THE usual secular government is subject to the ebb and flow of changing human concepts. The government of the Church of Christ, Scientist, and its members is based upon the inspired teachings of Christian Science, given in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Church Manual, and other writings by Mary Baker Eddy. Christian Science is the perfect, spiritual law of God. The Manual of The Mother Church might be said to connect our inspired textbook, presenting Christian Science in its purity and entirety, and our church organization, which expresses the unfolding to human consciousness of the spiritual idea, "Church." Our revered Leader defines it in part in Science and Health (p. 583) as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."
The Manual in its highest sense is a revelation of true government from unchanging Mind, divine Principle, and therefore never will need revision. In giving our organization this final instruction as to church and individual government our Leader was divinely led. Does not this precious volume deserve our highest regard and study? When we study it humbly, and utilize the spiritual understanding bestowed upon us by divine Mind in unlimited measure, we can grasp the simple yet profound meaning of these By-Laws. Then we can better help mankind to understand and to obey true government. How immeasurably great is its importance to us and to all mankind!
Do we rightly appreciate the fact that the Manual is an integral part of our Leader's revelation of Truth; that its Rules and By-Laws were spiritually perceived on the same high mountain of unselfed, exalted consciousness as was the textbook of Christian Science, and that its directions are therefore inspired and unalterably true? Yes, our hearts overflow with humble thankfulness in pondering the sublimity of that revelation of government and its blessings to all mankind.
