Editorial June 9, 1923 Issue

Reverence

Albert F. Gilmore

The experience of Moses at the burning bush affords several valuable lessons. One of these is reverence for holy things. Turning aside to investigate the strange phenomenon of a bush apparently afire, yet which did not consume, Moses was accosted by the voice of the Lord, calling, "Moses, Moses." He replied, "Here am I;" whereupon it is recorded that God said, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Thus the Hebrew Lawgiver learned that where God is made manifest in human consciousness is a place sacred and holy, which should be approached only in the spirit and attitude of humility and reverence. The sign of humility in the case of Moses was that he should bare his feet.

The lesson which the obedient Moses received in that far-distant day has no less application in the present. Manifestation of the presence and power of God inspires veneration and reverence in all who are willing to acknowledge Him as the source of being, the creator of the universe, the Giver of all good gifts. To no religionists should this make stronger appeal than to Christian Scientists. Learning through the teachings of Mrs. Eddy of the allness and goodness of God, knowing Him as infinite Love, omnipresent and omnipotent, engenders a deep sense of reverence, even of adoration, in the contemplation of all-perfect Being. The liberation of mortals from the restrictions incident upon a false concept of Deity by no means lessens the demands upon those so blessed, to recognize and faithfully to observe the form and manner which Christians generally accept, as expressive of reverence and veneration for God.

To observe punctiliously the Manual of The Mother Church provided by our revered Leader as a wise guide to the conduct of Christian Scientists is a part of the loving obedience to her to whom we owe so much, and to "Him whom to know aright is Life eternal" (Science and Health, Pref., p. vii). Likewise, to obey the by-laws of a church of which one is a member, and strictly to observe the rules or customs adopted for the regulation of services, are marks of respect for constituted authority, and for the place and form of worship. As a recognition of the sacred character of Christian Science, many Churches of Christ adopt the regulation that none shall enter the auditorium during the opening exercises of the services, which include the reading of the Scriptures and prayer in unison. This seems so wise that all who consider its purpose will lend willing obedience to so reasonable a demand. All will agree as to the sacred character of these exercises. Should not all also be equally agreed upon the rights of those already in their places to that undisturbed quiet which is most conducive to the reception of Truth, and to the clearing of one's spiritual perception? Usually this wise regulation meets with the hearty approval and obedient support of all thoughtful worshipers.

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