Article July 1, 1916 Issue

Healing the Multitudes

FLORENCE CLERIHEW BOYD

At a business meeting in one of the branch churches the question of properly seating people at the services was earnestly discussed, and it was suggested by some that the church-members occupy front seats, so that late comers might be easily seated. One of the members, in giving prayerful thought to the subject at home, came to the conclusion that for the members to occupy any seats to the exclusion of others would not be conducive to harmony. Should all the members be seated in front, the stranger would be apt to go away unwelcomed. This led to the thought that the chief duty at the church services is to welcome the stranger within our gates. Each member has his own part and place in the service, if the hungry and thirsty are not to go away as needy as they came. If each member would know that he was ready and glad to sit where he could best do his God-given work, where he could best supply the need that it was his business to supply, there would be no confusion, no selfish preempting of comfortable seats, but each one would be in the right place and comfort and order abound for all.

In demonstration of this thought the member went to church knowing that God governed and directed, and that no mortal thought could prevent His guidance from being manifested. She found herself seated beside two visitors who had never before attended a Christian Science service and who were eager to know where the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, might be procured. In the succeeding weeks she found that every time she sought God's guidance and went to church with the thought of giving, she found herself near some one who needed help.

Further consideration led to the realization that it is our business as church-members to go to church not so much to get as to give. We should go not only expecting to be fed, but understanding how best to help those who have never known the healing power of Truth. We should take with us a clear consciousness of the presence and power of divine Love, deep gratitude for blessings received, unselfed purpose, each "seeking his own in another's good," as our Leader says (Science and Health, p. 518). Going with such intent, could any return unblessed?

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