IN what is known as the "Magna Charta of Christian Science," Mrs. Eddy says that "the church is the mouthpiece of Christian Science," and that it stands for "equal rights and privileges, equality of the sexes, rotation in office" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 247). In the same article appears this statement also: "Essentially democratic, its government is administered by the common consent of the governed." This "Magna Charta" has been used as a preamble to the by-laws of many branch churches and is made the basis for their form of government. In order to conform to these requirements, elections become a necessary part of the government of branch churches. If, therefore, they are an essential part of the church's, activities, are they not of sufficient importance to demand earnest and prayerful thought and consideration on the part of each and every member; and should not these elections be made a matter of demonstration, if the full benefits are to be derived from them?
Sometimes a member of a branch church is heard to say: "Oh, I. am not particular as to who is elected reader or director, and as so much time is wasted in electing officers I will stay at home and do something more important." Suppose every member of the church should think and do the same thing, — would we have any church organizations with their various activities for furthering the cause of Christian Science? Then again, if church elections are a part of our "Father's business," should we not gladly and willingly contribute whatever of time and effort is necessary that the work may be well done and "redound to the glory of God"? One does not hesitate to spend hours, or days if necessary, in overcoming a sense of poverty or in solving some business problem; then why object to giving a few hours occasionally to the fulfilling of the obligations and privileges of church-membership? Perhaps if more of our time and labor were given in the performance of our duty to the church, less would be required for the solution of our individual problems.
If the church organizations with their various activities had not been for the good of our cause and essential to the growth and progress of the individual members thereof, Mrs. Eddy would not have established them and provided for their guidance and protection. If, then, we are not awake to the opportunities before us and do not improve them, how can we expect to receive other talents or to reap the full benefit of the rich experiences which the church organizations make possible?
