Many inquiries reach The Christian Science Board of Directors regarding the holding of "metaphysical meetings" so called. Nowhere in the Church Manual or in other of the * writings of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, is there reference to "metaphysical meetings." That term, applied to certain meetings of members of branch churches, has been rather loosely employed in our movement. Mrs. Eddy writes in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 69), "Divine metaphysics is that which treats of the existence of God, His essence, relations, and attributes." Thus divine metaphysics is the subject of study by Christian Scientists individually; it is the subject of study in classes taught by qualified teachers of Christian Science; and it must be understood by Christian Science practitioners, in other words, by all Christian Scientists in applying their religion.
A branch church may properly hold meetings of its members or of its committees such as will promote the welfare of the church or of the movement as a whole, and if the term "business meeting" is not thought to be sufficiently comprehensive to characterize such a meeting, then the term "welfare meeting" or "meeting in the interest of the church," or some similar suitable description, might be used. Mrs. Eddy, in the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583), defines "Church," in part, as "that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick." This definition may well be considered in respect to the proper scope of church meetings, and members should be familiar with the spiritual functions of "Church" as Mrs. Eddy has here described it. Church members' meetings called to promote the spiritual welfare of the organization may quite properly give information concerning the affairs of the church, the need of fuller support and activity on the part of the members, the opportunity for greater participation in the various functions of the movement; in short, help the members to be more active in the furtherance of the Cause as a whole and to promote the interest of their local branch churches as well.
Meetings of branch churches may be opened appropriately by a hymn, by silent prayer and the repetition of the Lord's Prayer, or the "Daily Prayer" from the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. VIII. Sect. 4), followed by the reading of suitable selections from the Bible and from Mrs. Eddy's writings. At times the reading of certain pertinent articles, editorials, or statements from the Christian Science periodicals is suitable, or previously prepared and approved written statements from experienced workers in the membership, or talks from the floor on subjects relevant to the object of the meeting, sometimes by those specially selected to speak of their helpful experiences, may be inspiring and may contribute toward more alertness and more devoted spiritual support. At some meetings members present are free to speak helpfully of their experience in applying Christian Science. Obviously, speakers should not undertake to preach Christian Science or present their own conceptions of Mrs. Eddy's teachings, but they may properly state how they have scientifically applied her teachings in a situation which concerns the church. Mrs. Eddy's letter in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 156) to "Beloved Christian Scientists," so often referred to in connection with the question of holding meetings of various kinds, need not be regarded as prohibitive of properly conducted church or committee meetings.
It seems unnecessary for a church always to announce a specific topic to be considered at a meeting such as we are discussing, even though the presiding officer conducting the meeting necessarily has in thought a subject on which his citations from the Bible and from Mrs. Eddy's writings are based. Of course, the nature of the meeting can properly be indicated. The Reader conducting a Wednesday evening meeting in a Christian Science church does not announce a subject indicative of his citations from the Bible and correlative passages from Science and Health, but in making clear and logical selections he must necessarily have a subject in thought. To know that a church meeting is to promote the interest of the church should be sufficient to enlist the loyalty and hearty support of its members.
Questions whether to hold such meetings, and how often and when to hold them, are within the province of each church to determine for itself. A number of churches have inquired whether it is proper to hold meetings after the Wednesday evening meetings. This is done in some churches when it is a matter of great convenience to the members, while in other churches it is felt inadvisable to hold meetings then, particularly at regular intervals. Whatever proper methods are undertaken to increase the unity, cooperation, and loving activity of the membership naturally bring about better services, larger congregations, more alert and progressive workers, all of which is promotive of the extension of Christian Science as Mrs. Eddy taught it.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel, October 1, 1932]
The Christian Science Board of Directors has authorized the Literature Distribution Committee of The Mother Church and the officers of The Mother Church Sunday School to distribute to those who desire them copies of the Christian Science Hymnal, 1910 edition, which is now being replaced by the new revised Hymnal.
The fact that the former Hymnal can be made use of in this way dispels any regret which might be felt in replacing it by the revised Hymnal. The 1910 edition has meant much to the Cause of Christian Science for the past twenty years, and many who love it will be glad to have copies for occasional use in their homes.
