Article December 21, 1918 Issue

The Use of the Reading Rooms

HARRIET N. TAYLOR

How many of us are availing ourselves of our wonderful opportunities in the use of the Christian Science reading rooms? We may be constantly learning to better appreciate the opportunities for growth offered in our church services and in the activities of church work as well as in the rich treasures which come to us monthly, weekly, and daily in our periodicals, but do we realize what regular periods for the study of truth in the reading room would mean? Are we not apt to think of the reading room as merely a source of supply for the Christian Science literature when needed, or as a convenient place to spend an occasional half hour, perhaps while waiting for an appointment?

The question may be asked as to why one should make a point of studying in the reading room. For the same reason that we find it helpful to attend church services. Why do we still need church organization or the Christian Science literature? These are the human footsteps wisely provided by our beloved Leader for our inspiration and guidance until each one shall have demonstrated for himself that absolute harmony of being which is heaven. In Article XXI of the Manual of The Mother Church we are told that all Christian Science churches shall have reading rooms, and this shows our Leader's estimate of their value to our cause.

Undoubtedly there is awaiting us a wonderful means for growth in the fuller use of the Christian Science reading room. For many it affords the best opportunity to lay aside the responsibilities and distractions of everyday life. No possible interruption can here break in upon our study. Everything drops away except the one purpose for which we have come—that of working out our problems under the guidance of divine Love. Thus we attain more easily that receptive attitude which is the necessary preparation for the demonstration of healing power.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The Use of the Reading Rooms

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access