The research staff of The Mary Baker Eddy Library often answers historical questions about By-Laws found in the Manual of The Mother Church. Why do this? Well, a historical approach to the Manual can be helpful in understanding many of its By-Laws. This is because they often came out of very specific circumstances and could be misinterpreted without knowledge of their original context.
With its close connection to historical events, the Manual presents an absorbing record of the development of the Church of Christ, Scientist, and it also gives a sound structure for members to carry forward the Church's Christly mission. As Mary Baker Eddy once assured a student, "You know that I love you and you know that God has made, and is making His ways and works manifest through Divine Science. I trust He will direct your path in the footsteps of His flock. The Holy Bible, Science & Health and The Mother Church Manual are your safe guides, follow them" (H00132, Mary Baker Eddy to Augusta E. Stetson, August 30, 1909, The Mary Baker Eddy Collection).
With this in mind, over the next few months the Library will share background information on selected By-Laws. To get things started, here's a brief historical overview:
