Article May 24, 1919 Issue

Work Well Done

CARRIE SHREWSBURY

For some time the writer has been impressed with the spiritual fact concerning the incentive and impulsion of work well done, and she has been led to the conclusion that when one loves to do the work undertaken, whatever the task may be, the result is satisfactory. The understanding of what love is and how to love was explained to a student who one day inquired of a Christian Science practitioner, "What is love?" and addes, "I have studied Christian Science a long time, but I have never understood what love is." The question was answered by the practitioner enumerating some of the kind deeds and healing works that are being accomplished to-day by Christian Scientists the world over. Then these words of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, found in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 358) further elucidated the subject: "Love impels good works. Love is greatly needed, and must be had to mark the way in divine Science." The way, then, is surely the doing of good works. To reflect divine Love we must be actively engaged in the Father's business, whether it be healing sickness and destroying the various phases of error that bring about disease, or distributing to a needy world the things that warm and cheer and comfort those who are destitute of daily food.

At this time of special need for the systematic distribution of Christian Science literature in our community, Mrs. Eddy's works were appealed to for answers to the following question that arose: "Where do we get our authority for this work?" and "What has our Leader said on the subject of distribution?" With the aid of the concordances to Mrs. Eddy's works the answers came clear and with ringing force to one who was endeavoring to be obedient. It was found that for the more intelligent working out of this branch of Christian Science activity Mrs. Eddy provided for and sanctioned the distributing of all "sweet things" when she says in Miscellany (p. 252): "Keep yourselves busy with divine Love. Then you will be toilers like the bee, always distributing sweet things." We do not stop at complacently reviewing what has been done by others or by ourselves in the past, but we continue in Love's healing work as the opportunities for renewed activity are unfolded.

In the periodicals, books, pamphlets, and daily newspaper issued by The Christian Science Publishing Society in Boston, there are found those things that are sweetening the thought of the whole world and educating people to the true value of work well done. In the same article quoted above we may learn what is the purpose of true education, and that one object of education is to enable one to enjoy doing right. The Master said, "I must work the works of him that sent me." So we as his followers must work today. We may all be subscribers to our periodicals, we may all read the articles printed therein, but more than this is needed. Love distributes, and in this way the mental food which has sustained us day by day is multiplied. There may be but a few Monitors, Journals, Sentinels, or copies of Der Herold or of Le Héraut in a neighborhood, but they may find those who are hungering for wholesome literature. We remember that the Master gave to his disciples, and the disciples distributed to the people, and "they did eat, and were filled"—were satisfied—the record tells us. The Word is the "bread of life," and when speaking of this Word Jesus said, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God."

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