"The sacrament shall be observed ... by a short interval of solemn and silent self-examination by each member, as to his or her fitness to be called a follower of Christ, Truth; as to his real state of love toward man, and fellowship and communion with Christ; as to whether he is gaining in the understanding and demonstration of Truth and Love, coming out from the world and being separated from error; growing less selfish, more charitable and spiritual, yea, walking worthy of his high calling."
The above statement, made by Mary Baker Eddy, was quoted by Mrs. Ella W. Hoag in an editorial, "Communion Services," in the July 5, 1919, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel. The comment originally appeared in the August 1889 issue of The Christian Science Journal as part of a historical sketch describing the founding of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1879. Part of that historical sketch was used by Mrs. Eddy in her Church Manual.
