The Manual's Enduring Purpose

The pattern of the Manual of the Mother Church is divine. It records more of the requisite details of God's government than its readers detect upon the surface. From the vantage point of those walking through the valley of the shadow of death, the Manual presents Truth-and-Love governance, including spiritual discipline, spiritual instruction, and spiritual activity specially adapted to meet their needs. The novice, not recognizing the reason or value of the Manual's bylaws, may object to its regulations, but growth in grace answers those objections. As the so-called powers of the imagination (all beliefs) fade away in the minds of men, the Manual continues to stand firm, and its divine origin, purpose, and destiny become clearer. There is but one Christ, and, therefore, there can be but one church - one throne, one seat of authority. Because the structure of Truth and Love is scientific, its Principle must be manifested throughout Mind's universe. In the resurrection, all dependence on matter is dissolved, and the divine pattern remains. We live in accordance with divine law, "for in him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Jesus, John, and Mrs. Eddy never left heaven behind, and so were able to demonstrate the temple of the living God while still visible on earth. Now we must go and do likewise - be governed by divine law.

George Denninger ©