Human sense would have us believe that the period called adolescence is fraught with difficulty. Christian Science can relieve voting men and women of the encumbrance of ungodlike qualities with which mortal mind would saddle them.

One persistent but erroneous claim that would deprive young persons of their true being is that they acquire sophistication by rejecting traditional concepts in general and religion in particular. Another claim is that happiness and acceptance by others are gained by adherence to codes of behavior set by a majority of mortal minds. These two false beliefs may tempt the young person to be indifferent, apologetic, or embarrassed about being a Christian Scientist.

Mrs. Eddy was certainly not reticent or self-conscious about sharing and acclaiming the Comforter, Christian Science, even when she was the only Scientist in the world. Neither was she incognizant of the multifarious challenges to one's thinking, for she writes in Science and Health (p. 225): "The powers of this world will fight, and will command their sentinels not to let truth pass the guard until it subscribes to their systems; but Science, heeding not the pointed bayonet, marches on. There is always some tumult, but there is a rallying to truth's standard."

No reticence is apparent in Jeremiah's emphatic statement, "Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard: publish, and conceal not" (50:2). Christian Scientists must carry the banner that, floating steadfastly in the rising breeze of increasing spirituality, bears the message of Christ, Truth; they must also upgrade their human behavior. By conscientiously bearing the standard of Truth in their thought, they are able to let their light shine at its very brightest.

During her freshman year at a college where she was virtually the only Christian Scientist, the writer was asked to give a talk on Christian Science as part of a series that was being sponsored by the weekly chapel committee. In this series students of different faiths presented the fundamental precepts of their religions to fellow students and faculty.

The writer was tempted to be fearful of representing her religion inadequately and of addressing an audience on such a subject. Prayerful work was begun; she realized that only good could come from explaining the truths of Christian Science to receptive minds. with the right motive thus established in her thinking, she accepted the invitation to speak.

The help of the local Christian Science Committee on Publication was enlisted in preparing the talk. The Committee also read and approved the final draft of the speech so that there would be no possibility of misrepresentation.

Then the actual time for the presentation arrived, the writer's fear had been conquered. She realized that fear was just a form of mesmerism which was attempting to rob her of her capacity to do good and that nothing could come between God and His expression. Self-consciousness disappeared when she saw clearly that no claim to a material self had any role here and that true selfhood is found as one expresses God.

After the speech several students who had heard it expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn something of Christian Science. More fruitage was shown when, later in the year, the Committee on Publication was invited to participate in a panel discussion of some religious questions. His contribution on that occasion brought more knowledge and understanding of Christian Science to the campus.

Since that time, schedule conflicts which for a while had prevented the writer from participating in the meetings of a Christian Science organization at a neighboring university were resolved harmoniously. Summer employment rich in opportunities for growth in Christian Science also unfolded for her.

Holding the standard of Christian Science on high is a joy. It is our duty and our privilege to allow the light of Truth to shine as brightly as possible. We can bear our standard with enthusiasm and humble gratitude.