Democracy and Leadership

MABEL REED HYZER

Today there is much discussion of and searching for improved methods among the nations of the world. Progress is demanding higher and clearer thinking, which will lead to the solution of problems apparently greater than the world has ever known.

Christian Science is affording a very great opportunity to heal the multitudes, even as Jesus did. May not the solution of world problems also be included in his saying: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do"? Democracy in its highest sense involves the correction of much evil that is abroad today in the experiences of individuals and nations. And Christian Science is presenting true democracy.

Mary Baker Eddy, the beloved Leader of Christian Science, understood true leadership; she lovingly and tenderly trod and showed the way to multitudes who are being healed and made happy through this leading. She was a true leader, because in her work for the Cause she loved her self-renunciation was complete, as is shown by the definite request she made of her followers (Message to The Mother Church for 1901, p. 34): "Follow your Leader only so far as she follows Christ."

With far-seeing vision she wrote, after referring to the Magna Charta of Christian Science (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 247), "Essentially democratic, its government is administered by the common consent of the governed, wherein and whereby man governed by his creator is self-governed." Thus a high sense of democracy is expressed and maintained in the conduct of the affairs of The Mother Church and its branches, and Christian Scientists are devoutly grateful for the proof positive that democracy is possible and actually being demonstrated day by day.

The clear understanding and demonstration of their Leader's definition of democracy above stated is imperative to Christian Scientists. Individual appreciation and support of democracy is necessary, if the students of Christian Science would promote and protect the democratic form of their church government, and thus be helpful to the world.

It was for humanity's sake that Jesus healed the multitudes. It was for humanity's sake that Mrs, Eddy established the Christian Science movement. It is for humanity's sake that students of Christian Science follow their Leader in striving to do the works which Jesus did. Through the study of his teachings a clearer understanding of God and His government is gained. Understanding of and trust in God's government is the only way of salvation for the world.

Each member of The Mother Church should consistently and faithfully see his Leader in her true light, and remember and obey the By-Law not to "be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind" (Art. VIII, Sect. 6).

True liberty, a fundamental of true democracy, is made clear in the teachings of Christ Jesus; and, consistently with its loving, wise methods, Christian Science urges the demonstration of true freedom as Jesus presented it. Freedom from bondage to fear and sin, and their apparent consequences, is thus being demonstrated by students of Christian Science as definite proof of Jesus' words, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Individual demonstration, "Wherein and whereby man governed by his creator is self-governed," is the privilege of every Christian Scientist; and in this privilege there may be experienced the highest sense of freedom. Mere personal adulation has no place in Christian Science, but honest appreciation and wise expression of gratitude for another's work are Christianly scientific and helpful.

Obedience to our Leader's recommendation for rotation in office in branch churches has helped to heal many of the wrong concepts of democracy. She writes in this connection (Miscellany, p. 250), "Rotation in office promotes wisdom, quiets mad ambition, satisfies justice, and crowns honest endeavors." Above Judaism, ecclesiasticism, ritualism, Jesus rose to the perfect realization of the kingdom of heaven; and Christians are bidden to follow his example.

When the kingdom of heaven is actively desired and understood, there will be definite world-wide promotion of that government "wherein and whereby man governed by his creator is self-governed." Then shall increasing order, peace, and dignity prevail in human affairs, and whatever may be the wisest form of government for the nations of this world will be discerned, respected, and maintained.

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