Article May 16, 1914 Issue

The Chrysalis

LOUISE KNIGHT WHEATLEY

Twice a year announcement is usually made in the branch churches of Christ, Scientist, that persons desiring to unite with the Christian Science church will be given an opportunity to do so at the forthcoming communion service. No solicitation or personal effort is put forth to persuade any one to become identified with the organization. The simple fact is stated, and the rest is left to the individual and to Him who knoweth the hearts of all.

The reading of this notice is frequently a time for earnest thought on the part of many in the congregation who may have been attending the services regularly and yet have apparently hesitated to take their stand before the world as Christian Scientists. They are familiar with the idea expressed in the Manual of The Mother Church (p. 17), which thus states the intent of this church, in Mrs. Eddy's words: "A church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing." These people have practically identified themselves with the movement in every other way, for they believe in Christian Science, and publicly acknowledge that it has healed them; but when it comes to a question of actual church-membership, they seem to be much like the one of whom the poet wrote,—

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The Chrysalis

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access