As the time approaches for the election of Readers in branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, members are called upon to do prayerful and consecrated metaphysical work. Alert students will have their lamp of spiritual discernment filled with the oil of heavenly inspiration. They will be keenly aware of the fact that the election of Readers in a Church of Christ, Scientist, is an important and sacred charge, rather than mere parliamentary procedure. Such an election is above any personal policy. Indeed it is the test of the ability of the church members, individually and collectively, to go to the Father in such holy communion and at-one-ment that they will clearly reflect His unerring discernment in choosing one who is spiritually prepared to fill the office of Reader.
In the Manual of The Mother Church, our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, indicates her concept of the importance of the work of the Readers and of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly when she states (Art. III, Sect. 1). "The Readers of The Mother Church and of all its branch churches must devote a suitable portion of their time to preparation for the reading of the Sunday lesson, a lesson on which the prosperity of Christian Science largely depends." Also in Section 6 she requires that "they shall read understandingly and be well educated."
The textbooks, the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, are our only pastor, and they contain the truth which is the panacea for discord of every name and nature. While it is important that they be read in conformity with the best standards of English, it is imperative that they be read with spiritual understanding.
