"The truest art of Christian Science is to be a Christian Scientist; and it demands more than a Raphael to delineate this art," says Mary Baker Eddy on page 375 of "Miscellaneous Writings." Comparing the practice of this Science with the practice of art is most illuminating. It takes talent, skill, persistence, comprehension, and understanding to outline those spiritual qualities which bring Christ-healing to humanity.
Jesus said (Matt. 5:8), "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God," and (verse 13), "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." From these statements of the Master we may conclude that purity and consistence are essential to Christian living, that is, to retain the liveliness which is an element of Christ, Truth.
To live in harmony with Christian Science, one needs to be well equipped with the letter as well as with the spirit of this religion. He needs to study well and to apply what he learns to his own regeneration and spiritual advancement. Doing this for himself, he will be learning how to supply the needs of those who call on him for healing or comfort. Mrs. Eddy says it this way (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 338): "He who first brings to humanity some great good, must have gained its height beforehand, to be able to lift others toward it. I first proved to myself, not by 'words,'— these afford no proof,—but by demonstration of Christian Science, that its Principle is divine. All must go and do likewise."
