Article August 5, 1950 Issue

PROGRESS BY OBEDIENCE

ALEC B. MURRAY

IN the book "Mary Baker Eddy: A Life Size Portrait" by Dr. Lyman P. Powell is published a letter written by Mrs. Eddy to The Christian Science Board of Directors dated February 27, 1903. It reads as follows (p. 274): "Never abandon the by-laws nor the denominational government of The Mother Church. If I am not personally with you, the Word of God and my instructions in the by-laws have led you hitherto and will remain to guide you safely on." There is no room for any difference of opinion about the meaning of the word never, and our Leader's letter is a solemn charge to the Board of Directors that, guided by the By-Laws of the Church Manual, they are obligated to continue the denominational government of The Mother Church.

The Board of Directors by the same By-Laws is a self-perpetuating body, and obedience to the Manual is a perpetual charge. The Manual is as much a direct expression today of Mrs. Eddy's intention as when it was written. That the passing of time did not in any way change her thought on this subject is shown by a further letter, written by her in 1909, which appears on pages 358 and 359 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany."

With what confidence, therefore, should every loyal student of Christian Science gratefully support the Board in its consecrated efforts to follow these instructions! By the prayerful daily metaphysical work of the whole Field decisions will be made which will protect our movement against attacks from without and mistakes from within. The spiritual strength and solidarity of the Christian Science movement are derived from the unique form of government which is outlined in the Manual, and it becomes increasingly important that this should be clearly realized by every member.

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