FOR all who are or would become members of The Mother Church, or of one of its branch churches or societies, it is important to recognize that law in the Christian Science church is not an object of mere formal observance, but is a means whereby the great objects of the church are demonstrated; namely, the healing of sickness, sin, and death, and the redemption of humanity through the teaching of Christ Jesus. The procedure of Christian Science churches, therefore, including the business meetings of branch churches and societies, is directly or indirectly related to these objects. In attaining these objects spiritual means and methods are primary, and formal rules and by-laws secondary.
In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 215) Mrs. Eddy presents her thought of order and object in these simple words: "Christian Science demands order and truth. To abide by these we must first understand the Principle and object of our work, and be clear that it is Love, peace, and good will toward men. Then we shall demonstrate the Principle in the way of His appointment, and not according to the infantile conception of our way." Under such an animus it is the privilege of every member of The Mother Church and of each branch church or society to do all things necessary for its support "decently and in order." This requires of each member definite knowledge of Christian Science as the law of God; of the Manual of The Mother Church; of the by-laws of the branch church or society of which he is a member, and, for the last, some practical knowledge of the parliamentary rules of order which govern the formal action of the business meetings.
The by-laws of each branch church have their place and order of importance; but the By-Laws of The Mother Church, written by Mrs. Eddy, under the spiritual law of God, are of primary importance even for the business meetings of branch churches or societies, especially the By-Law (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 1) "A Rule for Motives and Acts," and other By-Laws that relate to individual conduct. Without adherence to these requirements in the business meetings of a branch church or society, there can be no harmony or lasting success. If the foregoing statement in the Church Manual concerning the supreme government of divine Love were realized and demonstrated, what loving concord and wisdom would then testify to the power of divine Love!
To aid in bringing about this glorious result every member should study the Church Manual. As an aid in bringing coöperative action in church work to a successful culmination, Mrs. Eddy has given us the very comprehensive By-Law (Manual, Art. XXIV, Sect. 5), "God requires wisdom, economy, and brotherly love to characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist." This Rule presents a law of procedure applicable to many activities, and obedience to it insures harmony.
The member who strives habitually to obey the By-Laws of The Mother Church in whatever part he may have in the procedure of that church, or in the business meetings of a branch church or society, aids the church in wisdom's way and helps to establish it in understanding. In such practical coöperation each member can in some measure recognize the spiritual fact which illumined the vision of Jacob at Bethel when he said, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."
One might ask, What has Christ Jesus given to his followers for the orderly procedure of his church? One might answer, The Master gave the greatest rule of order ever given for the harmonious promotion of human relations—the Golden Rule. This royal rule of order is embodied in Article VIII, Section 8, of the Manual of The Mother Church, and its substance and influence run through all the By-Laws of The Mother Church. This rule of rules is available for use in the procedure of every church business meeting; and, if applied lovingly, it aids the proof that every By-Law functions with power and for harmony. Love and the Golden Rule are inseparable; and Love "never faileth."
While members are seeking to obey the law of God as primary, and to be guided by the Manual of The Mother Church and their own bylaws, it is important in the furtherance of harmony that their procedure in business meetings shall be carried on according to the well-recognized rules of parliamentary law. These rules of order supply the means whereby an assembly of members in an organization, having a form of government which is democratic and representative, can work together practically and in harmony.
Parliamentary law rests on Principle, in so far as it works for the equitable consideration and decision of measures, for the protection and progress of all concerned. Its rules work for the logical requirements of a society or association through providing orderly ways and means whereby measures affecting its success can be debated and decided by the votes of its members. In wisdom, equality, and right reason, parliamentary law hedges about the rights of all, so that there can be forwarded the measures best designed to maintain an association in fulfilling the objects of its existence.
In a Christian Science church business meeting it should be remembered that the assemblage is not dominated by the chairman, but guided by the Church Manual, the by-laws, and the rules of order. If the laws are obeyed by all, right measures, not personal desires, have the right of way. It is the chairman's high duty to see that an assemblage proceeds according to law and order, and not according to the transient bias of mere personal opinion.
The understanding of these rules of order should not be regarded as obligatory on the presiding officer and secretary of a board or business meeting alone; it is the privilege and duty of every member to understand parliamentary law in some degree, so that he can intelligently take his part in the necessary discussions and activities of business meetings. Knowing the privileges and rights of the individual members and of the assembly as a whole, each member can intelligently cooperate to bring out decisions and actions favorable to the welfare of the branch church or society and its objects.
Under the rules of order, impartial and uniform for every member and for all, a member who recognizes a fault can courageously propose a measure, or face an error in orderly ways, thus using his opportunity to serve the Cause wisely and promptly in the meeting. One constructive criticism or action wisely projected under the proper rules will outweigh a thousand negative comments after adjournment.
Every member whose conduct in church business meetings is thus properly guided will set forth an example which will be an encouragement to others. For orderly procedure, even by the few, makes for harmony and encourages others so to act. Such action satisfies the natural craving for order, and what Truth requires can always be done; for Truth limits no one, but supplies ability, intelligence, to all.
As in every place and for every circumstance, so in church meetings, the loving declarations of Mrs. Eddy on general procedure can be proved (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 222): "Mankind will be God-governed in proportion as God's government becomes apparent, the Golden Rule utilized, and the rights of man and the liberty of conscience held sacred. Meanwhile, they who name the name of Christian Science . . . will maintain law and order, and will cheerfully await the end — justice and judgment."
