Item of Interest

Inquiries are frequently made by Readers in branch churches, and by others, regarding the nature and use of benedictions in Christian Science church services. Therefore the following comments on the subject of benedictions may prove helpful.

As used in church services, a benediction is generally in the form of an invocation of divine blessing upon the members of the congregation, such as the often-used one from II Corinthians: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." And it should be remembered that the benediction is an invocation, not an exhortation.

Mrs. Eddy considered the benediction an important part of the Sunday service in Christian Science churches, since she included it in the order of service given in the Manual. (See Church Manual, p. 121.) Enumerating the duties of the First Reader, on page 314 of "Miscellaneous Writings," our Leader stated that he should "pronounce the benediction." And it is right that benedictions should be given their true value as a prescribed part of our Sunday services. Therefore they should be read and listened to with reverence and respect.

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