Whatever may be said of Christian Science, for or against, the one indisputable fact remains—that of its quiet, unseen influence in our communities. Its most strenuous critics admit that "there's something in it." when they encounter on all sides those who have unmistakably been "made over," as it were,—who see the "silver lining." who are no longer pessimistic, who no longer bore everybody with their tales of woe, and who have learned, like Mark Tapley, to be "cheerful under all circumstances."

The "doubting Thomas" may well look into this phase of the question, study it, think about it, and then practise a bit of it. Is it worth while? Try it, and see if your path is not smoother, the outlook brighter. This is one step toward becoming better morally, it gives food for thought, it puts you on better terms with yourself and every one around you, it makes you most desirable as a companion, friend, and comforter. A case in point is that of a Boston woman, a professional writer, brought up in the Unitarian faith, but who did not pose as a Christian; in fact, she was not a regular attendant at her church, going rather just when the spirit willed. She was of a highstrung. supersensitive temperament, impulsive, critical, more or less fault-finding, partly owing to the lack of a guiding hand when young, and to the absence of home influences.

When the new church in Boston was completed, in June, 1906, she was delegated by her newspaper to write up the dedicatory exercises; and she rebelled, having at the time no personal interest in Christian Science. It was a hot day, and she had to rise at half past five in order to attend the first service. On reaching the scene and finding herself too late to get in, she began to scold and fuss; then she looked at the long line of men and women, reaching as far as the eye could see. She noted first the serenity of their faces, their repose and patience, their well-bred and prosperous appearance, their absolute coolness. All this acted like an antidote; she suddenly felt herself humiliated, humbled, rebuked, and so she took her place in line, catching instantly the right thought, vowing to curb her selfishness and cultivate a better frame of mind.

From that hour this woman began really to live. She got her lesson, not from any word spoken or reproachful glance, but simply through the silent example of the twenty-five hundred Christian Scientists before her very eyes. They were from various parts of the world, gathered there with one purpose, and of one mind regarding the great benefits derived through divine Love. Within the edifice were five thousand others, and four times that day the scene was repeated within and without.

Well, the woman entered, followed the service, sang the hymns, was deeply impressed with the silent prayer, and came away a far different being from the one who left her home out of sorts three hours earlier. She adopted the church, and in two years she has done wonders with herself,—has grown younger in looks and feelings, has abandoned all moody thoughts, is able to do splendid work, has overcome her sensitiveness, having learned that it is mere vanity and selfishness. Her friends marvel at the change, and seek her company nowadays, as they get a bit of an inspiration and a little stiffening of their spinal column.

Now, on that first day, nobody spoke to her except an usher, nobody urged her to "come again," and nobody preached Christian Science to her; but an unseen influence permeated the atmosphere that has made this woman's life brighter. It caused her to do better work, thereby increasing her income; it made new friends, it drove away from her mind all thought of disease which she had fancied possessed her, until now she is a perfectly well woman and in a quiet way is helping others to enjoy the same blessings.

There was an interesting scene in a Boston shop the other day between a purchaser and a woman clerk. The former desired to match something a bit difficult as to shade. The clerk took special pains, showing a vastly different temperament from one whom the purchaser had encountered a few moments previously in another shop, so she said, "I am sorry to trouble you on such a hot day," whereupon the girl looked up with a radiant smile and said, "Nothing troubles me, madam; it is a pleasure to serve you, and I do not mind the heat." What happened? Two hands clasped, that's all; but there was the Christian Science bond between them, and no words were needed. It is hardly possible to go into any of the large shops of Boston, for instance, without being able to pick out the ones who have been aided by Christian Science, if only in a small way. They do not advertise themselves, but there is something that radiates and reaches out, and when once found proves a lasting benefit. Such clerks are invaluable to their employers, and we often hear of increase in salaries in consequence. Prosperity follows in the wake of a desire to become better men and women, and when Christian Science becomes more universal there will be less poverty and fewer charities to maintain.

Perhaps to no other profession does Christian Science so distinctly appeal as to the theatrical. Actors and actresses are emotional beings, usually high-strung, sensitive, and many of them erratic. Here and there we find them philosophical, receptive to religious influences and teachings. They are all of them hard and conscientious workers, with many to please, and as a rule they have little time to theorize. Those who have made ever so slight a study of Christian Science, however, are quietly spreading the gospel. Stage managers rise up and call them blessed, for where the devotees of this—to them—new faith are, harmony reigns.

It is generally known that Charles Klein, America's most successful playwright, set the example some years ago, when he wrote "The Music Master," "The Lion and the Mouse," "The Daughters of Men," three of the strongest plays of this generation, plays that tell forcibly some plain truths and which point good morals. Mr. Klein inherits his taste for metaphysics from his father, and he found in Christian Science just what he needed to give him courage to overcome obstacles. Mr. Klein is an enthusiast on the subject, and frankly says he owes much of his success to its teachings.

Lindsay Morison, actor and recent manager of the Boston Theater, is a regular attendant at The Mother Church, and he radiates cheerfulness. It is always a genuine pleasure to meet him, and one feels that all is well in his relations with the world at large. His attractive wife, Rose Morison, shares in the prosperity and happiness which comes into the lives of those who are sincere in their belief that Christian Science is a panacea for all ills of mind and body. Every Sunday in any Christian Science church in a large city you will find members of the profession in large numbers. This is particularly true of New York and Boston. In the latter city are many regular attendants like Mr. and Mrs. Morison, among them Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miller and their young daughter, Doris, Mr. Miller having found the service and teachings of great comfort to him in "facing the music" when emergencies arise. Petite Ida Mülle, who recently spent several weeks in Boston, went regularly to the service, always finding some congenial sister actress there. Lucille La Verne is another devotee of The Mother Church, and never missed a service until called away to go en tour, and then she followed carefully the Lesson-Sermons. Lina Abar-banell puts her study into practice and is a silent power in the company, buoying them up while on the trains and during rehearsals just by her example of cheerfulness and loving thoughts. Many members of Mr. Klein's companies have adopted Christian Science as a "cure for all ills." They are happier in their work, which is no longer irksome, and they effectively and silently smooth out many alleged troubles. Others see the influence exerted and soon follow suit. Communities are benefited, and the great world must needs be better in every way for the advent of this great power for good, for mental uplift, for that which keeps us on our best behavior and gives us grace for the day.