A COMMON goal of human ambition is leadership. The child claims it in his play, the youth aspires to it in his sports, the young person labors for it in business and society, and maturity values it in the councils of politics and commerce. Schools and colleges make a point nowadays of "training for leadership," as the expression goes. Fraternities urge their members to strive for positions to enhance the standing of the group; and to a young person of ability there is generally no lack of opportunity to attain some measure of prominence. Personal leaders have been and doubtless are now necessary in most human activities, and the drama of history is rich with the examples of noble men and women who have led movements for human betterment.

A preeminent instance is that of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. In her were combined high idealism, courage and kindness, strength and tenderness, and extraordinary practicality. In the midst of her unparalleled career as the Leader of a great movement to establish her revelation of true being she wrote that her successor would be, not a person, but "man in the image and likeness of the Father-Mother God," which, she said (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 347), "remains to lead on the centuries."

Right leadership, then, is the expression of divine ideas in outward conduct—the manifestation of true selfhood. Young people in Christian Science are unencumbered with many of the ordinarily accepted fears and false beliefs; this brings them much freedom in the exercise of their faculties and abilities, and qualifies them to fill positions of honor and trust. If called to serve, they should work and pray to acquit themselves creditably. They should know that of themselves they can do nothing, but that all right qualities of thought are in and of divine Mind and are theirs by reflection.

The Christian Scientist is protected by spiritual understanding from the fears and worries attendant upon a false sense of merely personal responsibility, from the temptations of egotism, envy, jealousy, covetousness, mad ambition, and pride of place; also from the sorrow, sickness, and failure that may follow in their train. He needs constantly to refresh his thoughts with spiritual truth. He needs to walk confidently and humbly with God, relying wholly upon Him for daily supplies of wisdom, judgment, honesty, discretion, discernment, tact, courtesy, alertness, promptness, decisiveness, consideration, love, and happiness.

In the Christian Science movement the title of Leader is reserved solely for its Discoverer and Founder. This worldwide organization is now carried on without personal leaders. Both those in positions of authority and those in the ranks strive to be led by God's will as revealed through the Bible and through the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, the Manual of The Mother Church, and the instructions and admonitions given in the other writings of our Leader. The beautiful shepherd Psalm declares, "He leadeth me beside the still waters" and "in the paths of righteousness." Christ Jesus taught us to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Here is the rule for true leadership. God governs; man responds to the divine leading.

In the story of the healing of Naaman, the leper, different kinds of leadership are set forth in effective contrast. There is Naaman, a "mighty man in valour," a leader of great armies, but himself in bondage to a dreaded disease. Over him is the king of Syria, whose word even the renowned Naaman must obey. Then we have the king of Israel, leader of his people, yet fearful and agitated by the thought of seeming impending trouble. But through her faith and simplicity the little Israelite maid who serves Naaman's wife is able to lead the thoughts of her master to accept the hope of healing. Then Elisha, the man of God, prescribes the remedy which results in his healing. Naaman's servants also are effective instruments in leading his thoughts away from rage and pride to humility, obedience, and gratitude. Of the several types of leadership exemplified in this story it is hardly necessary to ask which were most worth while and nearest to the truth of man's being.

The Christian Scientist's daily reflection of Truth and Love is effective for good. It brings him the joy of helping to lead the thoughts of others from sickness to health, from sorrow to gladness, from lack to supply, from matter to Spirit. As a result of the inspiring example of their own happy, grateful lives, young Christian Scientists frequently find their friends expressing the desire to go with them to the Christian Science Sunday School, where they too may learn the truth. Opportunities may come to them for recommending Christian Science treatment or the reading of the textbook to those in need of healing and comfort. Best of all, they may realize the truth or "speak the word," and so bring protection and healing directly to their associates.

Some people desire to lead, and others are content to follow; but both need to understand that God is the all-governing Mind, and that man is obedient to His leading. When that is understood, leaders and followers are in unity, in that they both serve the one Mind in the broad fields of Truth. Christ Jesus led his followers out of the darkness of spiritual ignorance into the light of the understanding of divine Love. He called them friends; he washed their feet, and was among them as one who served. By his reflection of God he healed them of disease and sin. This is the ideal and the opportunity which Christian Science presents to all, the unselfish service which the world so greatly needs—the divine idea, man, that "remains to lead on the centuries."