All right-thinking persons conform to rules of conduct. When such rules are based on Christ's Christianity, one finds that obedience to them requires frequent self -correction, that is, correction of one's thoughts and acts. Every true follower of Christ knows that his spiritual growth is largely determined by his intelligent self-correction in accordance with Truth. Error is kept out of one's thinking by the practice of right rules of conduct.
Christian Science thoroughly deals with this question of rules of conduct and self -correction, by helping us in our efforts to conform to God's law. This religion supplies something more than good human resolutions. It points out that, so long as there remains any belief in matter as having reality and power, just so long is it necessary for one to submit to correction by Truth. No one has to accept sin, sickness, and death, or believe in them. Overcoming these errors in thought always involves self-correction. Christian Science, at all stages of one's spiritual growth, shows just where and why self-discipline is needed, and how it is obtained. From this righteous instruction Christian Scientists learn the disciplinary rules of conduct which, when practiced, result in the overcoming of all manner of evil.
Among the corrective provisions of Christian Science are the By-Laws in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy. It will be noted that certain rules are headed "Discipline." The first rule under this heading reads, in part, as follows (Art. VIII, Sect. 1): "Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of The Mother Church. In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness." The self-disciplinary intent of this rule is plain. But perhaps all may not be so keenly aware of the self-correction and consequent healing involved in certain other rules.
