In the Manual of The Mother Church, Mrs. Eddy says in regard to an applicant for church membership (Art. IV, Sect. 1), "The BIBLE, together with SCIENCE AND HEALTH and other works by Mrs. Eddy, shall be his only textbooks for self-instruction in Christian Science, and for teaching and practising metaphysical healing."
The earnest student of Christian Science, whether a beginner or a seasoned worker, finds these authorized textbooks indeed adequate for self-instruction. He daily studies the Bible and Science and Health in connection with his study of the Lesson-Sermon, outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly. The progress of the Cause of Christian Science largely depends on this divinely outlined plan of instruction and the successful demonstration of the truths it contains. The student rejoices that his daily perusal and loving application of the lesson provide to a degree his immediate participation in Christian healing as commanded by Christ Jesus (Matt. 10:8), "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."
Next in importance to the Lesson-Sermon in self-instruction is the Church Manual, for obedience to the Manual helps to further and perpetuate the Cause of Christian Science. Through continuous systematic study of the Manual, the Scientist keeps correctly informed and intelligently alert regarding authorized church activities and loyal membership. His obedience to each God-given By-Law is proof of his correct self-instruction. Mrs. Eddy says in Miscellany (p. 230), "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."
