Free Christian Science Reading Rooms

DOROTHY M. JANSEN

THE word "free" used in connection with our Reading Rooms opened up a wealth of meaning to a student of Christian Science. A definition of the word is "open," and it was seen that the doors of our Reading Rooms are open to the seeker for Truth, to those who are willing to spiritualize thought. Within these doors uplifted thought is indeed free to enter into communion with God, and many a one has found that he has been freed from some earth-weight which he had been carrying when he entered the Reading Room.

Another dictionary definition of the word "free" is "not bound by restrictions; unobstructed; ready." The binding, limiting, or restricting beliefs of mortal mind can never hamper or obstruct the right activity of a Christian Science Reading Room, the purpose of which has its inception in the ever active divine Mind. Within its portals each one may contemplate the invitation of Christ Jesus, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This invitation is perpetual. Countless numbers are accepting it and are being blessed thereby.

A spiritualized atmosphere in the Reading Room is forwarded by strict adherence to Article XXV, Section 7, of the Church Manual, which reads in part, "No idle gossip, no slander, no mischief-making, no evil speaking shall be allowed." Thus the Reading Room is ready for the reception of those who are seeking enlightenment, comfort, courage, and healing; and in such an atmosphere God's love to man, His presence and power, can be felt, understood, and acknowledged. Here the Bible may be read, studied, and its truth assimilated. Here, too, the visitor has the added assurance that the pure and unobstructed truth is offered to him in the writings of Mrs. Eddy; and here he finds also the authorized publications of The Christian Science Publishing Society. In opening thought with grateful recognition and acceptance of the ever present ideas of Truth, Life, and Love presented through these writings, one finds he is indeed entertaining angels, even those "spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect"—to quote in part Mrs. Eddy's definition of "angels" on page 581 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"—which illumine the way for him. Paul says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Truly, "the Spirit of the Lord" is reflected here, radiating and disseminating that spiritual animus which heals and blesses mankind.

The love manifested by the members of branch churches in supporting their Reading Room as part of their church activities must surely help in great measure to free those struggling with the belief of life in matter; for Love, reflected, indeed liberates. The church members rejoice to know that in true love for and support of their Reading Room they are assisting their fellow men to gain that understanding which will hasten the day when they shall all know God, "from the least of them unto the greatest of them."

Would not the careful observance and application of the foregoing By-Law in our mental homes help us in the maintenance of a harmonious atmosphere in our material homes? Parents and home makers might profitably observe this rule governing our Reading Rooms in connection with the care of their homes, and thus immeasurably bless those who are intrusted to their love. The home kept free from idle gossip, slander, mischief-making, and evil speaking would bless not alone those whom we look upon as our family; for all who enter it would share the uplifting result of the earnest endeavor to spiritualize thought and to keep it free from idle, slanderous, or evil thinking and speaking. A home thus God-governed is a present possibility. "Of this I am sure," says our loving Leader (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 230), "that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner." What a joy and privilege the librarian has in knowing that our Father-Mother God is always present in the Reading Room, and also that every book read, borrowed, or purchased, will be a means of establishing in the consciousness of the reader thereof the reign of heaven, harmony, wherein good is the only presence, the only power, and the only reality! Free, indeed, is the Christian Science Reading Room!

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Smiles of Spiritual Gladness

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