Article July 13, 1907 Issue

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE READING ROOM

HOLMES HOGE

Christian Scientists are not infrequently accused of being opposed to any missionary work, in the way of sending the light, as taught by our great Wayshower, to those who are held in the thraldom of error's chains. Quite the reverse is the case, and the fact is that no denomination is doing more than the Christian Scientists in the way of reaching out for the saving of all mankind, not only in teaching them the way of salvation, but in showing them how to protect themselves from sin, disease, and all manner of discord. Jesus spent much of his time, both in the way of precept and of example, in preparing his disciples for their missionary labors, and when the Master gave them his final instructions they were equipped to do intelligently and effectually the work which they were commanded to do. To-day one powerful agency for the spreading of the gospel is the Christian Science Reading Room, and more especially so if those having the affair in charge are alive to the great opportunities that present themselves for the spreading of the glad tidings. The writer knows of one Christian Science church, with a membership roll of less than two hundred, which maintains a Reading Room that is open every day during the week and is under the management of a committee who are alive to its needs and necessities, and who, under the guidance of Principle, are not only meeting the demands made upon them in their immediate neighborhood, but are reaching out to many far distant States in our much beloved country, from ocean to ocean and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf. They have been able to place Science and Health, together with other Christian Science literature, in the libraries of twelve different army posts. The officers in charge of these libraries have, it may be said, accepted in a most courteous manner the proposals to send this literature to them. Truth will open the door and Truth will do its own work. Literature has also been sent to seven different mining camps in Cripple Creek, Col. In a word, this committee dispensed approximately (and this gratuitously), during the year 1906, twenty copies of Science and Health, fourteen hundred Sentinels, two hundred Journals, three hundred and thirty tracts, and one hundred and thirty-eight pamphlets and hymnals. Truly the fields have been found already white for the harvest, and through this labor of love many have been drawn up into the higher understanding of God, good.

One branch of this Reading Room work that is accomplishing noble and grand results is what is known as the "loan library." In this library are to be found all the works of our well-beloved Leader. A large number of these books are voluntary contributions of the church members. To any one desiring to borrow a book a copy is loaned for two weeks, and if at the end of that period a longer time is requested, an additional term of two weeks is granted; it must then be returned, and no individual can borrow such book again until the expiration of another two weeks. The results of this work have proven most satisfactory, and very many who take advantage of this means of looking into the teachings of our text-book return as purchasers, and thus become owners instead of borrowers. The good seed sown has taken root in good ground and is bringing forth fruit to the glory of God. From fifteen to twenty-two copies of Science and Health are in almost constant circulation, and the number is at present being increased. Thus it will be seen that experience has proven the loan library to be a vital element for good, and it would seem that what is for good in one portion of the field should certainly prove good for all.

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