Article December 27, 1952 Issue

BENEDICTIONS

CLARENCE M. WINSLOW

The Manual of The Mother Church was unfolded to Mary Baker Eddy by divine wisdom. It prescribes the present order for all services in Christian Science churches and societies, including the Sunday and Thanksgiving Day services, both of which end with a benediction. To make careful and prayerful preparation for the conduct of such services, a Reader must understand what rightfully constitutes a benediction.

While "blessing"' and "benediction" are thought of as synonymous terms, one dictionary states that the word benediction "applies only to a prayer or ceremony invoking a blessing or blessings upon a person or persons. In this sense, it may be used interchangeably with blessing." This dictionary goes on to say that "benediction" is the customary term for the concluding blessing or prayer at a public service. A benediction then is not an exhortation or an admonition.

A study of Mrs. Eddy's use of the word benediction is enlightening. Neither pleading, exhortation, nor admonition will be found in her employment of the word. The Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3–12) are illustrations of benedictions of Jesus in which he approved certain virtues and discerned and invoked God's blessings upon those who expressed them in their lives.

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