Mrs. Eddy's estimate of the enduring spiritual worth of the Manual of The Mother Church is evident in the passage that reads: "Notwithstanding the sacrilegious moth of time, eternity awaits our Church Manual, which will maintain its rank as in the past, amid ministries aggressive and active, and will stand when those have passed to rest." The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 230;
What is the real purpose of this Church Manual? Is it merely an orderly provision of Mrs. Eddy's for the mechanics of the organization and administration of the Church? Or does it have deeper spiritual significance?
The word "manual" ordinarily refers to a handbook of rules. Isn't the Church Manual a handbook of rules for the demonstration of Church? If so, the Manual becomes a guidebook for the demonstration of Church—individually, as well as collectively.
