Article December 7, 1918 Issue

The "impersonal pastor"

SARAH M. FREEMAN WILLIAMS

In 1895 when Mrs. Eddy ordained the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," to be pastor for all Christian Science churches, I well remember the remarks of a dear friend, who was then only slightly interested in Christian Science, that if the personal sermon should be done away with, it would be only a question of time before the denomination itself would disappear. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 383) Mrs. Eddy says: "In 1896 it goes without saying, preeminent over ignorance or envy, that Christian Science is founded by its discoverer, and built upon the rock of Christ. ... Erect and eternal, it will go on with the ages, go down the dim posterns of time unharmed, and on every battle-field rise higher in the estimation of thinkers and in the hearts of Christians."

Those of us who have followed the Christian Science movement have seen this prophetic utterance fulfilled, and our hearts have gone out in gratitude for the impersonal pastor. Our Leader established two forms of service for this movement, the Sunday service, at which the "Word" is read, and the Wednesday evening testimony or experience meeting, at which the fruits of the "Word" are given as proof of the practical nature of its teachings. The Sunday service is virtually prepared for the church, while the Wednesday evening meeting for the giving of testimonies depends upon the demonstration of the Christian Scientists, both as individuals and as a church; hence the great need of metaphysical activity in order to give to one's self and to the world the proof of the availability of divine Principle, God, as divine Love, in healing sickness and destroying sin.

The "Explanatory Note" in The Christian Science Quarterly, the reading of which precedes the reading of the Lesson-Sermon, is a very essential part of the Sunday service, inasmuch as it proclaims the vital relation between the Bible and the Christian Science textbook as used in the Lesson-Sermon. This may remind us of the prophecy found in the fourth chapter of Zechariah where we have presented a golden candlestick "with a bowl upon the top of it," from which is poured oil into seven pipes. We also read of two olive trees, from the branches of which comes "the golden oil" which supplies the light, and respecting which the angel said, in answer to Zechariah's inquiry, "These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." This also recalls the "two witnesses" mentioned in Revelation.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Enlisted for Active Service