental activity in the work of a Christian Scientist unfolds man's unity with God. One's growth should be natural and normal. If he is depending on infinite divine Principle for direction, self-will gradually becomes eliminated; and he will do the work that he is best fitted to do, and will not be hindered from the doing of it. Jesus said, "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."
