On page 309 of "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, writes: "He advances most in divine Science who meditates most on infinite spiritual substance and intelligence. Experience proves this true." Meditating on the allness of God and the consequent nothingness of matter, the unity of God and man, the unreality of sin, sickness, and death, enlarges the understanding and promotes the advancement in divine Science of which Mrs. Eddy speaks in the above statement.

Progress such as this is surely the greatest desire of all right-thinking people. How fortunate we are in having this statement before us, and in knowing how best this advancement may be gained! This statement was not made at random. It was after years of study, searching of the Bible, prayer, and sacrifice that Mrs. Eddy placed it before us with such definite direction that we immediately recognize its assurance and can begin to establish the proof. For three years after her discovery Mrs. Eddy withdrew from the world to pray, to search the Scriptures, and to meditate "on infinite spiritual substance."

Meditation is defined, in one meaning, as "close or continued thought, serious contemplation." In the quietude of meditation, when the material senses are silenced and God speaks to the human consciousness, we hear the "still small voice," guiding, chastening, sustaining. Many students of Christian Science have found that it is in an attitude of meditation or "serious contemplation" that enlightenment and refreshment are gained from the daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly. Taking time to ponder its meaning, we imbibe the spirit as well as learn the letter. When confronted with problems and in doubt which way to turn, we resort to meditation on God's infinitude and man's inseparability from Him, and are shown the way. The inspiration and exaltation of these experiences teach us to seek this sanctuary often.

What is this infinite substance and intelligence on which we are to meditate if we wish to advance? The answer is found in the Glossary in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where our Leader defines God (p. 587), as "the great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence."

This shows clearly that it is God's allness which we need to contemplate. Our Leader has also said (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 308), "Intensely contemplating personality impedes spiritual growth." It is through spiritual sense, not corporeal sense, that the Science of Christianity is learned, and progress made.

That meditation "on infinite spiritual substance and intelligence" results in spiritual advancement we have convincing proof in the recorded achievements of Moses and other Biblical characters, of Jesus, and of our Leader.

Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness fasting, and was sustained by Spirit. It was here that he acknowledged and realized the omnipresence and omnipotence of God. During his three years of teaching and healing, he oftentimes went alone to a secluded spot, sometimes spending all night in prayer and meditation, when he felt the need for spiritual strength and guidance. This communion, in which the human will yielded to the divine, produced the spiritual poise and serenity which made Jesus' healings divinely natural, and fortified him against the scorn and opposition he had to face.

Moses may have spent hours in meditation on spiritual things as he watched his flocks. These years spent as a shepherd in Midian were a preparation for his larger service later on, when God called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, through the wilderness, toward the promised land. Without this reliance upon God, this stronghold, he could not have performed this great work. Moses, too, spent forty days in communion with God, fasting on Mount Sinai, when the moral law was revealed to him, as set forth in the Ten Commandments. The prophet Isaiah voiced God's promise, "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."

The blessings unfolded to mankind through the glorious achievements of these humble, consecrated characters, in constant communion with God, are inestimable. Worthy examples are they for us to pattern if we, too, would serve in our Father's kingdom.

The same serenity and spiritual poise are requisite today, as in Jesus' time, to defend us from the pressure of present-day problems and the hustle and bustle of continuous material activities. It was remarked in a recent radio address that "God is not so much denied as crowded out." Christian Scientists need to be alert lest the stress and strain of busy days rob them of time to think quietly on the things of spiritual importance. Meditating on a single passage from the Bible or Mrs. Eddy's writings will spiritualize thought and promote growth in Christian character.

The Christian Science Reading Rooms were established by our Leader for the purpose of affording a quiet place for study and meditation, and many avail themselves of this great privilege. The value of meditation, composed spiritual thinking, is incalculable.