Article March 18, 1916 Issue

The Manual

FRANK B. HOMANS

Among the first things a person does when he joins an organization, social, political, or fraternal, providing this has not been previously done, is to acquaint himself with the rules or by-laws of that body, his natural desire being to avoid violating the regulations. If this is supposed to be requisite in secular affairs, how much more essential it should be in religious matters. By-laws are commonly considered dry, uninteresting reading, and to familiarize one's self with them is thought to be more in the line of duty than of pleasure.

Christian Scientists, however, should not be designated eccentric or foolish when they say that the by-laws formulated by Mrs. Eddy in the Manual of The Mother Church are neither dry nor uninteresting. Contrariwise, this book can and should be studied many times by every Christian Scientist, and this may be done with enjoyment and profit in view of the fact that it contains so much valuable instruction, not only pertaining to church life but also to daily living. Its importance as a reference and guide increases with use and study.

It would seem like presumption to select any one paragraph from the Manual and say it was the best Mrs. Eddy ever wrote. It would nevertheless be difficult to choose one more far reaching, or more applicable to daily needs, than "A Rule for Motives and Acts" (Art. VIII, Sect. 1), which begins, "Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of The Mother Church." Neither our likes nor dislikes, but Principle, should govern us in all we do. How necessary it is that this rule should guide every member in a church business meeting, especially when voting for new officers, but more particularly for the readers. No question of human personality, high social standing, class association, popularity, or ability to present a good appearance should influence one's thought. The only question should be as to which persons are best fitted spiritually and otherwise for the office. The reason for our choice, as given in the Manual (Art. III, Sect. 1, and Art. II, Sect. 2), may well be pondered: "That the mental atmosphere they exhale shall promote health and holiness, even that spiritual animus so universally needed;" and that they shall be "exemplary Christians and good English scholars." No sense of pique, resentment, jealousy, or prejudice should prevent us from exercising clear, honest, unbiased judgment in making our choice.

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