In the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, is set forth the purpose and mission of the Church of her founding. On page 19 of this book we read: "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., is designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant."
Concurrent with the understanding of the Christ, Truth, is the demonstration thereof. This spiritual understanding and its practical application are both requisite, for they constitute the Church's very foundation. Throughout her writings Mrs. Eddy indicates that organization is necessary in the carrying forward of Christian Science to all humanity, and that it is the demonstration of this Science in the healing of sin and sickness which will attest to the divine purpose and mission of the Church.
From her own life of purity and consecration and her deep spirituality she knew that in this united effort to spread the gospel of Christian Science there must be a true fitness for discipleship, not only for the beginner but also for the advanced student. The privilege of membership in her Church brings obligations and responsibilities, as well as the blessings of fellowship and the joyous opportunities of stewardship in this Cause. Accordingly there are in the pages of the Manual many By-Laws which are intended to safeguard the one who has enlisted in this membership, throwing about him a cloak of protection against the wiles of evil. Obedience to the behests of our Manual, through right thinking and living, makes for the practical demonstration of this Science. Attesting his fidelity and true devotion to his Church, the individual who has named the name of Christian Science keeps uppermost in his thought and life the central motive of healing and salvation as revealed through Christian Science.
