Earnest Christian Scientists throughout the Field often pose this question: "What is the greatest need of our movement at this moment?" We may well turn to the writings of our beloved Leader for the answer. Mary Baker Eddy in her "Miscellaneous Writings" says (p. 355): "The present stage of progress in Christian Science presents two opposite aspects,—a fullorbed promise, and a gaunt want. The need, however, is not of the letter, but the spirit." Then follows this important pronouncement: "Less teaching and good healing is to-day the acme of 'well done;' a healing that is not guesswork,—chronic recovery ebbing and flowing,—but instantaneous cure. This absolute demonstration of Science must be revived."
This quotation is from Mrs. Eddy's article entitled "The Way," and certainly no sincere student of Science can afford to be unmindful of his Leader's admonition and instruction in this inspired message. Many Scientists set for themselves the joyous and profitable task of reading all of Mrs. Eddy's writings yearly; but here is an article which well might be read and pondered frequently. Might it not be considered a gauge by which a Christian Scientist may measure his progress Spiritward?
The Leader stresses three stages of mental growth and development if one would gain the spirit of Christian Science and thus approximate the "healing that is not guesswork," but "instantaneous cure." The three stages she names are self-knowledge, humility, and love. It seems almost superfluous if not impertinent to write about this very helpful message. If quoted at all, it should be given in its entirety. It is hoped, therefore, that every reader of these lines will feel the definite urge to open his "Miscellaneous Writings" to the marvelous Christian counsel given in "The Way."