[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel, October 8, 1932]
From the many letters sent in by guests who have visited the Pacific Coast Sanatorium at San Francisco, the following excerpts are quoted as indicative of the peace and healing which are being experienced in this lovely place.
One says: "The whole atmosphere is permeated with love, both within and without the building. The sweet smiles, kindly words, and attention of the associates prove to one they are contacting with love only."
Another: "I left the world outside when I entered your door. I came expecting a great deal of the home and I received abundantly of all I expected. The home is certainly a 'bit of heaven come to earth.' I loved the happy spirit of the associates, the graciousness of the guests, the trees, the gardens, the flowers, and the privilege of picking the pansies. . . . I know I am richer because of my stay."
Another writes that she had not realized what the Sanatorium had to offer, not only to those who are ill, but to those desiring a few days of study and rest; and she states, "The sense of peace amidst normal activities, giving one no sense of stagnation, was greatly appreciated, and I was filled with a desire to sing, "Stranger, thou art the guest of God'" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 254).
One who was perhaps clinging mentally to that which should be released wrote: "The gaining of a better understanding of 'letting go' came to me on the first day. I am sure all who enter your doors with a receptive thought will be able to join in the spirit expressed in the last verse of a hymn:
" 'His goodness stands approved,
Unchanged from day to day:
I drop my burden at His feet,
And bear a song away.' "
Truly, many a one who has entered the doors of the Pacific Coast Sanatorium, and of the Sanatorium at Chestnut Hill, which has had a longer experience of service, has dropped his burden and borne a song away in his heart.
[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel, October 15, 1932]
A fifteen-minute electrical transcription program consisting of questions and answers on Christian Science was radiocast on Sunday, September 25, from Stations WFBR of Baltimore, Maryland, and WJAY of Cleveland, Ohio.
This electrical transcription has been approved by The Christian Science Board of Directors and presents a dialogue, apparently between one just becoming interested in Christian Science and an experienced student of Mrs. Eddy's teachings, answering many questions which one investigating Christian Science would be likely to raise. This transcription will be followed at a later date by other electrical transcriptions on the subject of Christian Science.
The radiocasting of these programs is under the direction of the Committees on Publication, who can secure these transcriptions and information and instructions regarding their use through the Manager of Committees on Publication in Boston. Immediate favorable response both as to the content of these records and as to the technical work involved followed the radiocastings of September 25, and a number of Committees on Publication have already arranged to make use of the initial program.
One who listened to the radiocast from Baltimore writes, "I am happy to know that the truth is presented in such an understanding manner that anyone can grasp it."
Another writes: "May I express my appreciation and gratitude for the superb rendition of the broadcast of the Publication Committee of last Sunday. . . . No one could hear the sincerity of the speakers without being deeply impressed. I hope this may be the beginning of many such broadcasts."
[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel, October 22, 1932]
In the original Mother Church, on the evening of September 30, the teachers and officers of The Mother Church Sunday School, and a number of the pupils, participated in the singing of new hymns from the revised Christian Science Hymnal. The occasion was a joyous one and the singing spontaneous and meaningful. Members of the Hymnal Revision Committee were present, and the Chairman of the Committee presided graciously and gave interesting information regarding the hymns to be sung. Those present who could sing in four-part harmony were asked to do so, since the beauty of many of the hymns is enhanced by such singing. A writer from the Field makes an appeal to Christian Scientists who sing alto, tenor, or bass to practice the music thus, and thereby contribute to the harmony intended by the composers.
The regular practice period for the new hymns which The Christian Science Board of Directors arranged, following the Wednesday evening meetings in The Mother Church, reminds one that all over this country and abroad groups of Christian Scientists are gathering in a similar manner singing hymns of praise to God. One must exclaim, "What a power for good!" are these periods of praise. These gatherings are not additions to the Wednesday evening meetings; they are informal meetings after the Wednesday evening meetings are concluded. In The Mother Church they have been participated in by some non-Christian Scientists who come to enjoy the singing.
Letter after letter to the Directors of The Mother Church speaks the praise of workers in the Field who have received the revised Hymnal with joyous appreciation. A Christian Scientist writes, "I am sure the singing and practicing of these new hymns will do much to bring about a greater unity and harmony in all our hearts;" another: "The beauty of the whole book is a joy in countless ways, particularly as it shows the great progress of our movement. The added words of our dear Leader and several old familiar hymns brought tears of gratefulness. How we shall enjoy singing them with the realization of their healing message!"
