Example

SAMUEL CASSIUS BURGESS

In Christian Science, teaching is accompanied by example. The Apostle Paul well knew the value of a good example. In his letter to the Philippians he said, "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."

A Christian Science mother, ever alert to the desirability of teaching her young children the necessity of showing a good example, as proof of their spiritual training, said to her little boy as she sent him into the park to join his playmates, "Remember you are setting an example as a little Christian Scientist, and so are good, loving, and kind. But if you are tempted to be selfish, spiteful, and unkind, your playmates will not want to get acquainted with Christian Science."

That evening when his mother was opening some packages, the little boy asked what was in one of them. "That," said his mother, "is a sample of cookies the grocer left." The boy's reply was, "And, mother, if they are not good we won't buy any, will we?" Childish talk, some might call this, but to this mother it was a response to her yearning heart. The little boy felt his mother's love, and learned in his own way the meaning of reflecting divine Love.

The high standard of Christian ethics shown by the working Christian Scientist is the corner stone of true prosperity in our church; and any slackening in our practice will only retard our spiritual growth. In his Sermon on the Mount Christ Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 354): "Consistency is seen in example more than in precept. Inconsistency is shown by words without deeds, which are like clouds without rain." Both Christ Jesus and our Leader knew the necessity of teaching by example. If we would advance the great Cause in which we are enlisted, as true Christian Scientists we must use the vision with which divine Mind equips us, to look beyond the shadowy illusions of material sense and recognize God's perfect man.

If we wish to increase our vision and rise to the joy of the God-given power with which each one is spiritually endued, we should cultivate right, healthful, and kindly thoughts, and reject and exclude from our thinking dismal, imperfect, and uncharitable concepts of our fellow men. Then our vision will expand, and our example before men will awaken their thoughts, so that we shall soon feel the warmth and glow of an increasing love. We shall learn the joyful meaning of our Leader's words (Science and Health, p. 58), "Home is the dearest spot on earth, and it should be the centre, though not the boundary, of the affections."

We must, through example, even more than through words, engender a desire on the part of the seeker to gain that spiritual understanding with which we ourselves are blessed. If, whether we be children or adults, we would be exemplars of Christian Science, we must learn to give a smile instead of a look the other way; a kind word in place of no word; a loving, uplifting thought rather than critical censure. By thus giving, we place ourselves in position to receive.

In a beautiful hymn we read:

"For we must share, if we would keep
That blessing from above:
Ceasing to give, we cease to have,
Such is the law of love."

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