Christian Science is preeminently a religion of profound thought and deep spiritual understanding. At the same time it is intensely practical, its beneficent influences being adapted to every human need. Much is heard and read of the "metaphysics" of Christian Science, but more in evidence to the world in general are its wonderful demonstrations of all manner of healing.

To maintain a constant growth in grace, Christian Scientists find it necessary to be persistent and conscientious students of the Bible, with the aid of their text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and Mrs. Eddy's other writings, and that it is equally important for them to reflect or transmute their understanding of divine Truth in example and deeds. Jesus, the original exponent of Christian Science, during his ministry never ceased to emphasize the practical side of his message. He showed by precept and example that the higher attainments proceed from going about and everywhere doing good, which in the broadest sense means the healing work. The practise of Christian Science is what truly defines a Christian Scientist, and Mrs. Eddy tells us that "when man demonstrates Christian Science absolutely, he will be perfect" (Science and Health, p. 372).

An oft-used and certainly an appropriate illustration with Jesus, when bent on bringing his disciples to a recognition of their responsibility, was light. He told them that they were "the light of the world," warned them that this light must not be hidden, and exhorted them to let it so shine that all about them might have opportunity to share its effulgence. The apostles in their preaching and epistles repeated the lessons received by them, in order that those of the new way won by them might for their own spiritual growth and the good of their fellows be doers or exemplifiers of the word. Paul, the metaphysician among the first heralds of the "good news," was second to none in exhorting those whom he addressed to put into daily practise the truths which had been taught them. The words of the caption of this article are found in his letter to Titus, whom he directs to counsel those who have apprehended Christ to "be ready to every good work."

Christian Science, rediscovered and restored by our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, after years of testing has won a reception in the world that is amazing. Its achievements have largely silenced those disposed to antagonize it, and it is now widely known as the religion which heals the sick, reclaims the sinner, dispels fear, awakens hope, affords joy, develps love, elevates citizenship, makes for the best in character, society, trade, art, literature, and philanthropy,—a religion, in short, which brings heaven to mankind here and now. Christian Science is no longer on trial, except as the Christian Scientist is on trial. He is expected to fulfil so far as possible the promises of his religion, and Christian Science will go forward, conquering and to conquer, proportionately as its adherents are faithful in the exemplification of its truth in their lives and practise.

Mrs. Eddy, who was awake to all requirements of an interested but critical world, repeatedly lays stress upon practical every-day demonstration as a conclusive and effective proof of the efficacy of Christian Science in the regeneration and salvation of mankind. Commodious and ornate church edifices, large assemblages, and the irrefutable logic, Scriptural truthfulness, and spiritual beauty of the lessons unfolded, may produce a favorable impression; but that through which Christian Science in the main wins men, is the interpretation by its votaries of their spiritual understanding in love and good works. The example of dignity, unity, love, harmony, and cooperation set before the world by a Christian Science church or society, and the consistent life of the Christian Scientist, mean healing.

Paul's exhortation was that the disciples of Christ should be "ready to every good work." Readiness implies willingness; a disposition that prompts us to say, "I will try to do." It is usually the unwilling individual who sees difficulties in the way and who proffers excuses for inaction. Willingness also precludes the spirit and motive of the "hireling," who is ready to flee from duty when selfish interests are at stake. Jesus laid much stress on willingness. He taught, pleaded, and exhorted, but he never resorted to force to gain followers. Discipleship was to be individual and voluntary. Readiness also implies fitness. In Christian Science, spiritual scientific understanding precedes demonstration. Not every one who is pleased with the teachings of Christian Science, who commends the movement, attends the services, owns a copy of Science and Health and reads it, is because of these things a Christian Scientist and qualified to do good scientific work. The promise of Christ Jesus was that every one who believed on him aright, who understood him, could follow him as the Wayshower and do the works which he did. The thought of fitness is calculated with some to suggest the matter of gifts and attainments. But experience and observation have disclosed that people cannot be chosen for spiritual work according to the standards commonly followed in selecting agents for other service. In this connection astonishment and perplexity are often excited. Paul's words are recalled where he says: "Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are." The great apostle furnished the key to the situation when explaining his own confidence of success. His exceptional intellectual equipment and prestige from social and professional standing and influence among his fellows were not given consideration, but he declared: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Christ Jesus buttressed the commission which bids us preach the gospel and heal the sick, with the assurances of needed help. "All power is given unto me;" "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

"Be ready to every good work." Note the distinction—not every great, but every good work. Opportunities for great work, as accomplishments are commonly regarded, are rare and come to few. Every-day life is a constant succession of little incidents, and consequently the services possible correspond therewith. Inconsistent though it be, there are to be found even among Christian Scientists those who seem hesitant to heed the call of "little duties." They seem to be looking for something which they count "important" or "great" to engage them. But who is qualified to decide what is "important" or "great"? Indeed the question is sometimes raised as to whether there is anything that can be rated as insignificant. Considered in their relations and in the light of their after effects, most minor matters assume a grave importance. In reality, viewed aright, there are no trivial duties. The author of "Vanity Fair" wrote: "Are there not little chapters in everybody's life, that seem to be nothing, and yet affect all the rest of the history?" A cheerful greeting, a warm grasp of the hand, a fit word of truth in season, a simple kindness, patience, consideration, a loving smile, the gift of a copy of the periodicals,—these little things, which any one possessed of the Christ love and spirit can and should do, have repeatedly turned the scale for good for men and women. The all-important thing is, to do whatever falls to our lot to do with a great motive.

Those who magnify and selfishly aspire to only such duties as they denominate "great," clearly show thereby that they are thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to think, and certainly that they have come short of apprehending the mind that was in Christ Jesus, who in both teachings and example set forth that among his followers to be "greatest" is to be childlike and to be ready and prompt to serve wherever opportunity offers.

In Christian Science no one is "greatest," and there will be no ambition for anything of the kind among Christian Scientists, where it is understood that Principle, not person, provides the work and fits us to do it, or, better, does it through us. Mrs. Eddy frequently warned against everything that partook of the nature of a desire to be conspicuous and to be a "leader" in the popular sense of that term. For herself, time and again, she disclaimed having any other purpose than to be an humble servant of the most High, and she lovingly counseled those who looked to her for guidance to accept her for an ensample only so far as she followed Christ Jesus. As for opportunities for good works, they are on all sides and are ever present. They can be discovered in the home, on the street, in the place of business, in the church. They only require recognition.

A world awaits the healing work of Christian Science. No one need be, no one can afford to be idle, if prepared to answer the call for help. All have a right to work and no one can be deprived of it. Not a few have erred seriously from an eagerness to work away from where they are located, distance apparently having lent enchntment to a remote field, and thus they have been hindered from seeing and improving fine opportunities near at hand. The actual daily life of the Christian Scientist, wherever he may be, who heals himself and those about him, is what always tells. Each individual street-light faithfully serves its purpose where it was placed, by sending out its radiance and illuminating all the place allotted it; its rays also blend with those of neighboring lamps, and thus all contribute to make bright the great highway. So every Christian Scientist, "ready to every good work" in his respective place, serves not only in that immediate locality, but also cooperates with all workers everywhere, for a world-wide diffusion of the Christ light, with haling in its beams.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 177) Mrs. Eddy forcefully says: "Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consevration to the greatest and holiest of all causes." Then she puts the question, "What will you do about it?" In Christian Science individuality is emphasized. It is for each one to make his or her own answer to the searching inquiry noticed. What say you?