"THE burden of proof that Christian Science is Science rests on Christian Scientists," writes our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, on page 158 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany." This statement was made in connection with the laying of the corner stone of First Church of Christ, Scientist, at Concord, New Hampshire. How appropriate was this statement for the occasion, since the fact that Christianity is indeed Science—a practical, provable religion applicable according to fixed rule—constitutes the corner stone of Christian Science teaching! Great, therefore, is the responsibility which the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science has placed upon those who have benefited by her lone and faithful research, and by her establishing of a system of scientific Christianity, which, to use her words (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 346), "insists on the demonstration of moral and spiritual healing as eminent proof that God is understood and illustrated."
The procedure for spiritual healing of physical disease includes consistent and consecrated effort to manifest "the grace of God," so that, as the Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthians, we may prove "ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience." These and other virtues of a beautiful Christian life, like a silvery brook winding its way through a fair landscape, furnish refreshment in pureness, kindness, love unfeigned, and show that God is understood, honored, and obeyed.
The foregoing passages place a solemn obligation upon all who have been healed and blessed by the ministrations of Christian Science and have allied themselves with the movement to the extent of helping to carry on its work; and this includes practically every adherent. He who claims to be a Christian Scientist thereby tacitly signifies his voluntary assumption of the accompanying obligation, namely, to endeavor to be true to this teaching. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ," says Paul, words that apply to all followers of Christ. Spiritual healing includes, besides the cure of physical ailments, an improvement in mental conditions. Our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," reminds us that unless the cure produces mental harmony and moral improvement, true spiritual healing has not been achieved, and, per contra, that an improved understanding of God and man, which accompanies true healing, inevitably deepens consecration and enhances the Christian virtues. Right here is a very useful testing point for mental self-examination. Are we better men and women because of our healing? Are we furnishing practical proof thereof?
