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Democratic Church Government
In Section 10 of Article XXIII of the Manual of The Mother Church, Mrs. Eddy has laid down a fundamental law which is very important. It declares that "in Christian Science each branch church shall be distinctly democratic in its government;" and while each one must interpret this for himself, the meaning of this word "democratic" is so vital as to merit our careful consideration. It is sometimes used in a broadly metaphysical sense; more often it is used to express political prejudice, and in this latter sense it is shorn of much of its higher significance. The democracy of Spirit, as Mrs. Eddy teaches, means the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man,—a universal spiritual idea which can be demonstrated in practical good for all individuals and governments. Whittier had in mind this purely religious idea of democracy when he wrote:—
The generous feeling pure and warm
Which owns the right of all divine;
The pitying heart, the helping arm,
The prompt self-sacrifice, are thine.
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February 27, 1915 issue
View Issue-
Trusting to Demonstration
REV. WILLIAM P. MC KENZIE
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Praying Aright
RUTH INGRAHAM
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Democratic Church Government
ERNEST C. MOSES
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Gentleness versus Violence
ANNE DODGE
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Silent Witnesses
AMY C. FARISS
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One Thought of Love
ALICIA C. HUBBARD
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Christian Science does not deny that sin, disease, and death,...
Judge Clifford P. Smith
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I have read, in your issue of recent date, the Rev. Mr.—'s...
Charles W. J. Tennant
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Christian Science recognizes one Supreme Being, infinite...
Ezra W. Palmer
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A recent issue contained a sketch of Dr.—'s opinion...
John H. Wheeler
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A recent issue reports a sermon wherein Christian Science...
W. D. Kilpatrick
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A gentleman whose orthodox convictions date back, it...
Paul Stark Seeley
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Knowing
F. MARION RALSTON
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Living the Truth
Archibald McLellan
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Getting and Giving
Annie M. Knott
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"Let us alone"
John B. Willis
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Admission to Membership in The Mother Church
John V. Dittemore
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The Lectures
with contributions from John A. Applebee, Paul Leake, Daniel Hon, J. B. Weis, Philip J. Chubbic, Walter J. Smith
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I wish to express my appreciation for a better understanding...
Blanche M. Corder
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With a thankful heart I wish to acknowledge the many...
G. Rosa Eckenfels
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I desire to express my gratitude for what God has done for...
Freda Lois Leser
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Recently it occurred to me that I must add my offering of...
Katherine S. Murphy
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Words can but poorly express the gratitude I feel for what...
H. von Bergen with contributions from Emilie von Bergen, W. Archard
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Reflection
FLORRIE ASHCROFT