The knowledge of Truth is the most valuable of all possessions. Without this knowledge, the human mind is like a ship without a rudder, plying an undirected course through precarious waters. The Science of Christianity goes farther even than do moral law and precepts in guiding the course of mankind; it supplies the divine laws of being, which demonstrate God's universal control. The student of Christian Science becomes acquainted with the absolute laws of God through his study of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," in which Mary Baker Eddy shares her discovery of divine Science with the world.

Anyone poring over this textbook, utilizing the laws it reveals, and proving their validity by healing himself and others of lack and various discords, should feel an obligation to share with all mankind the priceless knowledge of the Science of Life. In "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, reminds us that "the Pilgrims came to establish a nation in true freedom, in the rights of conscience" (p. 176). She goes on to say: "But what of ourselves, and our times and obligations? Are we duly aware of our own great opportunities and responsibilities? Are we prepared to meet and improve them, to act up to the acme of divine energy wherewith we are armored?"

The student of Christian Science may not feel that he is spiritually prepared to devote all of his time to healing the sick and sinful. But everyone who assumes the name of Christian Scientist should feel himself under moral obligation to seek out the opportunities which are thick about him to open the way of Science to others.

Christ Jesus felt keenly the obligation which his knowledge of Truth placed upon him, and his compassion never failed to find opportunities to share his understanding of perfect God and perfect man, of law and of immortal life. He said to his disciples (Matt. 9:37, 38), "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

When one puts into scientific terms such a prayer as the Master required, he declares that he is actually God's spiritual representative, His idea, well equipped to "act up to the acme of divine energy," which characterizes the children of divine Love. Then he knows when and where and how to act as a laborer in the Father's field by carrying the precious message of Christian Science to his neighbor. Opportunity is to him a well-established demonstration of wisdom. He does not cast his pearls before the thought unready for them, but is motivated by the divine Principle, which is "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebr. 4:12). Such a laborer is led to the individual who has already responded to the action and presence of divine Principle to the extent that he will welcome the Christly message. In this way the unity of Principle is demonstrated.

One means of fulfilling our obligation to Truth is to lend copies of Science and Health to people who have not seen the book. In my own experience, even as a small child I responded to the presence of Christian Science, which was stirring controversy in the world. I wondered about the few things I heard in discussions of its teachings. My heart warmed at the thought that people could now heal as Christ Jesus and his disciples did, and I felt at no time the least resistance to Science. But it was not until a neighbor placed a copy of Science and Health in my hands years later that I awoke to the fact that the textbook provides the most valuable knowledge anyone can possess. I became an eager student of this Science; the true significance of the Bible became plain to me; my health was restored; and an active life filled with a spiritual sense of direction has followed.

The Christian Scientist does not aggressively proselyte in an endeavor to make converts to the Science he professes. He knows too well the stately operation of divine law to attempt to force the recognition of the Science of Christianity upon anyone. But he does hold his mind open to the promptings of Spirit and never fails to prove himself a courageous missionary of Truth. Compassion for the afflicted, deep desire to glorify God, and willingness to meet the needs of mankind are states of thought which make the Scientist sensitive to the mental conditions and needs of those around him.

There can be no better introduction to Christian Science than the textbook, which is the voice of Truth revealed to mankind through our Leader. What of "our times and obligations"? Our answer must be: the recognition of "our own great opportunities and responsibilities." Sharing the textbook by lending it to those ready to receive it, we fulfill an obligation to God. The opportunities are legion; we must be awake to them. Mrs. Eddy says in "No and Yes" (p. 3), "How good and pleasant a thing it is to seek not so much thine own as another's good, to sow by the wayside for the way-weary, and trust Love's recompense of love."

Helen Wood Bauman