Editorial May 8, 1915 Issue

Orderly Progress

Archibald McLellan

In view of the present rapid growth of Christian Science and the interest taken in it by people of all classes, it is well to remember that the formation of churches and societies for the promulgation of this religion is the means which Mrs. Eddy provided for the orderly progress of her work, and for the extension of her teachings to as many as should be ready to receive them. The organization and maintenance not only of The Mother Church, but of branch churches as well, are very definitely provided for in the Church Manual, and Mrs. Eddy herself has said it is in the by-laws and rules laid down in this book that we shall find the "help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 148); therefore the importance of church organizations subject to these rules and by-laws cannot be too greatly emphasized.

It is self-evident that in the forming of such a church as is contemplated by the Manual, divine Principle must be the basis of organization; and that all self-will, all exaltation of personality, all strife and emulative ambition should be put aside. There can be but one legitimate reason advanced for the new organization, namely, to provide for the community that is ready for it, a more thoroughly organized presentation of the gospel which is "designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master," and "which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing" (Manual, p. 17). A Church of Christ, Scientist, stands for the promulgation of Christ's Christianity, for the preaching of the Word and the healing of the sick through the teachings of the Master, whose "great commission" was given to his followers for all time.

This church also stands for the manifestation of divine Love in the affairs of men, and for that unity of action and harmony of purpose which always accompany consecrated effort to do the will of the Father, even as it was done by the Master. A church organized on this basis is certain to be a power for good in the community in which it is formed, and as time goes on it will prove to be a part of "that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick" (Science and Health, p. 583).

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