TO every earnest student of Christian Science there comes the desire to unite with the Christian Science church. Well for him who heeds the prompting of this right desire and prepares himself to take this worthy step. This preparatory work means growth in the spiritual understanding of God and of man made in His image and likeness; and understanding brings with it fitness for membership in The Mother Church, as well as in one of its branch churches.
As the student studies "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and the other writings by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, he learns the vast difference between creeds and the Science of Christianity, or Christian Science, as demonstrated by Christ Jesus and rediscovered by Mrs. Eddy. He realizes that the Tenets of Christian Science, and the Rules governing the individual's conduct, contained in the Manual of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, are not only to be subscribed to, but to be lived. He sees that in order to be eligible for membership in a Christian Science church one should measurably understand the letter and must have begun to live, not merely to believe, what Christian Science teaches. He must prove his readiness for membership. This proof consists not only in the willingness faithfully to obey these teachings, but in the actual overcoming of obnoxious habits and depraved appetites, such as the use of drugs, tobacco, and intoxicating drinks, on the ground that such indulgences are inconsistent with the teachings of Christian Science.
If the intentions of the student are honest, the way becomes easy. He sees that the least he can do to prove to himself and to the world his worthiness to become a member of the Christian Science church is earnestly to strive to overcome wrong habits and practices. The giving up of unworthy indulgences should be considered a privilege, an opportunity to prove one's readiness for the higher joys and service which church membership affords.
