Article February 3, 1906 Issue

Working for the Cause

WILLARD S. MATTOX.

One of the characteristics of a Christian Science church member, which often attracts the attention of the outsider, is his zeal and quiet enthusiasm. There are no spectacular features in our church life, no artificial attractions, no display, no manufactured enthusiasm.

To grow toward the divine Mind, or God, to reflect Him, to be governed only by Him, to express His infinite modes, to succeed only because it is right to be like God, who is the very Principle of rightness,—this is the daily work of the Christian Scientist. This naturally works itself out in the matter of building up our Cause. We love Christian Science and desire above everything else to see it grow and prosper. We want to work for it, we want to participate in its beneficent practice, we want to display our loyalty and devotion by doing something. This earnestness in behalf of our Cause is so marked and so universal that others quickly notice it, and it has come to be recognized as one of the distinguishing features of the Christian Science Church.

The pastor of a flourishing church in one of our large New England cities was talking about Christian Science one day to his official board. He asked them if they knew anything about it. One man said he had attended a service at a Christian Science church and remarked upon three features: the cheerfulness of the people, their earnestness, and their sociability. The pastor said he wished every Christian church could incorporate these peculiarities into their work. A Christian Scientist could have told him that he might have adopted all these qualities and yet he would not have touched the hem of Christian Science, nor would he be any nearer an explanation of the wonderful success of the Christian Science movement during the few decades since its establishment by Mrs. Eddy. The reason for this success must be sought elsewhere than in superficial traits. Cheerfulness, earnestness, and good-will do characterize the Christian Scientist; but these are effects, and when we know their cause, we are in the way of discovering why Christian Science prospers.

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