THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION

WILLARD S. MATTOX

THE value of the work performed by the Committees on Publication cannot be overestimated, and our Leader's foresight and wisdom in organizing this department of our denominational activities is amply justified by the good effects brought about in practice.

The functions and purposes of the Committee are not always understood, even by Christian Scientists themselves, and frequently editors and critics fail to appreciate the purport of the Committee's mission. The Church Manual clearly explains why it was organized and what it is intended to do. Those who misjudge Christian Science by professing to believe that the activity of the Committee on Publication is "aggressive," or that his intention is to "advertise" the personnel of the Committee, or Christian Science, should know the real reason for the activity they censure. The truth is, the Christian Scientist loves his religion with a sincerity and earnestness which prompt him to be instant in its defense. Quite apart from the critic's estimate of the merits or supposed demerits of the system itself, it will probably be granted that such loyalty is praiseworthy and not blameworthy, and that church may consider itself most happy which can foster or encourage similar sentiments on the part of its rank and file.

For many years Christian Scientists labored patiently under a storm of abuse and misrepresentation, without public reply or correction. As the misunderstandings and public criticisms increased in number and virulence, it became necessary to make some response, and that this work has been done systematically and by regularly appointed members of the Christian Science Church is to its credit.

The organization of this Committee is a boon to editors, because it is well known by all Christian Scientists that this work of publicly correcting misrepresentations has been entrusted to certain individuals in each State, and consequently no other Christian Scientist undertakes the task of sending letters to editors in correction of misstatements which have come to his attention. It thus protects them from a flood of protesting letters, and therefore it should receive their hearty approval.

The Christian Science Committee on Publication is not a propagandist. It has no desire to advertise either itself or the Church, and seldom takes the initiative in addressing the newspapers, but usually writes only when compelled to do so by force of circumstances. The Christian Science Church has its own periodicals, a weekly paper and a monthly magazine, and these denominational organs are sufficient by way of literature for the exploitation, of Christian Science views. Again, it gives Christian Scientists no pleasure to be obliged to correct misrepresentations that are often cruel and malicious. It is not especially agreeable to be obliged to interview unfriendly editors, and no amount of self-advertisement would induce a Christian Scientist to embark on the campaign of education which has been pursued for some time, nor could it compensate him for the discomforts which he meets by the way. The Christian Scientist disavows any ulterior or selfish motive on the part of the Committee on Publication, and calmly awaits the time when a proper sense of justice will assist his critics to see the matter in its true light.

The work of the Committee on Publication has gone along so quietly that Christian Scientists themselves are not always informed as to its nature and scope. If we were to liken the great body of Christian Scientists to an army, we might appropriately compare the Committees on Publication to the sentries who patrol the camp, or to the skirmish-line which precedes the army on a march. The army is informed through its outposts, is protected by them, and depends much upon their loyalty and vigilance.

The Simile of an army, with an enemy to fight, would be unfortunately chosen if it conveyed the idea of personal antagonists. The Christian Scientist does not so regard the situation. He understands that the only enemy Truth has, is a belief of error, not persons. The only enemy the Church of Christ has ever had, has been an evil intention to thwart the purposes of good. The Christian Scientist, in keeping with the metaphysical teaching of his Church. does not combat personal critics. He opposes states of mortal mind which are contrary to God, or as Paul puts it, the carnal mind, which "is enmity against God."

The mission of the Committee on Publication is, when made aware of the various attempts of this so-called mind to oppose the Cause of Truth, to destroy this evil intention with the declarations of Truth. In so doing he does not destroy persons, he does no violence to anything that is good or that deserves to be spared. The mission of this Committee is to heal, not to aggravate. He strives to present Christian Science in such a clear light that all will understand it, appreciate the Leader of the movement, estimate her true worth, value her works, and honor her courage and devotion to Principle.

The work of the Christian Scientist is educational, never controversial. The key-note of his activity is, "Let there be light." In pursuance of this mission he seeks not to proselyte, but to tell the truth so unmistakably that the truth itself will convince and convert his readers.

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