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!
