Article December 15, 1945 Issue

The Church Manual Inviolate

BLANCHE HERSEY HOGUE

When Mary Baker Eddy, through the power of God manifested to her in her own recovery from the effects of an accident, received the spiritual revelation which she afterward named Christian Science, she had before her an uncharted way. As her understanding of the revelation deepened, she saw that she must give it to all mankind. There was no precedent, no established path to follow except as the Scriptures opened it, no former landmarks to point the way. The new outlook called for new developments. She could not foresee, nor at first estimate, the requirements necessary to preserve the integrity of her teaching. But as she followed spiritual guidance, her church organization came into being, and step by step the Church Manual with its Rules and By-Laws appeared.

In her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 330), "Until the author of this book learned the vastness of Christian Science, the fixedness of mortal illusions, and the human hatred of Truth, she cherished sanguine hopes that Christian Science would meet with immediate and universal acceptance." Thus encountering unexpected resistance to the revelation she had been given, Mrs. Eddy was obliged to find, in the face of great difficulties, ways and means not only to promote Christian Science but to protect it. She saw that she must bring her discovery into the field of established Christian religions. To this end she founded an organization and provided for its continuance. Christian Science is promoted through her writings. It is to a considerable degree protected by her church organization.

Three outstanding features of the Christian Science movement are the revelation of Christian Science as set forth in the writings of Mrs. Eddy, her life and work as its Discoverer and Founder, and her Church; or, the revelation, the revelator, and the organization through which the revelation is disseminated to men. The Manual of The Mother Church, through its Rules and By-Laws, defines the activities of the church and enfolds them in spiritual safekeeping.

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