IF proof were needed of Mrs. Eddy's desire that students of Christian Science should seek membership in both The Mother Church and a branch church, it is found in the provisions surrounding this privilege as set forth directly or implicitly in the Church Manual. Christian Scientists highly esteem this privilege, and accordingly very generally seek such membership as soon as prepared to assume the duties which such association entails, and to profit by it.
Membership in The Mother Church is necessary to qualify one to serve as an officer, or helper in one of its many and varied activities; to become a contributor to the Christian Science periodicals; and to attend the Annual Meeting—all privileges from which may be gained great profit in spiritual unfoldment. Such membership also makes possible service in an official capacity in a branch church, a service which, when entered upon at the right time, in the right spirit, and with the assurance that in helping others one's own good is sub served, will bring spiritual blessedness quite impossible to measure. The Church Manual provides that Readers of branch churches shall be members of The Mother Church; and quite commonly branch churches make membership in The Mother Church a qualification for the holding of all offices; but it is not always a condition of eligibility for appointment upon committees on distribution of literature, and for general activities.
Besides these specific privileges, there are deeply underlying benefits to be derived from the associations which arise from membership in The Mother Church and branch churches. Full-hearted obedience to our Leader's expectations is prolific in blessings, for thereby does one most nearly conform to the operation of divine law. The Church of Christ, Scientist, was formed in accordance with divine revelation which came to Mrs. Eddy, and is being conducted in conformity to that revelation. Can one doubt, then, that strict obedience to that phase of the revelation which enabled our Leader to establish The Mother Church, and the relationship to it which loyal Christian Scientists should bear, could result otherwise than most beneficially?
