IN a message sent to a Christian Science branch church on the occasion of its dedication, our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 182, 183), "May this beloved church adhere to its tenets, abound in the righteousness of Love, honor the name of Christian Science, prove the practicality of perfection, and press on to the infinite uses of Christ's creed, namely, —'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.'"
Surely we could sum up the work of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in no better way than in these words. Yet there may have been times when we have felt that our respective branch churches have not measured up to this high standard. In such case we, as members, have work to do individually and collectively. It is apparent to the student of Christian Science that the church is not separate from the members comprising it, and that growth of the church can come only in proportion as the individual members manifest spiritual progress.
If we are not satisfied with the progress of our branch church, perhaps it would be helpful to ask ourselves: "Am I adhering to the Tenets of Christian Science given on page 497 of the Christian Science textbook, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' by Mrs. Eddy? Am I abounding in the righteousness of Love? Am I honoring the name of Christian Science by helping to bless and purify the community in which I live? Am I proving 'the practicality of perfection'?"
