Article April 19, 1952 Issue

WHAT IS OUR SHARE?

ELIZABETH N. MAYNARD

Occasionally when called upon for a donation lo a worthy cause, an individual may try to determine the amount he should give by dividing the amount needed by the number who may be expected to contribute, thereby arriving at a sum believed to represent a fair share. Once there was only one Christian Scientist in the world. Mary Baker Eddy, the revered Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, had a share of service for others which was far beyond our comprehension. When there were a score of sincere and devoted followers, was Mrs. Eddy's share any less? No, it could not have been. It was still her share to continue her great and indispensable work of discovery by founding and providing for the Christian Science movement. She says in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 249): "Millions may know that I am the Founder of Christian Science. I alone know what that means."

What was the share given by the handful of followers gathered about her in those early days? Was it not to live this great truth to the best of their understanding, to strive constantly to increase their understanding of God and man and perfect their practice of it, and to the fullest extent of their ability to share this blessing with others? Today, with several thousand branch churches and hundreds of thousands of followers, has our share diminished? Is there less for us to do? Is our real share any less than the best we can do in the service of God and man? Indeed not!

If the rugged pioneer work has been done, there yet remains work just as necessary, as demanding, and as rewarding as that which has been done. Mrs. Eddy's admonition, "Finally, brethren, wait patiently on God; return blessing for cursing; be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good; be steadfast, abide and abound in faith, understanding, and good works; study the Bible and the textbook of our denomination," is as pertinent and vital today as when it was first given in her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 34) and indicates no diminution of our duties as Christian Scientists because there are more of us.

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