From the Directors

The Christian Science Board of Directors

The question is often raised among Christian Scientists as to just how the By-law in the Church Manual regarding the joining of other societies should be applied to our everyday interest in world affairs; and while this is a problem which must be left largely to individual demonstration, yet there are times when a word on the subject may be helpful.

At present there seems to be a strong impulse among Christian Scientists to organize or join clubs or societies having for their object the giving to men and women a more conspicuous place in political and social activities, and many of our good Scientists are engaged in work of this kind, their intention being to create an interest among both sexes in all that stands for reform in governmental, civil, and social circles.

At this point the question will arise in the thought of many, What organization is accomplishing most for the present-day advancement of individuals and nations? There is but one answer to this question. The Christian Science movement is preeminently the means of giving to men and women their rightful place in all branches of social and religious work. Indeed, no more effective agency can be realized than that which is already offered through the broad channels of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston.

It is an accepted fact that before constructive work of any kind can be accomplished through a material organization, a right understanding of Truth and of good must be established in the thought of those who are active in such endeavor, else no real or lasting advancement can be rightly attained. The foundation upon which every super structure must be built, whether it be political, religious, or fraternal, can be laid only through a knowledge of divine Principle, which is the origin, source, substance, cause, law, foundation, and government of all things. This having been done and the organization, whatever it may be, having proved its utility, the thought of the Christian Scientist is naturally directed to our Leader's definition of Church as given on page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Church. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle. The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its unility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."

The temperance reform in our country, resulting in a change in the Constitution of the United States, could have been brought about only by the application of the rules of divine Principle. This also applies to advancement and progress in every line of right endeavor, whether advocated by men or women.

How, then, can a lesser organization hope to accomplish that which is not being done already through the Christian Science movement? "One cannot scatter his fire, and at the same time hit the mark," our Leader says (Science and Health, p. 457). The most effective and efficient organization on the face of the earth to advance the cause of both men and women has already been established and is in successful and effective operation. A social or political organization cannot take the place of Church. No progress is possible in any direction unless it is based on righteousness and Truth.

Why need we detract from the interest and retard the progress of the main issue by encouraging Christian Scientists to belong to lesser organizations, which must borrow their energy and strength from the parent movement? The fact that organizations of this kind are seeking to avail themselves of the ability and mental activity of Christian Scientists shows clearly that whatever influence or support is given to these side issues must be taken from the chief source of activity, which would have a tendency to weaken the fidelity to Christian Science in the thought of its adherents.

All labor questions, whether civil or national, can be adjusted only through an understanding of that which "rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." Christian Science means the understanding and demonstration of one Mind, one infinite good, of which our Leader has declared (Science and Health, p. 340), "One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself;' annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,—what-ever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed."

Christian Scientists, who accept the truth of this statement, will see at once that any side issue or by-product of righteous endeavor, regardless of how popular or well-intentioned it may be, will only serve to detract from the main purpose and impede the student's progress and advancement in Christian Science. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

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