Editorial May 30, 1903 Issue

The Golden Rule

M.

WITHIN the past few years, since the very general attendance of Christian Scientists from all over the world has become a feature incident to the Communion in the Mother Church, a custom has grown up which merits serious consideration. We refer to the holding of informal or impromptu testimonial meetings in the hotel parlors in Boston. A very serious objection to the custom is that none of the hotels are given over to the sole occupancy of Christian Scientists, and to take entire possession, as has been done, of the parlors and lobbies for these meetings is to exclude all other guests from the free use of the hotels. Certainly we have no right to obtrude our views upon the attention of those to whom they may be distasteful. Can we afford, as Christian Scientists, to be charged with disregard of the rights of others?

Beyond the question of personal right, which should be paramount, individuals have found that the excess of zeal prompting them unduly to force their religious views upon those unprepared to receive them has not been conducive to the advance of our Cause. One of the things which we as a denomination distinctly contend for is personal liberty, and of course this means that we shall be as solicitous for the rights of our neighbors as for our own rights.

Another serious objection to these meetings is that there is a certain lack of responsibility about them, yet they appear to the world as a part of the regular and authorized exercises of Communion week. A criticism frequently made in the past is that these meetings as a whole, are lacking in dignity and the atmosphere of devotion. Sometimes they have been a medium for extravagant and irresponsible expressions regarding Christian Science; and we must remember that the public will not stop to distinguish between the acts of individuals who are Christian Scientists and the official acts of the organization of which they are members.

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