Editorial April 5, 1952 Issue

"FORMULAS FORBIDDEN"

Robert Ellis Key

In the Manual of The Mother Church our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, gives a definite Rule forbidding the use of written formulas as an aid to the teaching or practice of Christian Science. Under the heading "Formulas Forbidden" she writes in part (Art. VIII, Sect. 9), "No member shall use written formulas, nor permit his patients or pupils to use them, as auxiliaries to teaching Christian Science or for healing the sick."

A formula is a set form of words or a formal statement of doctrines unthinkingly used. Christian Science cannot be taught or practiced by means of a formula, because it declares the infinite individuality of spiritual being in all its diversity, variety, and originality. God's infinite spiritual nature is expressed by illimitable ideas, and these ideas constitute man and the universe. The Apostle Paul wrote ( I Cor. 12: 6), "There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."

Mrs. Eddy provided definite and adequate safeguards for the teaching and practice of Christian Science. Led by divine wisdom, she set a hedge round the vineyard of Mind-healing so that no marauding foxes could leap over and trample upon or devour the first fruits of our endeavors. Strict obedience to the rules Mrs. Eddy has laid down is essential if we wish to progress in Christian Science and reap the healing results of which it is capable.

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