To the young person who is choosing his life's vocation, or who has just received his "sheepskin" at the close of a college course, the responsibility of finding his right place in the world's work may appear something of a problem. On one hand, he may see persons well trained and conscientious who seem failures because they have not found the right places; on the other hand, the apparent success of some through human personality, will-power, or sheer circumstances may seem alluring. He desires a sure guide to future progress and success.

In I Samuel it is recorded that when the Lord sent Samuel to find a successor to Saul, he sent him to Jesse the Beth-lehemite, saying, "For I have provided me a king among his sons." Now, even Samuel, dedicated to holy service before his birth and serving in holy office since childhood, felt the same human hesitation as do present-day persons. It required special assurance to enable him to take the first step and listen confidently for divine direction. In his daily study and application of this truth, the student of Christian Science is finding the humility, confidence, and poise which enable him, also, to listen for God's direction in all his affairs and to follow confidently all the way.

When Samuel arrived for his interview with the sons of Jesse, human sense told him that Eliab must be the choice. "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." With this enlightening instruction, Samuel was empowered to refuse Jesse's other sons, who were presented to him. This did not confuse his thinking, for he was listening for God's direction, even as Christian Scientists are doing more and more; and he asked if these were all of Jesse's children. The youngest son in such an imposing family had not been considered of sufficient importance to be brought in, and his own humility and obedience doubtless prevented his insisting upon being accorded his rightful place. The father replied, "There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep."

In the Glossary of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 594), Mrs. Eddy defines "sheep" as "innocence; inoffensiveness; those who follow their leader." There is a prevalent belief that aggressiveness, supersalesmanship, belief in human personality, and suggestion bring success; but the Christian Scientist is awake to the error of these methods, and alert to see that he "keepeth the sheep" — that he constantly follows the leading of divine Mind. He knows that responsiveness to God, quick attention to every duty, the conscious reflection of God's activity expressed in daily life, and loving his brother as himself, give him a ready initiative which cannot fail. This helps him and all with whom he has contact; whereas the reverse methods would arouse unfriendly competition, resistance, resentment, and distrust, which he knows have no place in God's harmonious and perfect creation. So he cherishes well those qualities of God which fitted David to be king.

Both Samuel in his high office and the shepherd lad must have been adept in the gracious arts of humility, innocence, inoffensiveness, and in following Love's leading. This resulted in a wise and happy choice of a king for Israel, one which was quite apart from the usual material methods of choosing.

David's preparation for this high office was apparently the joyous practice of doing whatever needed to be done promptly and well, meeting any circumstance which arose in connection with his duties with courage and efficient action. Today's youth need not fear that he will not have his chance in the world if he is faithfully and lovingly busying himself in unselfish service. Right activity has its reward, and God has the proper place and use for each one of His ideas. In His perfect, harmonious universe one could no more take another's place than could a seven take the place of a nine in arithmetic. The student of Christian Science has but to study the Bible and the Christian Science textbook and follow the clear direction of divine Mind to feel God's guiding hand as freely as did Samuel of old, and to make as perfect a choice. The church services and the Christian Science periodicals are also timely helps.

In no way does this justify supine waiting for something to happen. Faithful continuance in right thinking and acting is requisite to exclude the misleading suggestions of envy, resentment, lethargy, selfishness, jealousy, revenge, inferiority, complacency, mistrust, and kindred claims which seem always at hand to reverse one's best efforts. Any expression of unselfed love has always the divine impetus, and can bring only right results.

The radiant happiness and assurance of youthful Christian Scientists is awakening many a one who is tired of the world's methods to wonder if there is not in this teaching a better way of appraising real value. Let this enlightening example continue until all learn to "look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; . . . for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

Our beloved Leader writes (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 150), "A heart touched and hallowed by one chord of Christian Science, can accomplish the full scale; but this heart must be honest and in earnest and never weary of struggling to be perfect — to reflect the divine Life, Truth, and Love." A blessed heritage is that of youth in Christian Science today.