Article March 27, 1926 Issue

The Manual of The Mother Church

JEANNETTE HANNAN SIMMONS

There is little doubt that the majority of those who seriously take up the study of Christian Science find it necessary to learn to love and appreciate the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, not only in its relation to church membership, but also in its relationship to the individual unfoldment of each student in the understanding and practice of this Science, and to the Christian Science movement in general. Even after becoming a member of a branch church or of The Mother Church, or both, there may be an apathetic lack of desire to become acquainted with the letter, or to grow in the spirit and practice of its Rules and By-laws. Whereas, with just a little alert thinking it will be seen that the study of the Manual should really be an important factor in all that pertains to church membership.

Error sometimes tries to argue that if an individual has nothing in a definite way to do with the business of the church, it is unnecessary for him to pay much attention to the Manual. Another favorite tool of evil is to put the student to sleep concerning the Manual, so that he does not think about it at all. Therefore, mental stagnation and laziness regarding the Manual sometimes seem to prevail. And yet there are many Rules devoted to the Christian discipline of all church members, besides many applying to branch church government, with which each member should be acquainted. There is really no member of a branch church or The Mother Church who is not vitally concerned with the government of both, even though he may not at present be filling an office or working on a committee in either.

Regarding the Manual from a broader point of view, it is impossible for any one to gain even a slight perception of the unlimited spiritual protection, guidance, and power embodied in its Rules and By-laws, except by persistent, continual, and untiring study of them, together with sincere desire and effort to be obedient to them. The complete Manual is unique in its construction, because it is the natural, honest outgrowth and result of experiences and conditions which proved its necessity. It unfolded gradually from a small beginning, each Rule and By-law meeting a definite need.

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