IN the performance of a musical composition beauty of sound and warmth of tone are usually regarded as more desirable than mere technique. In fact, the purpose of attaining technical proficiency is to bring out more clearly the beauty and warmth of the music. In Christian Science the letter may be likened to technical dexterity, whereas the spirit may be likened to understanding and sympathetic interpretation. Expertness of execution in itself on the part of the musician or correct recitation of the letter for the sake of correctness alone on the part of the Christian Scientist does not feed mankind's yearning for beauty and warmth.
In Christian Science beauty typifies holiness, and spiritual love expressed is the warmth that ushers in wholeness. Love is the key to the interpretation of the letter. Were love unexpressed, the meaning would remain veiled, for how is the individual struggling with material beliefs to understand and believe in the presence of divine Love if love is being expressed neither in himself nor in the one who would lift him out of his mental quagmire? Paul wrote (I Cor.13:1), "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
Mrs. Eddy makes a strong appeal for compassionate understanding in the healing work of Christian Science. In Science and Health she states (p.367), "The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love."
