The First Reader of a Christian Science church was invited to "give the invocation" at a public meeting of citizens. He began to explain to the chairman that our method of prayer differed from the usual form, but was assured that he could do as he thought best. The audience was assembled in a large church, and when he was called upon, he said: "In that sacred book, the Holy Bible, in the sixth chapter of Matthew we read that our dear Lord and Master, Christ Jesus, was teaching his disciples how to pray. He said, 'When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.' Then he gave that wonderful prayer which Christianity has come to know as the Lord's Prayer. Let us now have a few moments of silent prayer, after which let us all join in repeating the Lord's Prayer audibly."

A prominent business man of the city, prominent in religious circles also, who was present at this meeting, made no delay in seeking out a reading room in order to procure a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." He explained that he had experienced a great sense of peace during that silent prayer, and wanted to learn how to pray aright. Others sought for healing, explaining to the practitioners that they were moved thereto by the impression they received during the silent prayer at the public meeting.

The world is not unfamiliar with prayer in public on great occasions when an orator is engaged to make the prayer. We used to be told of the famous description that slipped into print regarding one such prayer as being "the most eloquent prayer that was ever addressed to a Boston audience." Assuming that the audience in such a case listened as critics of the performance, their hearts could not be effectually united to God by the prayer. Curiously enough, one who engaged much in public audible prayer and denounced Mrs. Eddy as "prayerless," was present at the session of the Christian Scientists during the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893, and joined with them in silent prayer, the form of prayer she had used since 1866.

It is interesting to learn the attitude which Mrs. Eddy commends in the individual while engaged in prayer. In an address to the Concord church she pictures a placid lake wherein is peacefully reflected the expanse of sky and the mild glory of the moon. She notes how this will stir the heart, and says (Miscellany, p. 150): "Then, in speechless prayer, ask God to enable you to reflect God, to become His own image and likeness, even the calm, clear, radiant reflection of Christ's glory, healing the sick, bringing the sinner to repentance, and raising the spiritually dead in trespasses and sins to life in God."

The Leader of the Christian Science movement did not deal in precepts merely, but was in all points an example. Peter's exhortation to the elders about not overruling God's heritage, "but being ensamples to the flock," and Paul's guidance to Timothy when he said, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth;" and his exhortation that this young disciple should be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity," were fully understood and exemplified by Mrs. Eddy. Consequently it is of great moment to-day to know her way of prayer and the thoughts she gained in communion with divine Mind. She writes (Miscellany, p. 220) regarding this: "Each day I pray for the pacification of all national difficulties, for the brotherhood of man, for the end of idolatry and infidelity, and for the growth and establishment of Christian religion—Christ's Christianity. I also have faith that my prayer availeth, and that He who is overturning will overturn until He whose right it is shall reign." These words appear as if written for our help in this very hour of the world's need.

We are not, then, without resource if we wish to help ourselves and others. A child's hands may be weak, but a child can pray. Wherever there is love there may also be prayer. Joy and strength are awaiting all mankind and they can find the solution of all their problems in the way indicated by Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy states this in "No and Yes" (p. 39): "True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection. Prayer is the utilization of the love wherewith He loves us. Prayer begets an awakened desire to be and do good. It makes new and scientific discoveries of God, of His goodness and power. It shows us more clearly than we saw before, what we already have and are; and most of all, it shows us what God is. Advancing in this light, we reflect it; and this light reveals the pure Mind-pictures, in silent prayer, even as photography grasps the solar light to portray the face of pleasant thought."

William P. McKenzie.