Editorial December 2, 1922 Issue

Guest Rooms

Ella W. Hoag

What a multitude of pleasant thoughts arise when one contemplates the delight either of entertaining or of becoming a guest! What joyful anticipations are presented to one when he considers the happy companionship, the awakened friendship, the closer relationship which is certain to result from the association thus afforded when it is brought about through loving-kindness! If one is preparing for the reception of one whom he loves, he spares no effort to have all in order, and every appointment of the guest room must be as perfect as he knows how to make it. Affection knows no weariness in its endeavor to express thoughtfulness. There must be as exquisite cleanliness, grace, and beauty as can be compassed. Not only must the guest room be thus cared for, but thought is also given to the manner in which the visitor may gain pleasure, satisfaction, and enrichment in every possible direction.

One also makes sure that he himself is in every way ready to receive his guest. He is on the watch to anticipate and provide, not alone for the comfort, but for all that will add to the real happiness of the one he is entertaining. He puts away his own interests and seeks only the good of his friend. In other words, if he is a true host he is seeking the advantage of his guest from the first moment of the glad expectancy of his coming.

Now, may not the Christian Science Reading Rooms be called the guest rooms of the members of the Churches of Christ, Scientist? They are the places prepared by them for the reception of all who desire to learn something of the truth of being as revealed in Christian Science. It is to them that the world-weary and the heartsick—those who are tired of the husks of materiality and are longing to find the way back to the Father's house—may come for comfort and assurance. These are the places where they may take their first steps towards finding the Science of Life. Here is where they may win their first glimpse of the fact that it is possible to lay down their weariness and find rest. These are the places where they may come and find the spiritual food they need and which alone satisfies, as well as the cup of cold water, given in Christ's name, which will quench their thirst. These are the guest rooms prepared for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

"Blessed are the pure in heart"