Imperative characteristics are those which are positive and binding. They are the indispensable, indwelling requirements which cannot be shunned or shirked by the Christian Scientist.
The questions may well be asked, "How are these essential characteristics to be developed by the Christian Scientist? What is the basis of their development?" Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has answered these questions fully. Her life and writings bear abundant testimony to the emphasis she puts on moral rectitude as vital to life, health, and happiness and as an imperative characteristic of the Christian Scientist.
One cannot read Mrs. Eddy's statements regarding the Ten Commandments without taking cognizance of her high regard for their fundamental teachings and her demand on her followers to obey these teachings implicitly. No sophistry or attempt to change the meaning of words can condone disobedience to this moral law. There is no spiritual progress possible without moral groundwork in character.
