When an individual makes his decision to associate himself with the Christian Science movement by becoming a member of a Church of Christ, Scientist, he can do so with one general purpose only in view, even though he may not so express himself at the time. There can be no real motive in joining such an organization except the desire to help that organization carry out the purposes for which it has been founded and is being carried on. Having one's name on the membership records means nothing to the church or to the member unless one has some understanding of the purposes of the organization, and takes practical steps to carry out his share of the responsibility he has assumed, both as to the realization of the true facts about the church and its activities, and also in faithfully taking the human footsteps that at this time are necessary to advance the Cause.
Mary Baker Eddy writes in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 35), "We can unite with this church only as we are new-born of Spirit, as we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life by bringing forth the fruits of Love,—casting out error and healing the sick." Being a member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, or of one of its branches, gives one the privilege of sharing in the Christianly metaphysical work of the church and the opportunity of assisting in its outward activities, such as the Sunday services and Wednesday evening testimony meetings, the distribution of literature, the Sunday school, the Reading Room, the lecture activities, and whatever else is carried on for the healing of mankind, for the overcoming of the false beliefs of mortals, and for the spreading of the knowledge of this glorious healing truth among one's fellows.
The testimony meetings present one of the means or methods of carrying out the purpose of the Christian Science organization, and this can well be summed up in the one word "healing"—healing of all the errors of belief that seemingly affect the health and harmony of men. A perusal of the order of services, as given by Mrs. Eddy on page 122 of the Manual of The Mother Church, reveals opportunities for individual members to share in the proceedings outwardly as well as through consecrated thinking, and such participation should evidence whole-hearted interest and genuine love and cooperation. Indeed, if proper gratitude for the many blessings we have received and recognition of the possibilities of passing them on to others are in our thought, such participation will express unbounded joy. It will be so natural and spontaneous that it will not fail to carry a convincing and healing message to the earnest seekers that are present at every service. Thus it is that we shall set our light on a candlestick and not under a bushel. And such opportunity for participation is by no means confined to the giving of testimonies.
