The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy, has given us in the Manual of The Mother Church a practical and valuable rule, "Alertness to Duty" (Art. VIII, Sect. 6). It reads: "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion, and not be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind. By his works he shall be judged,—and justified or condemned."
Some years ago I was a member of The Mother Church and one of its branches. I'm sure I was sincere in my regard for Christian Science, but I had not put down roots deeply enough to sustain me when temptation came. Instead of tending to what claimed to be my own erroneous thinking, I laid the blame on others. Therefore I saw and experienced in my contact with fellow members that which could have been handled in myself. I am very grateful that this has been shown to me.
Mrs. Eddy, in the wisdom revealed to her, coupled neglect of "duty ... to his Leader" with "duty to God ... and to mankind." I thought at that time that it was almost presumptive of her to place herself in such a position. I see now that a proper appreciation of Mrs. Eddy's place as the revelator of Christian Science is important to us if we are to understand the revelation. The two are inseparable. The neglect of either one has a stultifying effect on our spiritual growth.
