IN studying the so-called natural sciences in high school and college, the student acquires his knowledge by means of textbook study, classroom recitations, lectures, and laboratory work. The textbook presents the subject in full, and is used as guide and reference throughout the course. In lecture room and classroom the instructor, one who has attained a high degree of understanding of the subject, explains difficult points to the student, and illustrates by example the operation of the laws of the science. But the study of the textbook and the instruction in classroom and lecture hall, necessary as they are to the acquirement of a mastery of the subject, alone are not sufficient. In addition to these, the student must go into the laboratory and there conduct certain experiments which demonstrate the truth of what he has studied. In performing these experiments, the student's knowledge of the subject is clarified; and thus his grasp upon it becomes firmer. It would be highly impracticable for one to attempt to gain a working knowledge of any of the natural sciences without this laboratory work; in fact, one would not hope to attain success in the practice of the subject without first submitting his knowledge to the acid test of practical experiment.
The means and methods by which a demonstrable understanding of Christian Science is obtained form an interesting parallel to the above. The Bible, and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, are the textbooks of this Science. They have been provided for study and reference, and contain the complete statement of the subject. All that will ever be written or taught, which is genuine Christian Science, has its source in these books. The student does well to acquire early the habit of tracing the authority for his statements of Christian Science back to the textbooks, in order to test their genuineness.
Now, what of the laboratory work? The daily occupations of each student of the natural sciences furnish the opportunities for testing his understanding of the subject. Christian Science is not merely a system for healing sick people: it is the Science of being, the Science which underlies all existence. Therefore, there is no single act of our daily lives which lies outside its sphere. Christian Science presents the rule for the proper, yes, perfect, performance of every duty, every helpful and legitimate occupation. To demonstrate Christian Science is to reflect God, divine Principle, Love; it is to manifest His attributes; it is to give evidence of man's likeness to Him. The loving smile, the helping hand, the kindly word, thoughtfulness in things small and great, recognition of the good work of others, patient trust in the power of right, the exercise of intelligence and obedience — all these show forth the presence of Spirit, God, and are demonstrations of Christian Science. Thus we see that the world is the Christian Scientist's laboratory, and that every proper activity of mankind is included in the Christian Science laboratory exercises. An author whose writings breathe a large and sweet spirit of friendliness and brotherhood and the joy of living, and a lively appreciation of the beauty and value to be found in the common daily experiences, states that he often repeats to himself this little motto: "To know life, begin anywhere!" So, to demonstrate Christian Science, the student may begin anywhere he happens to be when the truth finds him.
