GENERATION after generation will see the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy stand guard over the Christian Science movement to protect and preserve Mrs. Eddy's revelation of Truth. We might say that the Manual presents to us our Leader's demonstration of law. She knew that the Cause of Christian Science could not prosper without law.
An important letter to The Christian Science Board of Directors is published in the pamphlet, "Permanency of The Mother Church and Its Manual," in which Mrs. Eddy advises (p. 18), "Never abandon the By-laws nor the denominational government of the Mother Church." And she states further: "The present and future prosperity of the cause of Christian Science is largely due to the By-laws and government of 'The First Church of Christ, Scientist' in Boston. None but myself can know, as I know, the importance of the combined sentiment of this Church remaining steadfast in supporting its present By-laws."
The Church Manual is based on universal, impartial, divine Principle, God. Divine Principle expresses itself in law, order, harmony, protection, and preservation. These qualities produce obedience, correction, right activity, progress in human experience. The Manual reveals Principle to human apprehension so that true government may be manifested by individuals in the Christian Science church organization. Thus the Cause is protected and perpetuated by Christian Scientists who are demonstrating Principle through obedience to the Manual.
