Article January 9, 1926 Issue

Organization

EDWARD L. REYNOLDS

The consecration and the purity of the consciousness of Mary Baker Eddy made it possible for her to receive the truth which she has given to the world in the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Jesus said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." The great fact of the spiritual reality of God, man, and the universe, constitutes a sufficient hope, and the only genuine hope on earth to-day, for the healing of the seemingly innumerable political, social, and economic ills of human experience. From this essential fact, as revealed to Mrs. Eddy, proceeds logically all the wondrous inspiration and stability of Christian Science.

For the purpose of world-wide extension of exact, authoritative, and unadulterated information concerning Christian Science, our Leader brought into evidence the works in proof of her understanding, many activities of which are included in her organization, The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. Some of these activities are: the Bible Lessons or Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly, which form part of the Sunday service; the Wednesday evening testimony meetings; the Board of Lectureship; the Reading Rooms, where may be obtained and read the Bible, the works of our Leader, and the authorized Christian Science literature; The Christian Science Publishing Society, which issues the periodical literature; the Committees on Publication, who correct misinformation about Christian Science; and other agencies intended to bring to humanity the truth concerning God and man.

Mrs. Eddy was not satisfied to reach great heights of spiritual understanding for herself alone. In her Message to The Mother Church for 1902 (pp. 12, 13) she states this simply when she says: "When founding the institutions and early movements of the Cause of Christian Science, I furnished the money from my own private earnings to meet the expenses involved. In this endeavor self was forgotten, peace sacrificed, Christ and our Cause my only incentives, and each success incurred a sharper fire from enmity." With compassionate love for all mankind, she felt and followed the impulsion to make it possible for all to see spiritually with her. Her desire for this divine purpose had its fulfillment, as have all right desires; hence these activities were instituted. Now it is obvious to all who in any degree understand her revelation that the organization comprising these activities must continue until the purpose is accomplished, that is, until all shall have full understanding of the spiritual idea. The means to this end having been established, it is impossible for the work to be laid aside until the goal is reached. For a loyal Christian Scientist to attempt to continue metaphysical work without association with the Christian Science organization is as unreasonble as for one to say: I have read the textbook; I have been through class; I understand fully; I am now sufficient unto myself. I shall no longer read the books or the authorized literature; no longer attend the church services; no longer listen to lecturers! What could be thought of such an attitude?

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