On pages 115 and 116 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy sets forth what she calls the "Scientific Translation of Mortal Mind" in three degrees, beginning with "depravity" and ending with "understanding." Here we see the states through which mortal man rises from the total unreality of evil to the comprehension of those qualities of Spirit which express the real.
As the individual begins to glimpse the teaching of Christian Science, he sees that he must lay hold of the real in order to eliminate the unreal. Mrs. Eddy makes it clear throughout her writings that between the first degree, depravity, and the third degree, understanding, the transitional or moral qualities are the bridge. She shows us that this bridge is built and maintained as the truth is allowed to permeate human consciousness, enlightening and purifying it. Such, indeed, are the purpose and the teaching of Christianity.
In his parables and maxims Christ Jesus set forth moral qualities as they apply to daily living. To the man who. as recorded in the tenth chapter of Luke's Gospel, was seeking eternal life, the Master made it perfectly clear that the way of eternal life is won as the result not only of loving God, but of loving one's neighbor as oneself. This he illustrated in practical human kindness, by the parable of the good Samaritan.
