Your Example

[Written Especially for Children]

DOROTHY EMERSON

The writer served for a time as a counselor in a girls' camp in New England. One of the girls in her tent was a pupil in a Christian Science Sunday School. Her willing co-operation and cheerful obedience were noticed in this large camp. The counselor knew nothing then about the teachings of Christian Science, but she was clearly conscious that little Peggy had an understanding of God that not only kept her happy but also protected her from danger and wrongdoing.

Peggy was the only person in camp who knew anything about Christian Science. Every day she would go to a quiet place in the woods during rest hour and read the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly. She never realized how helpful her example and childlike faith were to those around her.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 110), Mrs. Eddy says: "Beloved children, the world has need of you,—and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminated lives. You need also to watch, and pray that you preserve these virtues unstained, and lose them not through contact with the world. What grander ambition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to know that your example, more than words, makes morals for mankind!"

Jesus was only twelve years old when he was found in the temple talking with the doctors, who "were astonished at his understanding and answers."

Christian Science is so simple that even young children can begin to understand its teachings and put into practice what they learn.

A few weeks ago in a summer camp a young girl was asked to prepare a Bible story for the evening vesper program. She was filled with fear as the evening hour drew near, and finally went to one of the camp counselors for help. They talked things over together. They remembered how Jesus acknowledged that he could do nothing of himself. He always knew that the Father would tell him what to say.

They read from the Bible the words, "There is no fear in love" (I John 4:18), and talked of how impossible it is to be afraid if one loves the Bible message and loves sharing it with fellow campers. The tears were lost in smiles, and this camper was able to forget all about herself that evening and to give out a beautiful message at the vesper service. Indeed, the truth had made her free, as the Bible had promised.

Even though camping and vacation days are busy days, one can always find time to read the Lesson in the Quarterly, to know that God is ever present, taking care of all His children, willing to make everyone happy and good. This is the truth, and the truth makes free from all that is unlike God, good.

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