Article July 16, 1938 Issue

Meeting in Connection with the Work of Librarians, June 7, 1938

Address, in part, by Mr. Harry I. Hunt

The Christian Science Reading Room is a logical outgrowth of the discovery of the Christ Science by Mary Baker Eddy, and of the world's need of this revelation of Truth. Hence it is important that we gain a clear vision of the Reading Room as a vital factor in the growth and prosperity of the Church of Christ, Scientist. If we look upon the Reading Room as having only a minor part in our movement and conduct it accordingly, we miss the great blessings enjoyed by the branch church when the Reading Room is seen as the compassionate arm of the church holding out to a weary world the healing truths of the Science of Mind. Surely we have abundant reasons to regard the Reading Room as a very important part of church activity, since our Leader devotes a page in the Church Manual to providing for the establishment and the conduct of the Reading Room.

Mrs. Eddy stresses the necessity for the study of this Science on page 147 of Science and Health, where she writes: ... "Although this volume contains the complete Science of Mind-healing, never believe that you can absorb the whole meaning of the Science by a simple perusal of this book. The book needs to be studied, and the demonstration of the rules of scientific healing will plant you firmly on the spiritual groundwork of Christian Science." ... It is entirely in keeping with this counsel that our Leader has written Article XXI into the By-Laws of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in which she places on every church the obligation to maintain a Christian Science Reading Room, where one may study and ponder the word of truth and enlightenment. Thus the need of the world and the efficacy of the truth to heal the world's woes underlie the establishment of the Reading Room.

The importance of this activity of the church is emphasized in the requirements in Section 1 of this By-Law: "Each church of the Christian Science denomination shall have a Reading Room." Clearly an activity which is to be shared by each church is highly important to the branch church as well as to the Christian Science movement. Hence it is important that each branch church carry out the Manual provision for a Reading Room. This should be done in loving obedience to the spirit of one who, having seen a great light, desired to share it with others. To do this is to obey the commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," and that other command, "Freely ye have received, freely give." The Scriptural measure for giving is, "With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." If we are truly grateful for the blessings which Christian Science has brought to us, the collective gratitude of the branch church will find expression in a well-located and well-conducted Reading Room, and the branch church will manifest the growth and prosperity which flow from such a Reading Room.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 16, 1938
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit