Editorial November 22, 1913 Issue

Loving Obedience

Archibald McLellan

Each year, as the time for the annual election of readers and other officers of the branch churches approaches, many letters are received at this office, asking that something be said editorially in the Sentinel which will be of assistance in solving the many problems which seem to present themselves in connection with this important phase of church government. This subject, however, has been discussed so fully and frequently in our periodicals, that there seems to be little or nothing which is new to be said at this time, and nothing of avail other than to call attention to what Mrs. Eddy has written on this subject.

As a matter of fact, all that is needed for guidance in this or any other matter pertaining to church organization and church affairs, is to be found in Science and Health, the Church Manual, and the other writings of our Leader, and by diligent study of these writings the way is opened for the solution of every problem as it presents itself. For instance, "A Rule for Motives and Acts" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 1), when understood in the spirit as well as the letter, clearly sets forth the mental state in which church-members should prepare for and present themselves at church meetings; and "Words for the Wise" and "Afterglow" (Sentinel, Oct. 21, 1911), also "Rotation in office" (Sentinel, Oct. 14, 1911), specifically point the way in regard to the term of office for readers as well as those who are to serve the church in other capacities. Other examples might be given of the care with which Mrs. Eddy has safeguarded particular things in the administration of the Church of Christ, Scientist, but this would hardly bring out the point which we desire to make, namely, that the rules for the demonstration of Christian Science which are to be found in all of Mrs. Eddy's writings, words of loving wisdom and tender admonition, are the rules which must apply, not only to church elections, but also to every incident in the affairs of churches and individual members alike.

In everything that Mrs. Eddy has written there is to be found, either in direct words or by implication, an exhortation to all mankind to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the emphasis on the command that this seeking should be paramount to all other desires, is as plainly marked in her writings as in the words of Christ Jesus in "his sermon in the mount." Those who "study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit" and "adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love" (Science and Health, p. 495), will have their "trials and self-denials" (p. 39), but they will also have the commendation, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

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