I'll always remember the day, some years ago now, when the dedicatory statement of Miscellaneous Writings first grabbed my attention. Mary Baker Eddy dedicates the book "to LOYAL CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS." See Mis., p. v. What is a loyal Christian Scientist? I asked myself.
In the Concordances to the writings of Mrs. Eddy, I found several instances of that phrase or some variation of it, such as "loyal laborers," "loyal students," "loyal members," and "loyal lovers of God and man." But I'll have to admit I had never given much thought to what loyalty is.
Of course, I assumed I was loyal. I certainly wasn't disloyal, nor even apathetic. Long before, I had made a personal commitment to the study and practice of Christian Science and to doing my part in forwarding the Cause. I joined The Mother Church and a branch church. I attended church services, even when it was not convenient. I subscribed to the periodicals, although at times my funds were low. I served on branch church committees, no matter how busy I was with other activities. I set aside time for daily study and prayer, and I was striving to follow Christ Jesus.
