In the Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy recommends,“that each member of this Church shall strive to demonstrate by his or her practice, that Christian Science heals the sick quickly and wholly, thus proving this Science to be all that we claim for it” (p. 92).
Thought-provoking words. Note that this charge isn’t just for members who devote their full time to the public practice, but for “each” member—including those who heal as part of their daily activity. And all are to heal quickly and wholly for the purpose of proving the Science.
The “full-time” practice of Christian Science, however, is a sacred and holy calling. It’s rewarding. It’s a joy. And it calls for courage, humility, discipline, thorough self-examination—and a great deal of spiritual love. It’s a very special calling. What importance did Mrs. Eddy attach to it? She said, “The preparation for a metaphysical practitioner is the most arduous task I ever performed” (Christian Healing, p. 14). That shouldn’t frighten us off, but it surely gets our attention!
