Distribution of Our Literature

SUSAN F. CAMPBELL

The Christian Science movements has many ways through which the truth may reach humanity to-day, and one of these is the distribution of its literature. This work is carried on in an organized way by members of The Mother Church, and by its branch churches and societies throughout the civilized world. Those who become distributors look upon the work as a great privilege, for they know that therein lies a splendid opportunity to help mankind; and they go forth as torchbearers carrying the message of Christian Science, which may be the means of unfolding to those who hear it the truth which will eventually free them physically, morally, and spiritually.

Where every member on a distribution committee loves and reads the literature,—not merely as a duty, but because he really enjoys it,—the work receives a great impetus. He is a poor giver who would pass on to another that which he himself does not care for. And perhaps becoming a member of a Christian Science Literature Distribution Committee may be a means of helping the worker himself to be a better and more grateful reader of that literature.

In a letter written to Mrs. Eddy at the time of the building of the extension of The Mother Church, to be found in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 61), we find these words: "I noticed that as soon as the workmen began to admit that the work could be done, everything seemed to move as by magic; the human mind was giving its consent. This taught me that I should be willing to let God work." How often one finds in the activity of literature distribution, as in all other Christian Science activities, that when he is willing to "let God work," the so-called human mind will give its consent, and the work will be speedily done! Letting God work in this way will also remove any burdened sense of personal responsibility, self-condemnation, or self-satisfaction.

Where the literature is placed in boxes, or at places which are regularly visited, for the purpose of distribution, the thought may come, if the papers are not being taken or used much, that our literature is not wanted there; or some other equally discouraging argument may present itself; but these false suggestions should be instantly expelled from consciousness. Wherever the literature has been accepted, the worker may be sure that sooner or later it will bear fruit. Perhaps many months may pass before there is much sign of appreciation; it may even seem to remain almost unnoticed and untouched. Still, there it is, ready and waiting; and who can tell what is working in the consciousness being prepared to receive it? The distributor can go on confidently and joyfully knowing the truth about the gift he is placing, with so much love and patience that any false sense of resistance or prejudice will fade away and there will be an abundant fruitage.

Sometimes a worker goes into a place where nothing but a great love for humanity would take him. This can be done with happy assurance; for there is no one in the world so well equipped to overcome the beliefs of evil as the alert student of Christian Science. If at times rebuffs seem to come to him, he can go on his way serenely, realizing how small are his tribulations compared, for instance, with those of the great Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, who was beaten, bound with chains, put in prison, and subjected to all manner of indignities in his effort to establish the Christ-teaching. After years of his pilgrimage he could, however, write to the church at Corinth, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; ... beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." And our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has helped us to gain a clearer sense of this beautiful teaching in her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 26) by describing charity as "spiritual love."

It is demonstration which renders organization truly successful in the distribution work; for if organization should claim to take the place of demonstration, and everything be planned and outlined from a human standpoint, however good the human method might appear to be, less spontaneous freedom and growth would result. Each one should go forth to demonstrate in his distribution work what he himself understands of Christian Science; and he should listen for the voice of God to guide him rather than limit his demonstration to what someone else has been able to work out. It need hardly be said that a sense of competition or rivalry between individuals or between groups would impede the work; and such should be detected in thought before it can bring forth tares which might hinder the good to be accomplished. Are not all in the Christian Science movement working together with the one great aim of healing and blessing mankind?

It is the steady, daily, Christianly scientific work or prayer, the holding to the truth and the denying of the false suggestions of material sense, which really brings forth results in this activity. Our Leader has said in Miscellany (p. 280), "Out of His allness He must bless all with His own truth and love." This truth realized will hasten the recognition of God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

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