Article April 26, 1919 Issue

"Preach the gospel"

BERNE BLAIR COHEN

A keen observer of human nature remarked that he was led into Christian Science because he had noticed that the Science churchgores in his community all seemed so eager to get into the edifice, and particularly that those who were arriving somewhat late fairly ran up the steps. "Surely," said he, "these people must be getting not only something they want or need but something they enjoy as well. I'll go in and see." The visitor found his need supplied; he found also the joy, and all because a testimony given that evening engaged his attention and invited his investigation; for he too needed just that which the one who gave the testimony had so joyously and gratefully acknowledged that he had received through the help of Christian Science.

Christian Scientists can call to mind numberless church members and church attendants who have gained health, spiritual wealth, and happiness through Christian Science, and can likewise recall others who are attending the services in hope of just such joy coming into their lives,—men and women who attend regularly and wait patiently for some testimony which will cover their own case and supply their own need. Some heart-hungry brother or sister may be seated next to the very individual who, if he spoke, might bring to his neighbor the light that would dispel the darkness. Every testimony honestly given is a sledge-hammer blow of truth driving its way home, and yet with all its strength and force it is also as a gentle zephyr carrying upon its wings the promise of a new springtime of life.

Here we must remember that the sweet scent of perfume avails naught until the bottle in which it is contained is unstopped and the fragrant odors are permitted to escape and then to be breathed by those who may be within their radius. The realization of this heals one of that form of selfishness which permits him to sit time after time in a Christian Science congregation breathing deep of the sense of gratitued that is being poured from grateful hearts whose love has grown to such fullness that their cups run over, yet never offering his own. Mrs. Eddy has wisely provided the Wednesday evening meeting as an opportunity for breaking such selfish silence through the giving of testimonies respecting the efficacy of Christian Science, that they may be breathed into the consciousness of some seeker whom it may help to know that the first glimpse of God's law of forgiveness lifts one from the very depths of despondency and even despair. The first realization of Truth's ever present protection fills one with hope and a sense of security where before were heavy burdens and fear, and thus the study and application of the law of Love brings many demonstrations of the fact that divine Mind does heal and that the truth does set free.

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