THE Church of Christ, Scientist, has a high standard for the discipline of its members. Officers of a branch church are usually members of The Mother Church. They are, therefore, governed by the rules of discipline given in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy. Article VIII, Section 1, is entitled "A Rule for Motives and Acts." It contains these words: "In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness."
When a member of a church fails in some way to live up to the standard required of his position as a member or as an officer of the church, a responsibility falls on other members to take action. But this action must begin with love. It must be action that is charitable and forgiving, and its purpose must be to encourage the wayward brother to regain his position, to reestablish himself as an active member in accordance with the bylaws of the church.
The responsibility that falls upon members who know, or who learn, of another member's misstep is a grave one. It demands the deepest humility and consecration. It demands silent prayer and examination and purification of one's own thoughts before taking overt action. In "Miscellaneous Writings," Mrs. Eddy says (p.129): "One's first lesson is to learn one's self; having done this, one will naturally, through grace from God, forgive his brother and love his enemies. To avenge an imaginary or an actual wrong, is suicidal."
