Probably one of the most noticeable changes which take place in the lives of those who have gained an understanding of Christian Science is the way in which they employ their time. Many things which formerly they eagerly engaged in as pleasant pastimes and dispellers of ennui now make little or no appeal. They find their study of Christian Science of such absorbing interest, so compellingly attractive, that their attention is constantly engaged and held by spiritual things. Indeed, some may feel that they have not so much time at their disposal as they would like to have for study and prayer.

As a matter of fact, prayer becomes to the student of Christian Science his greatest recreation, as well as his chief joy. In the renewing of his spiritual selfhood through communion with his Father-Mother God he finds true rest and recuperation, even as the Master did. Furthermore, he finds that spiritual truth constitutes his real food. Therefore less time and thought is given to what he partakes of materially, and more to what he is assimilating of the bread of Life.

Regularity, wisdom, system, and orderliness in the later respect can undoubtedly be observed with most profitable results, as they usually can be in every department of daily living. No wise mother, for instance, would allow her child to go without food until midday, the afternoon, or evening, with the plea that she had other duties which were more pressing. Nor would she feed him at irregular intervals and in a haphazard manner, and then expect him to manifest natural and normal growth. Yet is not this what we sometimes do in partaking of our spiritual food? Are we as particular about caring for the unfolding truth in our own thought as we would be about a little child left in our care? We all need to nourish, through prayer and study, our own understanding of the Christ. We need to guard and cherish that precious gift which is committed to our trust.

If, then, our spiritual growth seems to be somewhat retarded, if it is not so vigorous and sturdy as we could desire, may it not be for lack of proper nourishment, a failure to partake of the bread and water of Life with regularity?

In giving us, on page 35 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," that marvelous description of the Master's meeting with his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection, our beloved Leader says: "This spiritual meeting with our Lord in the dawn of a new light is the morning meal which Christian Scientists commemorate. They bow before Christ, Truth, to receive more of his reappearing and silently to commune with the divine Principle, Love." No one knew better than did Mrs. Eddy that this "morning meal" could not be confined solely to the communion service, held twice a year in branch churches, but that it must be partaken of daily, with due regularity, if we would grow in grace. Time must be taken for study and prayer, and for the exercise of whatever spiritual perception we have acquired, if we would be strong and vigorous Christian Scientists.

What a joy it is to realize that not only can we participate in this morning meal ourselves, but that we can also help others to partake of it—share it with others! Suppose we are about to welcome a guest into our home. Is our chief concern that we shall set before him pleasing things in the way of material sustenance, or that our own thought shall be so pure that we can say to him of spiritual things. "Come and dine"? And when he goes from the shelter of our roof, are we gratefully conscious that both are spiritually refreshed and invigorated because of what each has offered the other of spiritual good? Having fully and freely partaken of the bread of Life ourselves, were we not in a position to minister unobtrusively to his need?

It is only as we fast from material thinking and refrain from such pursuits as may prove inimical to our spiritual growth that we find ourselves in possession of ample time to "bow before Christ, Truth, to receive more of his reappearing." The prophet Isaiah asked, "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?" It is a question which we all may well put to ourselves. How much of our time is being spent on things which confer no real benefit and produce no lasting satisfaction? Let us remember that what Mrs. Eddy, on page 263 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," so beautifully calls "a feast of Soul," momentarily awaits our participation. Let us not hurry over this feast, nor partake of it in a perfunctory manner. Rather, let us realize that this water and bread of Life is the one thing needful, the spiritual nutriment which is our imperative need, that which imparts to us true life and strength.

Many who prior to their study of Christian Science had been reluctant to arise in the morning until the sun had mounted in the sky, now look forward eagerly to the early morning hours and the opportunity they afford for undisturbed spiritual meditation. Nothing would induce them to surrender this season of quiet, this "morning meal" of study and prayer. In this they are following the example of their Master, of whom it is written in St. Mark's Gospel, "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Like him, they find that they are thus strengthened and fortified to meet and master the day's problems. This may seem to entail some sacrifice of what is known as evening entertainment by demanding an earlier retirement. But as we are able to say with the Psalmist, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee," this will not appear as a sacrifice but as a privilege.

They who thus feed upon the hidden manna will approach the communion service of our beloved branch churches not alone as partakers of, but as contributors to, this feast of love. Spiritually prepared thought will indeed help to make this holy hour a "communion of saints."

Copyright, 1936, by The Christian Science Publishing Society. One. Norway Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post office as second- class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918.