Article May 18, 1912 Issue

GRATITUDE

JAMES H. DAVIS.

In frequent trips across the continent, both in the United States and Canada, during which it has been my privilege to visit many Christian Science churches, ranging in size from the stately temple of The Mother Church in Boston to the small newly-formed society where only a handful was gathered together "in his name," I have been deeply impressed with the steady growth of Christian Science and of all the evident blessings that are at hand for the field throughout the entire world. I cannot help but feel a deep sense of gratitude coming with the knowledge that wherever we are, in any part of the civilized world, there we can find Christian Science churches using the same Bible, the same Science and Health, the same Lesson-Sermons, and governed by the same Church Manual. We may also feel sure of a welcome in any Christian Science church, wherever it may be found.

Remembering the growth and seeming prosperity of our beloved cause, I wonder if we are showing our gratitude in every possible way for all these blessings. Mrs. Eddy constantly reminds us that gratitude means more that lip service. On page 3 of Science and Health she says: "Are we really grateful for the good already received; ... we cannot conceal the ingratitude of barren lives."

This should lead us to ask ourselves what we are doing to express our gratitude for all our blessings. In the satisfaction of seeing the church or society in which we are interested seemingly grow, expand, and perhaps acquire its own church edifice, do we always remember that our church or society is a branch of The Mother Church? Are we being thoughtful of "the vine"? Do we realize that unless the vine is nurtured and cared for, unless it is strong, sturdy, and healthy, the branches cannot grow, neither can they "bear much fruit"? The cause of Christian Science is bound up with The Mother Church, woven into it, and must stand or fall with The Mother Church. Its mental, moral, and spiritual condition is reflected in the branches throughout the entire field, and in proportion to our fidelity and loyalty to The Mother Church do we grow into a higher and better understanding of this truth.

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