Article January 9, 1932 Issue

Christian Science Reading Rooms—Sanctuary

JOSEPH CARL MARKSTEIN

The Bible contains many references to places of rest or sanctuary, to which those harassed by trouble might resort for safety. Isaiah speaks of God as "a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." "Sanctuary" is defined as "a sacred or consecrated place, particularly one affording refuge, protection or right of asylum."

How well do Christian Science Reading Rooms, established by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, conform to this definition! In the heat of the day's struggle, when the claims of error seem as "the blast of the terrible ones" beating "as a storm against the wall," we can go to a Reading Room, and there find sanctuary. The places which in former days were set apart as sanctuaries afforded only material protection, and that only so long as one remained within their borders. The spiritual sense of sanctuary to be found in Christian Science Reading Rooms affords true protection. There the doubts and fears which assail one are put to rout by the contemplation of Truth; and against this protecting wall the storms of error beat in vain.

In the Manual of The Mother Church, Article XXI is devoted to this activity. In Section 1 Mrs. Eddy provides for the establishment of these Reading Rooms, specifying that each church shall maintain a Reading Room, although two or more may join in the work. In Section 2 the requisite qualifications for individuals in charge of the Reading Rooms of The Mother Church are given, and there is specific provision in Section 3 that only her own writings and "the literature published or sold by The Christian Science Publishing Society" should be dispensed or used in Christian Science Reading Rooms. Thus did she make provision that the uncontaminated word of Truth should be ever available for those seeking sanctuary, and that error, though it might "storm against the wall," should not enter.

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