Article September 30, 1933 Issue

Business Meetings

PEARL E. WEST

WITH the rare wisdom which characterizes all our dear Leader's work in establishing the Cause of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy made two By-Laws for branch churches which read, in part, that "each Church of Christ, Scientist, shall have its own form of government," and that "in Christian Science each branch church shall be distinctly democratic in its government" (Manual of The Mother Church, Art. XXIII, Sects. 1 and 10). Thus it becomes necessary for branch churches to have meetings in which to discuss and conduct the church business. As it is indispensable to have these business meetings, it is an obligation as well as a privilege for each one to qualify himself for intelligent participation in the affairs of the branch church of which he is a member.

Because order is of prime importance, each member desires to have some knowledge of proper procedure, for by compliance with parliamentary rules of procedure in public meetings many regrettable situations are avoided. As each member, as well as the chairman, renders himself familiar with the by-laws of his branch church and with the Manual, he may with God-inspired confidence and poise take part in the deliberations of the organization. Paul tells us that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." Then, if there is seeming confusion, we may be sure that mortal mind is seeking to usurp the right of divine Mind to govern man.

Most important of all is love, love at all times and under all circumstances. This does not mean supinely accepting a condition one may feel is not in accordance with divine Principle, but it does mean absolute obedience to the admonition of Christ Jesus, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise," and also to the "Rule for Motives and Acts" in the Manual by our beloved Leader (Art. VIII, Sect. 1).

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