Article July 22, 1916 Issue

Value of a Smile

JOHN H. HISTED

We cannot overestimate the value of the smiles usually seen on the faces of those who are advanced in the understanding of Christian Science, for the smile of a Christian Scientist reveals his recognition in a greater or lesser degree of the ever-presence of God and of man in His image and likeness. Mrs. Eddy tells us in Science and Health (p. 261) that God is "the Principle of all happiness, harmony, and immortality." Such a smile is therefore the manifestation of an exalted and happy state of consciousness. It is, so to speak, a most effective testimony. The purpose of a testimony is to point out to others the result of a correct application of spiritual law by giving evidence in some way of the benefits we have derived from an understanding of it; the motive should be gratitude and a desire to share our blessings with others. Is there any form of testimony which will convey these messages to human consciousness more thoroughly than the silent eloquence of a radiant countenance?

It is an established fact that a great number of people have become attracted to Christian Science by the happy faces of those who faithfully practise its teachings, and their own urgent need for better health and harmony arouses a desire to know the cause of this unusual joyfulness of disposition. Here I would like to give my own experience as an illustration, for it was the smile of a Christian Scientist which first awoke my interest in this subject. About seven years ago I was employed by a concern the president of which was a Christian Scientist, and he had the most peaceful, happy, and kindly expression I had ever seen. His face shone with the light of spiritual understanding, the consciousness of good.

Every time I saw him I caught a glimpse of man's true being as God's reflection or idea, although I had never heard of Christian Science and did not know that he was one of its adherents; but in his presence I always felt a deep sense of lack, for there was the undeniable evidence that, as the result of some inspiring influence which I did not then comprehend, he was a healthier, happier, and far better man than I was. Thus a good seed was sown in my heart by a man to whom I was almost a stranger and with whom I had never had any conversation.

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