When one receives a very precious gift, his first thoughts are naturally of joy and gratitude. Then if he is wise, he begins to think of ways and means to safeguard and protect his treasure. Our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, knew the great value of the spiritual treasure she discovered and gave to the world as Christian Science. She gave fully and freely of her discovery in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and in her other writings.
Mrs. Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, for the perpetuation and progress of Christian Science. Then in her great wisdom she wrote the Manual of The Mother Church, with its By-Laws and instructions, for the government of the Church and its individual members. The provisions in this little book have proved to be capable guardians and vigilant protectors of our Leader's priceless gift.
The basic reason for the Manual is found in Article I, Section 9, of this book. Here Mrs. Eddy says, "Without a proper system of government and form of action, nations, individuals, and religion are unprotected." When each member feels that the protection and preservation of our Cause rest on his strict adherence to these By-Laws, he will no longer be tempted to think them unimportant or to believe that certain things do not apply to him personally.
