TO those who have tasted the first fruits of Christian Science in a joyous restoration to health and happiness, there remains the privilege of keeping these blessings intact. All erroneous beliefs are by no means destroyed at the first healing; and consecrated study and work are required for continued progress. The pretensions of error must be watchfully denied as unreal, hence powerless, a fact which is prophetic of their ultimate elimination from the consciousness of mankind. Good alone is really operative; and to adhere to this understanding gives complete mastery over self-assertive evil.
The mental process of nullifying error before it results in inharmonious action is not always accomplished by general denials. Error's false claims may require to be specifically uncovered and confidently handled. This work is best achieved by constant recourse to the protective power of God through the prayer of affirmation regarding the perfection of God, the real man, and the spiritual universe. Having thus purified one's thinking, one quickly detects the impositions of error, and by prompt denial forestalls any temptation to believe in evil as real.
To progress most rapidly in learning how to protect thought against all error, we must gratefully use every aid lovingly provided by our far-seeing Leader, Mrs. Eddy. An important step in self-government and spiritual unfoldment is obedient cooperation in the activities of The Mother Church, as carefully set forth in the Church Manual. Not only should Christian Scientists subscribe to the periodicals, as prescribed in the Manual, but they should support the Cause of Christian Science by means of regular, consecrated, Christianly metaphysical work. It is impossible for the officers and others charged with the direction of the movement to perform the part of the task which belongs to other individual members. Selfish indifference or apathy in this respect retards individual progress, and to that extent the progress of our Cause.
