Editorial July 14, 1928 Issue

God's Requirement

Albert F. Gilmore

The teachings of Mrs. Eddy no less than the precepts and works of Christ Jesus furnish the sure rule whereby to solve all our problems, the safe guide whereby to meet every adverse condition of daily life. In both our moral and spiritual obligations, in short, in all our activities and relationships, we are safely directed by their precious words and example. That this wise guidance pertains no less to the acts of Christian Scientists when associated in the work of branch churches than to their private procedure is clearly set forth in Article XXIV of the Church Manual (p. 77), which reads, "God requires wisdom, economy, and brotherly love to characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist."

How comprehensive the term "all the proceedings"! It covers without exception all the activities and interests of members of The Mother Church. Notwithstanding this admonition, however, not infrequently Christian Scientists who successfully order their private affairs in accordance with the pattern set forth by our beloved Leader, fail to exercise the same sound judgment when acting in unison with other Christian Scientists as a corporation known as a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. In consequence, the affairs of the church, conducted from a different standpoint, are not always wisely administered. This failure to exercise "wisdom, economy, and brotherly love" is peculiarly, even frequently, manifested in relation to the problem of church building. Members who could scarcely be induced to incur private debts will heartily support a proposition to go heavily into debt in order to build an edifice in keeping with their views as to beauty and dignity. As a result, congregations so burden themselves with debt that long years go by before dedication of the expensive edifice becomes possible. In consequence of this unwise action construction is put upon the activities of the church in its local field, and support as a loyal branch of The Mother Church in the fulfilling of its rightful mission is also limited. What should be a sturdy and vigorous branch in the support of the parent vine becomes a weak and hampered offspring.

How completely does such a course refute the admonition of our Leader and the sayings of the great apostle as well! "Owe no man any thing," Paul wrote to the church in Rome, adding, "but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Surely we love our fellow workers most when we are able to cooperate most completely with them in the fulfilling of the law of Love. The necessity of loving and harmonious cooperation is an important part of the message contained in our Leader's words—as quoted above. We show forth love most successfully when we are in accord in promoting right activity.

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