Consecrated students of Christian Science know that their continuing loyalty to its teachings establishes them upon the Rock, a sure foundation in Christ, against which the elements of evil beat in vain.

To Simon Peter, who recognized the impersonal and divine nature of the Christ, Jesus said (Matt. 16:17, 18): "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Mary Baker Eddy says in her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p.25), "Building on the rock of Christ's teachings, we have a superstructure eternal in the heavens, omnipotent on earth, encompassing time and eternity." Through prayer and unfolding wisdom, she was led to ordain the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as the impersonal and permanent pastor of her Church. This Church stands as a living type of God's love in action.

The membership of The Mother Church and of its branches is composed of those who have enlisted to grow in grace through helping to advance the most wonderful Cause on earth. If one relies wholly upon Christian Science for healing, if he is ready and willing to comply with the simple requirements for church membership, then the privilege of church membership awaits him.

A young woman who had a lukewarm interest in Christian Science once said to a practitioner, who was encouraging her to go forward, "When I have more time and fewer material duties, I shall study every day the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly and begin to think about church membership."

The practitioner wisely replied, "If you wait until mortal mind is ready, that will be never." This so roused the young woman's thought that she immediately began to study in earnest and soon became an active and fruitful worker in the Field.

Chronic suffering of seventeen years' standing, caused by several premature births, was healed, and medical forebodings of danger regarding childbirth were reversed. She became the mother of two lovely children. Christian Science treatment eliminated all fearful medical forecasts, and the births were normal, quick, and painless.

Often during testing times mesmeric suggestion, posing as one's own thought, points an accusing finger and whispers: "You are afraid and doubtful. You have lost your inspiration; hence you cannot demonstrate healing." But at any moment through maintaining the truths of spiritual existence one can awaken and claim his divine inheritance, because man is not a frightened, sick mortal; he is a perfect, spiritual idea. Man is not the reflection of fear and matter; he is the reflection of Love, Spirit.

After many years of gratifying proofs of the healing power of Christian Science, an earnest student was confronted by an alarming condition which seemed unyielding. Despite her sincere and prayerful efforts to unsee the lie, years passed without a ray of hope or sign of healing. Inspiration, courage, and faith were overshadowed by doubt, fear, and suggestions of defeat.

One day when the mental and physical suffering seemed overwhelmingly real, the student was compelled to go to bed tormented by the thieving suggestion, "Christian Science has failed you." But an angel message penetrated the darkness, reminding her that years of consecration and obedience to the teachings of Christian Science had established her upon the Rock, a sure foundation in Christ, which the devilish action of evil could not remove from under her.

Clinging to this angel thought, despite the seeming mental darkness, she declared: "I am standing upon the Rock, and God's law is operating in my behalf. The elements of fear and doubt cannot halt or hinder the operation of that law and I acknowledge it whether I see it or not."

Over and over she declared these statements of truth. She remembered that the world over Christian Scientists pray for mankind and that she was receptive to true prayer. Gratefully she acknowledged the far-reaching power of the impersonal love that inspires such prayer.

As gently as light dispels darkness, the shadows of error faded into nothingness, She was healed that day. Indeed, she was standing upon the Rock—joyous and free. A sacred gratitude for church membership filled her heart, and she went on to higher and more fruitful work in the Cause she loved so much.

Falling as a gentle benediction are the ever-timely words of Mrs. Eddy in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 263): "These two words in Scripture suggest the sweetest similes to be found in any language— rock and feathers: 'Upon this rock I will build my church:' 'He shall cover thee with His feathers.' How blessed it is to think of you as 'beneath the shadow of a great rock in a weary land,' safe in His strength, building on His foundation, and covered from the devourer by divine protection and affection. Always bear in mind that His presence, power, and peace meet all human needs and reflect all bliss."