Article September 16, 1905 Issue

The Lesson-Sermon and Its Reading

REV. ARTHUR REEVES VOSBURGH.

IN the Lesson-Sermon which is read in the Christian Science churches there is provided an order of service that gives all the advantages of a definite standard, order, and unity of thought; while in the study required to grasp and elucidate the meaning of these Lessons there is a constant call and incentive to original thought and effort, both on the part of the Readers and of the congregation. In other words, the Lesson-Sermon constitutes an order of service that gives a system, dignity, elevated direction, and tone to the worship in the Christian Science churches, while it in no way curtails but rather inspires to original, individual study.

In giving us this Lesson-Sermon our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has ordained the Bible and Science and Health as our impersonal pastor. The Lesson is pregnant to us with a life-giving meaning just in the degree that we find in it the very Word of God,—the Word of the great Shepherd who is thus conveying His meaning and message to us.

Thus it is evident that in the office of the Reader is found the highest opportunity and the deepest responsibility. The Reader has taken the place of the preacher; and as the standard given by the apostle is, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God," it is with such clearness and conviction that the Reader is to deliver the message found in the Lesson-Sermon. The Manual has indicated what are the first essential requirements of Readers. It is expected that the reading of each Lesson-Sermon shall be with a clear perception and conception of its own individual message, and that the manner of its delivery shall be such as will best express this meaning to the hearer.

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