Editorial July 7, 1923 Issue

Sacrament

Ella W. Hoag

We are told that the word "sacrament" was adopted by the early Latin church to denote those ordinances of religion by which Christians came under an obligation of obedience to God. From the days of the early Passover to the present time Christian sacrament has implied the renewal of one's obligations to God; and therefore all approach the thought of it with reverence. Although the Church of Christ, Scientist, has divorced sacrament from all materiality, it regards it as none the less sacred, and searches for its deepest meanings with utmost consecration and prayerful consideration.

While the earnest Christian Scientist recognizes very clearly that his obligations to God are most vital, he also knows that the relation to those obligations as they come to him through membership in the Church of Christ, Scientist, are of such a nature that he cannot pay too much attention to them or understand them too well. Since our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has given us the especial opportunity of studying the subject of sacrament twice every year, she must have realized the wisdom and advantage of looking deeply into the significance of what it really means to be a member of this church; for how otherwise are we to eat of the bread of Truth and drink of the wine of spiritual understanding, which such membership offers?

Membership in this church involves not only one's obligation to God, but also his obligation to his neighbor. To fulfill the demands of obedience to God as revealed through Christian Science, each one must acknowledge and obey no other Mind, no other Life, Truth, Love, than God, infinite good ; and this loyalty must also be demonstrated in association with mankind. In the Manual (p. 17) we are told that when the Church of Christ, Scientist, was first formed the purpose was "to organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing." Every member, therefore, understands that this design can only be carried out as each demonstrates the Christianity Jesus taught and lived, and proves it by his own works in healing sickness and sin. It is only thus that he can meet his obligations to God and his neighbor.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Among the Churches
July 7, 1923
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit