When Cornelius, the centurion, was directed to send for the Apostle Peter and to listen to whatever message he might bring, Peter responded immediately, although he was well aware of the Jewish law which forbade a Jew to fraternize with Gentiles.

The message which Peter brought to the centurion's household began (Acts 10:34, 35), "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

The apostle's message that work of a righteous nature must be performed as evidence of one's reverence for God is illustrated in the many incidents in which Peter and Paul and other exponents of the Christian faith labored with great zeal to demonstrate and prove the value of their gospel. Their work and travels, although arduous, were never neglected, for they clearly recognized the necessity of practicing as well as preaching, of doing as well as declaring.

To hear the Word of God, to understand it, and then to do it, is the whole duty of the Christian Scientist. Truth in the heart and mind is of little value unless put to work—expressed in action. The understanding must be energized by the power of Love, God, to result in spiritual activity. Otherwise, we possess only a sort of comprehensive faith without works, which the Apostle James declared to be lifeless, hence valueless.

It was Paul who wrote to the Galatians (5:6), "In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." The Master described those whom he held closest to him when he said (Luke 8:21), "My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." Christ Jesus demanded doing as an absolute requirement of his followers.

On one occasion he sent his patient to wash in the pool of Siloam; on another he directed one to go and show the priest that he was no longer diseased. He explained to the inquiring lawyer that it was necessary to carry out, as well as to recite, the law of righteousness.

The textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," of which Mary Baker Eddy is the author, reminds us (p. 9), "Consistent prayer is the desire to do right." Running like a thread through all of our Leader's writings is her earnest hope that Christian Scientists will work honestly and watch diligently for wisdom and love.

Students of this Science find that that which they learn soon fades from consciousness unless it is given daily exercise. It is essential not only to accept the truth which one gleans from his study, but also to let it become a positive motive power for his actions.

Progress is dependent upon a free, unimpeded activity in the performing of the works of righteousness. Referring to spiritualization of thought, Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 204): "By purifying human thought, this state of mind permeates with increased harmony all the minutiæ of human affairs. It brings with it wonderful foresight, wisdom, and power; it unselfs the mortal purpose, gives steadiness to resolve, and success to endeavor. Through the accession of spirituality, God, the divine Principle of Christian Science, literally governs the aims, ambition, and acts of the Scientist."

A patient once gave joy to a practitioner when she wrote: "I am learning the value of doing. One morning recently I wakened suffering from a sense of illness and inertia. I read my lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly, then realized it was time to obey the lesson's repeated admonition to do His will. And so I asked, 'What can I do just at this instant?"

"The answer came, 'You can declare what is true of God, man, and the universe.'

"I obeyed, and it was the beginning of considerable doing and the reception of freedom."

The patient had found the way through which the healing currents of Life reach us, and her obedience brought release from that which threatened her happiness. A poet wrote,

The Christian Scientist learns that his progress in the pathway of Truth requires constant vigilance, prayer, and watching on his part, but he also comes to see that these alone will not guarantee ultimate success. To these must be added the activity which radiates to others the good with which his prayers have endowed him.

To seek to avoid work in Science or to gain good through another's progressive efforts is to mistake the very nature of Science. The truths which are to be found in the Scriptures are a vital necessity, and in proportion as one acts consistently with these truths, he will accomplish the purpose of God.

God's man is always at the standpoint of opportunity, and to take advantage of this truth each one must translate it into action. In demonstrating a living Christianity, one acquires greater facility and power to correct those material fallacies which, if credited, would hide progress, happiness, and peace. When the energy of Spirit is employed, there is no weariness, no burden.

Life is ever exuberant for the Christian Scientist who is bent on demonstrating his understanding of ever-present omnipotence. Tireless and unencumbered, he rejoices in opportunities to help free his friend or neighbor from the heavy weights of materiality.

He not only knows the facts of divine existence, but he also acts upon them. He rejects all the sundry suggestions put forth by mortal mind that man can ever be subject to weakness, weariness, want, or woe. He casts aside for himself and for others the garment of heaviness and daily goes forth wearing the lighter and happier garments of action and gladness. Each new day spreads out before him with fresh inspiration, because he has learned the meaning and the value of doing.