Editorial June 19, 1915 Issue

Love's Guiding Hand

Archibald McLellan

Although the Church Manual is addressed primarily to members of The Mother Church, and is of course mandatory only on those who are within its jurisdiction, it will be well for all who aspire to be Christian Scientists to give earnest heed to its prohibitions and to be guided by its loving counsels. The reason for this book is set forth in its Foreword by Mrs. Eddy as follows:—

"The rules and by-laws in the Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrim. They were not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as one person might impose on another. They were impelled by a power not one's own, were written at different dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang from necessity, the logic of events, —from the immediate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our cause; hence their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future generations might not accomplish."

Mrs. Eddy also writes on page 230 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany": "Of this I am sure, that each rule and by-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner." What else can this mean than that these by-laws are, as they stand today, for the guidance and conduct of every Christian Scientist, whether of this age or of the ages to come. They cannot be abrogated, nor their provisions suspended for certain favored individuals. No more potent counsel on this subject is needed than is afforded by the letter written by Mrs. Eddy to the Board of Directors under date of Feb. 27, 1903, and published for the first time in the Sentinel of Aug. 22, 1914. In this letter she says: "Never abandon the by-laws nor the denominational government of The Mother Church. If I am not personally with you, the Word of God and my instructions in the by-laws have led you hitherto and will remain to guide you safely on."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Truth the Foundation