“The two largest words in the vocabulary of thought are “Christian” and “Science.” The former is the highest style of man; the latter reveals and interprets God and man; it aggregates, amplifies, unfolds, and expresses the ALL-God. The life of Christ is the predicate and postulate of all that I teach, and there is but one standard statement, one rule, and one Principle for all scientific truth” (No and Yes, p. 10:6-13).

From an article entitled, “Christian Science Not Just a Name,” by Andrew Kidd (on the PF website – “CornerStone” published May 2013), the author states, “The Supreme Court of New Jersey rejected the argument on the basis that Christian Science is far more than a brand name! It is worth considering why the term needs to be appreciated, and never relegated to just being a name! . . . . ‘Like our nation, Christian Science has its Declaration of Independence. God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason, and conscience. Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love.’ (S & H) Can it be any clearer? When using the term Christian Science, the student needs to take off his sandals/shoes/slippers, for he is walking on holy ground.”

Is it any wonder that the BoD fought so hard to try to retain control over these “two largest words in the vocabulary of thought”?! What a TREMENDOUS debt of gratitude is due for the steadfast, immovable perseverance of the Plainfield Church to carry the fight through to a victorious end, back in the 1970s-80s! Their victory, in which they “. . . won the right to use . . . . the name ‘Christian Science,’. . .” was “truly historic”! (“History of Our Independence” on the PF website).

I’m grateful for the reminder on the Plainfield website, in the article entitled “Things to Handle Daily,” from Watches, Prayers, and Arguments Given by Mary Baker Eddy, of the following: “Know every day, that the world is ready for Christian Science” (“The Blue Book,” p. 145).