Manhood's Eternal Noon

[Written Especially for Young People]

MARY TAYLOR GIFFORD

Young students of Christian Science are sometimes tempted to believe that they and their work are of little importance to the Cause of Christian Science. This subtle, erroneous argument tends to postpone their usefulness and distract their attention from right living.

He who vanquished the mighty warrior, Goliath, was David, a simple shephered boy. Jesus, when but a child, was found in the temple with the doctors, "both hearing them, and asking them questions;" and he completed his entire earthly ministry in young manhood.

We read that when Jesus fed the multitudes, a youth brought the five barley loaves and two fishes, and thus took part in this great demonstration of supply. The Bible narratives give many other instances of tasks performed by young people. Oftentimes, even small children readily apprehend spiritual realities, because they have not become ensnared in the meshes of false material sense. We find a good example of this receptivity in the boy Samuel, who, because of his spiritual-mindedness, heard God's voice calling him. Instructed by Eli, he was able to answer, "Speak; for thy servant heareth."

Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 236): "Jesus loved little children because of their freedom wrong and their receptiveness of right. While age is halting between two opinions or battling with false beliefs, youth makes easy and rapid strides towards Truth." Purity of thought is necessary in the healing work, and is one of the qualities which Christian Scientists are striving to attain.

Young people should not hesitate to use their own understanding in solving their problems through Christian Science. If it should be necessary, however, they can call upon an experienced Christian Scientist to aid them. The truths set forth in "the scientific statement of being" (ibid., p. 468), and other statements of spiritual truth in our Leader's writings and the Bible, are sufficient to solve what seem to be difficult problems, when they are understandingly applied. We grow Spiritward by putting into practice what we have gained from our study.

An activity in which all Christian Scientists should participate is that of obeying Jesus' command, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." People are sometimes led to read Christian Science literature by observing the lives of those who apply the truth which finds expression in an unruffled disposition, a gracious smile, a harmonious life, the strength to do right regardless of temptation to wrong. Christian Science is provable. Consequently, the greatest and most important activity of every Christian Scientist is to do this proving.

In the chapter "Footsteps of Truth" in Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy makes many references to the mistake of age limitations. In one of these she states (p. 246), "The measurement of life by solar years robs youth and gives ugliness to age;" and she adds, "Manhood is its eternal noon, undimmed by a declining sun." It is just as erroneous for one to limit himself with thoughts of immaturity as it is to expect decadence to appear through the passing of years.

The real man is eternally perfect and complete, knowing neither growth nor decline, and God holds each of His countless ideas in perfect harmony. With this understanding, all may carry on the all-important business of being true Christian Scientists.

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