A new edition of the pamphlet "Permanency of The Mother Church and Its Manual," containing hitherto unpublished items of great interest and importance, has just been issued by The Christian Science Publishing Society. Drawn from the Archives of The Mother Church, and now appearing in print for the first time, are an account by Judge Clifford P. Smith of an interview with our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, and an excerpt from the reminiscences of William R. Rathvon which relates a conversation with General Henry M. Baker, a kinsman of our Leader's and one of her legal advisers. A facsimile reproduction of a letter from Mrs. Eddy to The Christian Science Board of Directors is also included in the new pamphlet.
In the Preface to our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy tells us (p, xi: 22): "When God called the author to proclaim His Gospel to this age, there came also the charge to plant and water His vineyard." It was in fulfillment of this divine demand that our Leader founded The Mother Church. She labored unceasingly to protect her Church, to promote its growth, and to ensure its continuance. The By-Laws of the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy without exception have for their underlying purpose the permanency and unimpaired usefulness of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, with its branches throughout the world and all its varied activities.
Mrs. Eddy in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 247) describes the Church as the mouthpiece of Christian Science. The student who thoughtfully considers our Leader's purpose becomes increasingly aware of the vital importance of the Church in the development of our Cause. He becomes increasingly aware too of his own opportunities to do his part in supporting, defending, and extending the Church founded and nourished by our beloved Leader.
