Article November 2, 1918 Issue

Church Development

ELIZABETH DUMBRILLE

On page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives us the definition of church. She says in part, "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race." This reminds us of the need for renewed watchfulness, sobriety, and vigilance. Each individual member of a Church of Christ, Scientist, or Christian Science Society needs but to be a sincere student of the Manual of The Mother Church in order to be wisely governed and correctly instructed regarding his conduct at all times.

While each branch church may be diligent in its own development, the need for aiding in the greater development of The Mother Church and its varied activities must not be lost sight of, in order that it may thereby demonstrate its "utility" and its power to elevate the human race. Let us ask ourselves: Are we demonstrating regularly the upkeep of its general funds? Are we disseminating the good news through Mrs. Eddy's writings published under the auspices of The Mother Church? Are we endeavoring to subscribe for its literature and reading it—the Journal, the Sentinel, and the pamphlets? Are we upholding the work of the Monitor, that great agent of Truth to the commercial world? Are we obeying the by-laws of the Manual and of our own branch church honestly, in the spirit as well as the letter? The more recent needs of The Mother Church,—the Camp Welfare and War Relief fund, the Real Estate fund, and The Christian Science Benevolent Association fund,—are we alert and practical in helping to supply these channels of Love? Take for instance The Christian Science Benevolent Association fund. Great was the rejoicing at the announcement of this forward step. The question is, Have we allowed our enthusiasm to wane? Has error found us sleeping at the gate of progress? The need for this service is apparent and is becoming constantly more apparent. Let us labor more assiduously to build it on a sure foundation. Let our concerted efforts to bless and heal, to comfort the wounded and weary, the hard pressed warrior in the battle against sin, disease, and death, be abundantly expressed in renewed subscriptions as well as in fresh enthusiasm.

In these days of rapid development, even the Christian Science cause feels the stir for greater consecration and mental activity in every channel of its being. There is no need for confusion when error seems to be unloosed. We have the antidote in Christ's, "Peace, be still." The alert sentinel will always be found at his post doing the mental work that closes the door in the face of error, thrusting it out of his own consciousness, thereby helping instead of hindering the unfolding of harmony, and proving the power of Mind over any phase of discord, whether it be expressed in lack of attendance, of money, of willing service, or in any other development of the organization. The work of the true Scientist is to help, not hinder. We help as we consistently put into action the laws of Spirit, and we hinder as we allow ourselves consciously or unconsciously to be channels for the asserted laws of the flesh, with which all of us are familiar, so that we are without excuse.

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