Article July 15, 1933 Issue

Afterglow

BEULAH WHITTAKER

The student of Christian Science often marvels at the beauty and truth that unfold to him through the study of the inspired writings of the beloved Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. The illumination of one word often lifts thought to the mount of revelation and enables one to feed for many days on the beauty and fragrance thereof.

Such was the experience of one student who had the joyous privilege of serving as First Reader in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. This work was entered into with a happy heart, though also with a keen suggestion of timidity and self-distrust. Everything in our Leader's writings pertaining to this particular work was carefully sought out and studied. Many times during her term of office those precious words of the Psalmist were read and pondered: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."

The three years spent in this work were years of growth and overcoming. These words found in our Leader's Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 1) more than once were proved to be true: "Rest assured you can never lack God's outstretched arm so long as you are in His service." The thought that the work was being done for the Father, and was therefore unaffected by either human praise or dispraise, also brought much comfort. When the time of retirement drew near, it was faced with a heart full of gratitude for the blessed privilege of having served in this sacred office; but there was also a latent feeling that retirement from this work would bring a sense of loss, despite the fact that Mrs. Eddy has said in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. VIII, Sect. 15), "He [God] supplies within the wide channels of The Mother Church dutiful and sufficient occupation for all its members." Once again the inspired words of our Leader illumined thought. In an article entitled "Afterglow," in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (pp. 250, 251), she says, "The Readers who have filled this sacred office many years, have beyond it duties and attainments beckoning them."

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