At a time when I was striving to follow Christian Science more faithfully, a Christian Scientist encouraged me to read aloud this By-Law from the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy: "Alertness to Duty. SECT. 6. 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." Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 6.
"Note the order!" my friend emphasized. "God first; our Leader, second; mankind, third." He knew that as I got my priorities in order, I would do a better job of demonstrating Christian Science. He further reminded me to read each By-Law not only as our Leader's provision for church but as rules for my own demonstration and spiritual growth.
The years following that conversation did bring a greater love for Christian Science. However, some time afterward, when I faced further challenges, my friend's admonition came to mind again. I felt I needed to gain an even deeper understanding of the magnitude of Mary Baker Eddy's work and of her place in history—to grasp the unselfed love and devotion that brought the revelation of Christian Science to the world through her life.
