COULD there be a higher purpose, a more worth-while and satisfying motive, than to have a part in the progressive unfolding of the spiritual idea of Church in human consciousness? This was the purpose of Christ Jesus; it should be the purpose of all who profess to be his followers. It was the purpose of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy.
Some may feel that the church which Jesus founded was a human organization, while others will comment that most of his acts and words had little relevancy to the ordinary concept of church. But the Master said (Matt. 16:18), "Upon this rock I will build my church." Christian Science teaches that "rock" here stands for the supremacy of Spirit, Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated in overcoming the material beliefs of fear, sin, sickness, death—which healing activity was indeed the foundation of Jesus' church. The Principle of his teaching, exemplified in daily living, will cause wars to cease and will help mankind to live in harmony and true brotherhood. What comparable way could there be of glorifying and serving God? "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 3:11).
A question foremost today in the minds of many thinking people is, Can the organization known as the United Nations accomplish its purpose and ensure the future peace of the world? All peace-loving people will pray for the success of its efforts. But doubt and suspicion between individuals and nations can never be replaced entirely by confidence, trust, and good will, and peace thus be assured, until thought and action are based upon the rock, or Christ, underlying the teachings of the Master.
The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, with its branch churches all over the world, calls for the acceptance and demonstration of all the Master's teachings without reservation, proving the availability of the power of Truth and Love in healing sickness and sin and in overcoming discords of every name and nature. The student of Christian Science recognizes that The Mother Church with its branches is the highest human concept of "Church," defined by Mrs. Eddy on page 583of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
In this definition she first gives us the spiritual concept thus: "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." Then she goes on to elucidate the application of that perfect spiritual concept to the needs of humanity: "The Church is 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."
It is clear, then, that far more is required from one who unites with The Mother Church, or a branch church, than a share in the building of church edifices wherein to hold services, or more or less routine attendance at the services. There is nothing static about this Church. It is vital, dynamic, progressive, and those who unite with it should likewise be. It upholds the banner of Truth and Love victorious, and there is no place within its spiritual structure for complacency.
The Christian Scientist recognizes that Mrs. Eddy was divinely directed when she set forth the government of The Mother Church in the By-Laws of the Church Manual. Even so, she saw that until mankind reaches the perfect understanding of spiritual man, absolutely governed by the one Mind, divine Principle, questions will arise with regard to the conduct and government of the organization. Therefore, for the further protection of the organization, she placed in the hands of The Christian Science Board of Directors both the responsibility for directing the affairs of The Mother Church under the By-Laws and the responsibility for keeping pure the presentation of Christian Science to the world through the authorized literature, lectures, class teaching, practitioners, and other avenues provided for in the Manual. While the Manual provides a unique form of government for The Mother Church, it provides local self-government on a democratic basis for the branch churches.
The need for the great care our Leader took to protect the Cause of Christian Science is clearly stated by her on pages 61 and 62of "Retrospection and Introspection": "Posterity will have the right to demand that Christian Science be stated and demonstrated in its godliness and grandeur,—that however little be taught or learned, that little shall be right. Let there be milk for babes, but let not the milk be adulterated. Unless this method be pursued, the Science of Christian healing will again be lost, and human suffering will increase."
Recognizing the many opportunities this duty offers for progress, those who are called upon to serve their branch churches will be alert to perform functions allotted to them with prayerful preparation, love, and efficiency. All members, whether they are appointed to office or not, are privileged to contribute by their presence and prayers to the attractiveness and harmonious atmosphere of the Sunday services and Wednesday meetings.
Attention to the technique and art of reading, as well as to the spiritual message of the Word by those who serve as Readers, ensures that the textbooks, the Bible and Science and Health, shall be read audibly, clearly, and understandingly. Then those who listen become imbued with a sense of the import of the Word and its enlightening, healing power. In this connection the experience of a student, recorded on page 59 of the book entitled "We Knew Mary Baker Eddy," is significant. He tells us that when our Leader appointed him to The Christian Science Board of Lectureship, in addition to her prayers for him, she sent him a little book on elocution. The healing truth which is read from the inspired Word of the textbooks comes with the authority of God. It declares the Christ, God's idea, revealing the presence of spiritual reality.
The value of testimonies at the Wednesday meetings is greatly enhanced when they are given clearly, with an unmistakable sense of gratitude and sincerity which bespeaks the goodness of God. A testimony in order to be of value must of course be heard.
An alert student of Christian Science cannot be other than a grateful one, and a grateful student cannot be less than an enthusiastic one. Such a one will not hesitate at the right time to seek membership in a branch church and in The Mother Church. His gratitude is great for our Leader's discovery and for her unselfish labors to give it to mankind; for the light that this teaching throws upon the Scriptures; for the healing that he has experienced in mind and body; and for the knowledge that in the final analysis all evil will be proved unreal and Truth demonstrated to be All. He is grateful for the knowledge that the real man, the only man there is, is spiritual and perfect. His gratitude for all these blessings, and many more, cannot fail to inspire him to devote his thought and purpose to further the progressive unfolding of the spiritual idea of Church in human consciousness.
Are we, then, doing all that we might be doing to speed the fuller unfoldment of Church in human consciousness, the unfoldment which alone can bring lasting peace and harmony to a distressed world?
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom.—Luke 12:32.
