Article August 29, 1914 Issue

Individuals and Organization

WILLIAM CAPELL

In these days, when the rapid growth of the Christian Science movement is the subject of comment throughout the civilized world, it is a good thing for the individual Scientist to think frequently of the reason for the existence of the organization, and to ask himself whether he is doing his full part toward the accomplishment of the purpose expressed in these words of our revered Leader: "To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing" (Manual of The Mother Church, p. 17). Organization is a means to an end, and it is evident Mrs. Eddy saw that a church organization would be of great assistance in giving to the world a knowledge of the priceless truth which had been revealed to her; that it would make possible a uniformity of service in all the field as well as give a basis for the lecture work and for the activity of an efficient publishing society.

A moment's thought upon these and other activities which our dear Leader brought about with the help of the organization, will lead every Christian Scientist to feel grateful to her for thus establishing the Christian Science church. This gratitude finds its natural expression in the support of those activities by which all Scientists have been so richly blessed. Each one will consider it a privilege to subscribe for the Christian Science periodicals, and having read them, to pass them to others. He will be glad to support and commend the lectures given in his field. He will earnestly seek to do all in his power toward bringing about the establishment of the kingdom of God in the hearts of men, for this is the great mission of the church.

The Sunday services, the Wednesday evening meetings, and the business meetings afford excellent opportunities for continuous activity and growth, and when the Christian Scientist enters into these services free from all sense of animosity and from the spirit of carping criticism, when he is moved by a humble desire to learn more of the Christ, Truth, and to reflect divine Love, then we have the comforting, stimulating atmosphere in our churches which always attracts the weary and heavy laden. When the Christian Scientist attends the Wednesday evening meetings with a gratitude so great that all sense of pride and fear is cast out, there is a sense of freedom and spontaneity in ever-enlarging measure.

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