Editorial July 19, 1924 Issue

Church Membership

Albert F. Gilmore

With the beauty of phraseology and the lucidity of expression which so generally characterize her writings, Mrs. Eddy, on page 100 of "Miscellaneous Writings," asks this searching question: "Who remembers that patience, forgiveness, abiding faith, and affection, are the symptoms by which our Father indicates the different stages of man's recovery from sin and his entrance into Science?" Here our beloved Leader has named the qualities which signalize one's progress in spiritual unfoldment,—the symptoms which accompany growth Spiritward.

The student of Christian Science, in this course of spiritual unfoldment, takes certain orderly footsteps which mark his entrance upon and progress in the study of this religion. These steps usually include regular study of the Lesson-Sermons, attendance upon church services and lectures given by the members of the Board of Lectureship, support of the Christian Science periodicals, membership in a branch church and in The Mother Church, class instruction,—all these comprise the course one normally pursues in establishing himself as an efficient worker in the Cause of Christ.

The joining of a branch church usually affords the first occasion for presenting one's self for examination as to one's spiritual status, with a view to determining his fitness and readiness for taking a progressive step. This experience involves two points of view—that of the applicant and that of the examining committee of the branch church. Preliminary to this step the applicant may with profit examine himself to determine his mental status. Does he truly desire to gain larger opportunity for service in the Master's vineyard; is he willing to obey the spiritual commands of Truth as expressed in the By-laws and rules of The Mother Church and of the branch church; is he ready to meet the demands which may be made upon him in order to promote the welfare of the Cause in which he seeks a closer relationship; is he ready to submerge self in the common good? These are some of the queries which one is able to answer affirmatively before presenting himself for examination for membership in a branch church.

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
Editorial
Obedience
July 19, 1924
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit