Editorial February 25, 1922 Issue

Literature Distribution

The Christian Science Board of Directors

As long ago as in July, 1891, a card from Mrs. Eddy in The Christian Science Journal advised against the continuance of a project that had been started by a handful of workers in New York to distribute our literature broadcast throughout the world. The plan which she then disapproved placed unrestricted authority in a small group of individuals without church supervision or control. It is obvious that her objection was to the manner in which it was to be carried on, rather than to the idea of literature distribution itself.

There is nothing in this incident to indicate that Mrs. Eddy disapproved of literature distribution when properly carried out. It is well to remember that instead thereof she favored the proper and judicious distribution of our printed matter. Numerous letters from her are on file in The Mother Church in which she directed and urged the distribution of special booklets, such as "Christian Science History" and "Legal Aspects of Christian Science," also replies of the Committees on Publication, copies of the Christian Science periodicals, and of her own writings. Mrs. Eddy herself made extensive distribution of Christian Science literature and at times directed extra distribution in certain localities to counteract the efforts of enemies of our Cause. On one occasion she requested that copies of the pamphlet "Christian Science versus Pantheism" be sent to all clergymen. The very fact that Leader established the Christian Science periodicals and published her writings on Christian Science implies a desire for their wise circulation.

In some localities those in charge of our literature distribution have allowed their zeal to outrun their wisdom. The intensified activities of some well-meaning distribution committees have in certain directions led them to adopt methods which approximate commercialism. The number of pieces distributed rather than the results achieved seemed to be of first importance.

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