'FOR the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." These are the words of Jesus. The stages of growth which take place in the normal life of a plant may perhaps illustrate the order of developments also apparent in everyday life in the affairs of men, where progress in right directions is being sought and gained.

Marry Baker Eddy, our honored Leader, referred to these words as expressing Jesus' "order of ministration" (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 92). Therefore, if we would progress normally toward the perfect demonstration of harmony, we need to establish in our experience this "order of ministration," recognizing the scientific sequence of the blade, the ear, and the full grain. In all human experiences, where there is growth and progress, there is "first the blade." This fact is noticeable in the growth of the Christian Science movement. Our Leader, who tenderly watched all the stages in the development of her discovery, must have recognized with joy the development of the unfoldment of the divine "order of ministration" as the Cause of Christian Science advanced.

We rejoice to see new branch churches being organized all over the world in obedience to the requirements of the Manual of The Mother Church given to us by our Leader. Sometimes the first meetings are held in the home of some student of Christian Science, until this activity later develops into a recognized organization. These small gatherings may be likened to the blade, the first indication of growth after the seed of Truth is sown. From such seemingly small beginnings did The Mother Church and many of its branches spring. Let no one be discouraged if the ear and the corn in the ear do not immediately appear. Normal growth proceeds in an orderly manner as the truth unfolds in the understanding of the workers. The precious blade needs to be lovingly appreciated and guarded, but not pushed or interfered with. The immediate need is for the healing work to be carried on with no anxious thought given to the growth of the organization.

The little branch church may not at once require all the by-laws adopted by a larger church, nor may it quickly present the complete equipment of a more mature church; but the joyful, indisputable fact is that it can express the healing love as certainly as can the larger organization; and each of its members can gain and express, day by day, a greater understanding of God and of man as His idea. As the healing work grows, the church grows; for love, the reflection of divine Love, and love alone, can nourish and develop the spiritual activity. Individual spiritual growth of church members means sure and certain growth of the organization through which they express their activity.

Churches pass through these stages of the divine "order of ministration," even as individuals experience this definite procedure of spiritual growth from the time the seed of Christian Science is first planted in the thought of the individual. Usually a healing serves as a seed, planted in the thought of the one healed or that of an observer, there to grow and bear fruit. An active desire to know more of the healing truth may be likened to the blade which appears, and the student then begins the experience of practicing the teachings of Christian Science in his daily life.

Students readily recognize the appearing of the blade in another's experience and rejoice with him in his happiness. They may encourage and assist him in every way that seems wise and helpful, but like the blade of corn which in its own way receives its proper nourishment, the individual's thinking requires to be let alone much of the time, in order that the truth planted therein may unfold in a normal, healthy way.

Perhaps, while his growth is still in the early "blade" stage, the student becomes a member of a Christian Science branch church, eager to help in all ways, and thus to express gratitude for blessings received. This eager desire to be helpful and wholesomely active is true and right, and should never be discouraged or disregarded. Rather should it be protected, that it may proceed normally into more and greater activity, to the end that the Field may be blessed and the student continue to rejoice.

Mrs. Eddy makes this clear and concise statement on page 215 of "Miscellaneous Writings": "If you would follow in his footsteps, you must not try to gather the harvest while the corn is in the blade, nor yet when it is in the ear." The recognition of this fact in Christian Science organization work helps all to proceed in an orderly and considerate manner in conducting the business affairs of branch churches.

Our Leader carefully considered the fitness of those whom she appointed to responsible positions in the work of Christian Science churches; and she exercised this care for their own good, as well as for the good of the Cause for which she so earnestly labored. There is no need for any church member to be idle; and there is need for wise preparation and readiness for the work undertaken.

The result of earnest over the elections in branch churches will be an orderly unfoldment. Mortal mind is not capable of judging who is or is not fitted to be placed in office, but earnest metaphysical work reveals the correct steps to be taken.

Thorough and constant study of the Bible and of Mrs. Eddy's works, and practice of what is learned, establish the foundation of acceptable church work. Service will be happy in proportion to the preparation and consecration the incumbent brings to his office. No matter how much one knows of Christian Science, nor how much experience one may have had, there is always more to be learned in active church work. Earnest study and the correct application of the teachings of Christian Science render the necessary contact with other workers and their views a happy experience. Likewise, his joy increases and his problems are faced with greater confidence when he advances through wholesome, normal growth in the field of consistent thought and endeavor.

The true preparation for service in the Cause of Christian Science is the daily and hourly living of the truths the Master taught, as explained and made practical in our Leader's teachings. The spiritual progress of the student is the unfoldment of that "order of ministration" which is daily apparent in the growth of the individual and of the Cause. There is no course of study other than the teachings of Christian Science and their correct application, by which one may become a proficient and successful worker in the forward march of Christian Science.

How joyful and unlabored is true, normal growth in the experience of a student and of an organization when there is present that unfolding and expanding in the sunshine of God's love and protection indicated by the divine "order of ministration"!