[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel February 5, 1938]
Inquiries are frequently made by Readers in branch churches, and by others, regarding the nature and use of benedictions in Christian Science church services. Therefore the following comments on the subject of benedictions may prove helpful.
As used in church services, a benediction is generally in the form of an invocation of divine blessing upon the members of the congregation, such as the often-used one from II Corinthians: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." And it should be remembered that the benediction is an invocation, not an exhortation.
