Branches of The Mother Church are individual in their progress and growth, and the footsteps leading thereto must be the result of prayer. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, states on page 454 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action."

A Christian Science Society in Midwestern United States in a report to The Mother Church tells of increased activity. This society is situated near a big city, where there is a large transient population, and the public transportation facilities are poor.

The members held a meeting to consider how the situation could be handled, and they vigorously set about proving that there could be no limitation in their church activity. They write: "After much prayerful metaphysical work was done by the members on spiritual growth, which included a study of Mrs. Eddy's definition of Church (Science and Health, p. 583), and of the Manual of The Mother Church, the opportunity opened up to us to leave the house where we had been temporarily holding our meetings and again meet in a public building. Immediately our attendance grew, and fresh inspiration was added to our services.

"After this we revised our by-laws to conform to the needs of a small society, instead of trying to follow by-laws written for a large church. At our semiannual meeting a new member was found able to fill an unexpired term as First Reader; two other new members have been appointed Sunday School teachers and another an usher. We decided not to let fear or limitation govern any part of our thinking, and so steps were taken to give a lecture this next season.

Growth is being expressed all around us, and now there is a more permanent population in our town. Main new homes have been constructed, and as a result we have added to our attendance and to our membership. Still further development is being planned. We have appointed a building committee to look into the" possibility of securing a church site in this area. We rejoice that God's law of progress is supreme over every false belief which argues to the contrary. Also, we rejoice that we can go ahead with assurance that divine Mind Is guiding, governing, guarding, and directing our every step."

Recently a small Christian Science Society in the southwestern part of the United States had been giving much thought and prayer to its future, and among other steps taken the state Committee on Publication was invited to give a helpful talk. A short time ago a business meeting was held, and this small group wrote us about this as follows:

"Words cannot describe the joy, enthusiasm, harmony, and love expressed at the meeting. It was a wholehearted about-face with enthusiastic plans presented for remodeling and generally fixing up our church building. Eight of the nine members expressed their desire to keep the present Readers for their remaining terms of office. It was a beautiful experience. Truth prevailed, and in such a beautiful way. over what had seemed to be insurmountable odds, Each and every one of us has benefited by this experience."

Another church located in a small town witnessed much growth through the study of the definition of Church given on page 583 of the textbook. Because the members had felt unable to assume the responsibility of the annual Christian Science lecture which each church is expected to give, and because the Reading Room was being kept open only for a minimum amount of time, this study was arousing and very helpful. The false claims of lack and limitation were completely reversed, and the spiritual facts regarding Church and its perfection were realized. They wrote:

"We realized that we could turn away from the claim and deny its reality or seeming reality. One step of progress that all of us have made is that we prepare for the services not wondering who or how many will be there: and it seems that a great deal of fear has been done away with forever, For example, if some of our workers have to be out of town, we think nothing of it and go right ahead. Never have we seen such a wonderful working out. Our financial situation is very good. Our collection one Sunday was over two hundred dollars. Our lecture is set for January. The work is well planned, and careful thought is being given by all to the carrying out of this privilege. Our church attendance has been wonderful!"

Fear ye not. stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day.... The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace,—Exodus 14:13, 14.