A basic requirement of Christian Science healing is a proper blending of the spirit and the letter. In the beginning we may think of the spirit as our new enthusiasm toward the study of Truth, and the letter as the understanding we gain of the application of Truth.
But as we grow in this understanding, we increasingly treasure the enthusiasm we felt when we first read Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy or experienced our first healing. For this animation—whether it's manifested in joy, gratitude, or expectancy of good—inspires us to live what we have learned of the letter.
Many of us have, at one time or another, applied Truth as though it were a magic mental balm. We pounced upon the problem, perhaps outlining in our thought what the solution would be. Then, when things failed to work out as we'd hoped, we blamed everyone except ourselves. One such experience can teach us that there is no formula for Truth. Though Christian Science is demonstrable, it is the Science of the Christ, and therefore the Christ-spirit is a vital ingredient.
