AS the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes have been the moral guides for humanity throughout the centuries, so will "A Rule for Motives and Acts," found in Article VIII, Section 1, of the Manual of The Mother Church, written by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, help to guide not only this generation but also future generations. The essence of both the Commandments and the Beatitudes is inculcated in this Rule, which reads: "Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of The Mother Church. In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness. The members of this Church should daily watch and pray to be delivered from all evil, from prophesying, judging, condemning, counseling, influencing or being influenced erroneously."
No doubt, the Christian world will in due course realize the magnitude of these simple words, as it has done with the Commandments and the Beatitudes. This Rule, clearly understood and implicitly obeyed, would help to end in individual thinking the evils which lead to war, so that war could never be manifested en masse. It would help to usher in the kingdom of God, and bring forth the fruits of Spirit.
As one begins to use this Rule in his daily life, he sees and feels the result of thus practicing it; and the realization of the greatness of Mrs. Eddy's revelation dawns more fully in consciousness. If she had given to humanity nothing more than this Rule, she would have given much. Although it was given especially as a rule of conduct for members of The Mother Church, any honest heart seeking God's guidance may receive help from obeying it. Through study and appreciation of our Leader's works the conviction comes that she was divinely inspired, as were Moses and Jesus, when they gave us the Commandments and the Beatitudes. God has indeed again commanded and blessed us through this gentle New England woman's vision and receptive thought.