Some expressions of gratitude have mentioned the universality of the new Hymnal and the fact that it includes well-loved hymns from many countries. A Norwegian, brought up in the Lutheran Church, wrote of her happiness to find in the Hymnal several of the old Lutheran hymns of her childhood and referred to Whittier's thought,
For all of good the past hath had
Remains to make our own time glad.
The Kingsport Press at Kingsport, Tennessee, manned by more than six hundred employees, nearly all of them from the homes of the descendants of early settlers in the Appalachian Mountains, found the printing of the revised Hymnal "one of the nicest jobs" they had ever had. These worthy, intelligent people, whose families, it is estimated, include at least four times the number of workers, are fond of music, and as they worked on the Hymnal often sang or hummed the hymns. How interesting it is to contemplate the fifty sewing machines in action, some of the operators humming hymns from the Christian Science Hymnal.
Circular letters sent anonymously, as well as signed advertising circulars, are frequently sent to Christian Scientists, especially to those listed as practitioners in The Christian Science Journal. Letters unsigned generally indicate by their content the state of thought of the senders, and usually they receive little attention. Signed advertising letters are often dignified and entirely proper, but not always welcome, while some are misleading, ingratiating, and deceptive. An endeavor to win favorable attention to a project by reference to "our Leader," "our Church," to the signer's "membership in The Mother Church," by quotations from Mrs. Eddy's writings, by reference to the Christian Science periodicals or to some contributed article which has appeared in them, is to be regretted, if not protested.
The attempt to promote a business enterprise through such means is generally unattractive to Christian Scientists, who realize that a business enterprise should stand upon its own merits, and that the advertising columns of The Christian Science Monitor furnish a good means for reaching the Christian Scientists generally, as well as others who read this paper. Advertising statements in the Monitor are subject to such supervision as seems called for in order that the presentation may be dignified, accurate, and suitable.
The Directors of The Mother Church deprecate the use of statements attributed to them or made in reference to them by individuals circularizing Christian Scientists, since reference to the Board of Directors and other church officers in this way is apt to imply that the Board has consented to the circularization or at least does not object to it, when such is not the case. The Directors uniformly decline to permit quotation from their statements or reference to them in advertising matter issued by individuals who seek to promote their own business undertakings. Those undertakings which make their way by virtue of the merits of their presentations, which have a legitimate and attractive product to distribute, and which advertise in The Christian Science Monitor, find that a good patronage results.
[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel, October 29, 1932]
In the October 17 issue of The Christian Science Monitor began a series of "Hymnal Notes," appearing at intervals of two or three days in the Feature Section of the paper. These notes relate particularly to the hymns new to the Christian Science Hymnal. They tell something of the story of the hymns, their source, tradition, and history, their authors and composers. The introduction to the series indicates that those interested in the notes may find it convenient to file them and use them in studying the revised Hymnal, which, it has been said, "marks a long step ahead in the history of hymnody."
NOTICE
Will subscribers kindly make remittance to the Publishing Society either by check or postal money order. It is not safe to remit in currency, and it is because money thus sent has sometimes been lost in transit that we are requesting that only checks or money orders be used.
ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP IN THE MOTHER CHURCH
Applications for admission to membership in The Mother Church may be sent to the Clerk at any time throughout the year. It is desirable that applications should be forwarded in ample time so that they may receive the essential preliminary attention before the date of election. The receipt of an application by the Clerk does not make the applicant a member. Applications are acted upon by the Board of Directors, twice each year, as provided by the Manual of The Mother Church, Article XIII, Section 2.
The receipt of all applications is acknowledged by the Clerk; and on the date set for consideration, notice of acceptance or rejection is sent by the Clerk to those whose applications have been received in time. Should an applicant not receive such notice, he is requested to communicate with the Clerk before forwarding a second application.
The next meeting of the Board for this purpose occurs June 2, 1933. Applications to be acted upon at that time should reach the Clerk by May 19, 1933. Applications received too late for the June admission will be placed on file for the November, 1933, admission.
Application forms may usually be obtained from Reading Rooms and from the Clerks of branch organizations, or they may be secured by addressing Ezra W. Palmer, Clerk, 80 Hemenway Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Cable Address: Church, Boston.
