Article November 18, 1950 Issue

NEW—BUT NOT NOVEL

RUTH W. HEYWOOD

In the primary room of a large Christian Science Sunday School, new faces were constantly appearing as the enrollment increased. These little ones were accepted as pupils when they were able to sit quietly and co-operate in an orderly way. The teachers, happy in their work of teaching, rejoiced in the expectancy usually expressed by most parents and children. Sometimes, however, when a parent hovered as if reluctant to leave the nestling, the teacher would remind him of God's ever-presence, and thus any apprehension or sense of separation was put to flight.

Early one Sunday morning a teacher in giving some thought to her work was troubled by suggestions that a few of the recently enrolled children had cried and seemed unhappy. She knew that the Christian Science Sunday School is Love's provision; that Christ Jesus loved little children and had said (Matt. 19:14), "Of such is the kingdom of heaven;" and that Mary Baker Eddy had wisely considered their needs and had provided for them in prayer and lessons and hymns.

Turning her thought prayerfully to God, the teacher acknowledged Him as Father-Mother and His perfect child as His forever reflection. Then, quietly listening for God's direction, she became conscious of the words (Rev. 21:5), "Behold, I make all things new," and her thought was filled with the sweet assurance of God as Maker, the only creator, and of His children as expressing newness, freshness, spontaneity, and poise. She was aware that the surroundings and environment of the ideas of God are harmonious with and inseparable from His ideas; that His representatives express Him in order, continuity, and the gentle graces of Spirit.

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