Church Elections

ALICE HOARE

In considering the metaphysical aspect of church elections, what more beautiful example could we take than that of Christ Jesus choosing his twelve disciples? Let us therefore pause and ponder his method and the Principle underlying his selecting.

The Master said, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." Was it, then, the so-called human or the divine Mind that led him to seek those who were to prove faithful, obedient, and deserving servants? In the Gospel of Luke we read that Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God; and later he chose his twelve disciples. Jesus had many followers or students, and from them he selected twelve disciples; but before this he prayed. His method, then, was purely metaphysical. He communed with God, well knowing that He alone is the source of wisdom and intelligence, the basis of right thinking and subsequent right acting.

Students of Christian Science freely claim the Master as their Way-shower and great Exemplar; and in the problem of church elections, what a wonderful opportunity is afforded us to follow in the way and do likewise, in order to prove, through consecrated and prayerful effort, that God governs and directs all our thoughts and activities.

In seeking membership in The Mother Church or in one of its branches, it is necessary to sign an application form attached to which are the Tenets of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy. The sixth Tenet reads, "And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 497; Church Manual, p. 16). What a sure foundation on which to base our preparation, so that Principle may have free course and human will no course! Thus, in the quiet attitude of waiting and working, we shall be receptive to those "spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect," which Mrs. Eddy tells us in Science and Health (p. 581) are angels, "God's thoughts passing to man."

In studying the lives of the disciples we find that one of their qualities was obedience; and in Christian Science we know this means subservience to God's will. We are familiar with the story of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew, and a little later, James and John; and of their immediately leaving their nets and following him. With what meekness and implicit trust they obeyed! The suggestions of doubt and fear, which may have endeavored to influence them and keep them from serving the Master, met with no response!

Let us, then, be obedient, watchfully guarding our thoughts against subtle suggestions that would seek to gain entrance, perhaps in the name of good. On page 265 of "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader says: "Diverse opinions in Science are stultifying. All must have one Principle and the same rule; and all who follow the Principle and rule have but one opinion of it." How necessary it is, therefore, not to allow to enter the sanctuary of our thinking any form of suggestion—divers opinions, animosity, condemnation, personal attachment, self-will! For their operation will probably result in indecision, confusion, numerous ballots, and disappointment. Let us, rather, allow the truth to unfold in our consciousness, and spiritually seek individual guidance. If doubt tries to assail us, light and guidance can always be obtained from the Bible and from Science and Health, the Church Manual, and Mrs. Eddy's other writings. It is not finite personality, but Principle, on which our church is built: our demonstration must rest upon and proceed from the one impersonal Principle. As we let Mind govern our thinking, so it will govern our voting.

May we also give earnest heed and prayerful thought to our Leader's wishes and wise counsels, and, in so far as we are able, apply them to our local church elections; for Mrs. Eddy surely saw the purpose and wisdom in all she was led to record, and she, like the Way-shower, spent much time in prayer and in waiting on God before delivering her inspired messages.

When the hour is come for us to gather together, let us convene in Christ's name, reflecting the divine nature, that it may be truthfully said of us also, "They were all with one accord in one place."

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