Frequently one hears some one at a Wednesday testimony meeting express gratitude for the privilege of being raised in Christian Science. And indeed it is a privilege! One who has enjoyed this blessing has also undoubtedly benefited richly from the inspiration of instruction in the Christian Science Sunday School.

While the value of such an upbringing is inestimable, those who have become students of Christian Science later in life should not feel that they have been deprived of something which cannot still be theirs. A friend of the writer's sometimes recalls the time when she said to him: "Oh, but it's easy for you to know the truth! You have an advantage over others, because you've been raised in Science and have never known anything else."

The friend was referred to page 13 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" where Mary Baker Eddy says: "Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals. It is the open fount which cries, 'Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.'" Enumerating the many qualities of thought which had been expressed in his home through the years, the writer explained to his friend that she could utilize at once her newly gained understanding of Christian Science in demonstrating the very same qualities.

Gratefully the woman realized that the warmth and love of family, the security and safety of home, the purity and innocence of child-likeness—all of these qualities were pouring forth from divine Love, the one Father-Mother. Remembering the Psalmist's declaration (Ps. 84: 11), "The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly," she knew that immortal Mind, impartial and gracious, did not give to one idea and withhold from another. She realized that no belief of age or time, of being born or growing old, could ever benefit or limit in any way her true existence as the child of God. Instead of bemoaning a lack in her human experience, she claimed her immediate and eternal heritage as the image and likeness of Spirit.

At once the phrase "raised in Science" took on a gloriously new meaning. Instead of associating it with the birth, development, and education of a human child, she thought of the tender, Christlike activity of the Comforter, uplifting and elevating human consciousness, regardless of age or circumstance, into an apprehension of divine Truth, Life, and Love. At that instant of inspiration, the student's thought was truly reborn. From that moment she too was to be raised in Science.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of Christian Science is its power to reveal pure concepts to human consciousness, no matter how tragic or hopeless the false picture may seem to be. With the healing balm of compassion and love this great truth of being purifies human motives and thoughts and heals discordant conditions—divorce, delinquency, unhappiness, loneliness, and lack. Through the regenerative art of Christian Science healing, man's chaste existence in Love comes to light. The demonstration of spiritual verities constitutes the new birth in Science.

A good illustration of the new birth brought about by Christian Science is contained in the experience of a successful young business man. Six years ago he was living in a rooming house in a large city of the United States, without family, funds, or employment. He had trained for a particular career on the G I bill of rights and for two months had tried to find a position. But wherever he applied for a job, he was turned down, and as a result he became physically and mentally ill. Although he tried desperately to pray, the situation remained the same.

At this seemingly crucial time in his life Christian Science was introduced to him. Recognizing the divine authority of its teachings, this young man earnestly and assiduously took up the study of Science and Health. As he assimilated some of the truths it contains, he saw clearly that God is the source of all supply and that man, as divine reflection, cannot suffer lack or unemployment, loneliness or displacement.

The new birth had begun! From that moment he too was to be raised in Science. Soon health, happiness, good employment, and ample supply were evidenced. The intervening years have brought friendship, home, church activity, class instruction, and above all a quiet, unwavering assurance that "divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health, p. 494). Does not this young man's experience prove that everyone can be raised in Science? Many of those who have turned to Christian Science in adulthood can tell us of similar cases. To them, Christian Science has given a fresh start in life.

When one is trained on the basis of this mental rebirth, his growth is very much like that of a child just welcomed into a home where Christian Science is lived and loved. There will be trials and triumphs, loving discipline and happy lessons learned; but throughout the whole experience will flow that peaceful river of calm assurance in God, the unspeakable joy that knows with all gratitude: "I am truly being raised in Science. I am learning of the glories of Mind and of its endless universe. I am learning what and where my place is in this universe. I see more clearly that matter is no part of God's creation, for Spirit is All-in-all. I am growing in my understanding of God and of my tender relationship to Him. I am learning to claim my heritage of divine sonship, to claim the noble destiny that is mine."

Everyone can claim for himself the undivided garment of spiritual unfoldment. Then one will realize and enjoy the precious privilege of being raised in Science.