Only Mental Vitality Will Do

                                                         John Robert Howell



        Christian Science is not a passive, purely contemplative religion.  Christian Science requires unceasing growth and progress, which cannot be achieved vicariously or  by absorption.  The words of Christ Jesus and writings of Mary Baker Eddy are replete with duties, commands, musts, shoulds, rules, and reminders for the necessity for obedience to God, and faithful adherence to these things results in understanding, demonstration, and progress.

        One could easily feel that achieving the goal of spiritual perfection is an Augean task, but he should recall that Hercules cleaned out the Augean stables by running a river through them.  This brings to mind Mrs. Eddy's statement on removing error:  "The way to extract error from mortal mind is to pour in truth through flood-tides of Love."  (Science and Health 201:17-18)  This truth is always available, of course, and the flood-tides of Love it releases are therefore omnipresent and omnipotent.

        Realize this:  it is never too late to start on the path of Christianly scientific salvation.