Article May 19, 1945 Issue

Purpose of the Christian Science Reading Room

MARY OLA WOODSON

When the announcement is made in Christian Science churches and societies that all are invited to attend our church services and to enjoy the privileges of our Reading Rooms, the loving invitation of the prophet Isaiah, uttered centuries ago, is being renewedly proclaimed (Isa. 55:1): "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." In these sanctuaries we do indeed learn to "buy" the pure milk of the Word and the real wine of inspiration as we exchange false, sinful beliefs, wrong thoughts, for the true and satisfying ideas of Truth.

We may recall that in the early days of the Christian Science organization Reading Rooms were known as Dispensaries. The word "dispense" is defined in a dictionary as follows: "To deal out in portions; to distribute." "Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living," wrote David (Ps. 142:5). And as divine Love guides the visitor to the Reading Room for the study of the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy these rooms are truly dispensing the healing Word.

They offer shelter and protection to all who desire to enter their quiet precincts for study and meditation. They offer to all the privilege of doing exhaustive study of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings with the help of concordances. Everyone has the opportunity in these Reading Rooms of doing helpful research work with the aid of the bound volumes of the older periodicals, together with the various authentic biographies of our revered Leader. The current copies of the Christian Science periodicals are very helpful and inspiring auxiliaries to read and are always available. The attendants are ever ready to give words of encouragement, a friendly greeting, or a welcoming smile.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Unerring Counsel
May 19, 1945
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit