Speaking of the Manual of The Mother Church in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," Mary Baker Eddy makes this significant statement (p. 230): "Its rules apply not to one member only, but to one and all equally. Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner."
Early in his progress the student of Christian Science learns the importance of daily prayerful reading of the Bible and of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. It is equally important for the student to include in his study earnest perusal of the Church Manual, for these three books companion with the student in guiding his course of progressive emancipation from the bonds of materiality.
The individual Christian Scientist builds on the sure foundation of the Rock, Christ, when he cherishes the Manual, studies it regularly, and abides by its Rules. The Manual reveals Mind's government as the sole basis for alert self-government; for adherence to Principle, the true standpoint for guidance in church and civic affairs; for Christly unity, the true motivation for conduct; and for individual readiness and watchfulness, the requirements in demonstrating divine Love in individual lives and in working for the universal welfare. Christ Jesus' summation of the importance of love is found in Matthew (22:37-39): "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
