A Christian Science period in the "Columbia West Coast Church of the Air" series was conducted from Station KFPY, Spokane, on Sunday morning, June 23, 1940, at eight o'clock (Pacific Standard Time), by Edwin Smetheram. This program was presented under the auspices of the Committee on Publication for Washington, with the approval of The Christian Science Board of Directors. Mrs. Evalyn F. Burgan, soloist, was assisted by Edgar C. Sherwood at the organ.

The program opened with Hymn No. 182 in the Christian Science Hymnal. Then Mr. Smetheram read selections from the Bible as follows: Luke 6:28, 40; 22:24-27; Acts 3:1-8; James 1:16-20, 22-25; and from the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy: 79:31-3; 519:25-2; 4:3-5; 454:17-21; 570:14-18, 23-24; 138:17-22, 27-30; 55:15-21; and from "Miscellaneous Writings" by the same author: 250:16-29.

Then Hymn No. 30 in the Christian Science Hymnal, the words of which were written by Mrs. Eddy, was sung, after which Mr. Smetheram read an address substantially as follows:

More than nineteen hundred years ago, Christ Jesus said to his disciples, "I am among you as he that serveth" (Luke 22:27). He who gave to humanity the greatest of all gifts—the way of salvation and eternal life—expressed the spiritual nature of service in meekness and selfless humility.

In the degree that one gains the spiritual understanding of true being, he realizes that the wholehearted desire to be of service to mankind is God-given. Either serving or giving, as expressed in human affairs by co-operative effort to improve living conditions through social reform, or direct provision of material supply through organized charity, is commendable; however, such methods are but temporary means toward permanent improvement.

To be of lasting benefit, however, the good deed done should be motivated by a spiritual and unselfish desire to lift the thought of the individual above the false belief of limitation and direct it toward God as the source of true supply. This was the import of Jesus' ministry on earth. By his works he proved the power of God to meet all human needs; and he assured his hearers that the same beneficial results would be possible to all who believed on the truth he revealed. Since Jesus' time there have been outstanding examples of noble, self-sacrificing individuals, with unbounded faith in God, who accomplished great tasks and served to relieve human suffering and arouse mankind to more practical religious experience.

In our own time, the divine Principle of spiritual healing, as practiced by Jesus, has again been revealed through the discovery of Mary Baker Eddy, as set forth in her book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Her life-work as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science identifies her as one who best served mankind by serving God.

It is a privilege to help others through word or deed, and it must be so considered, with gratitude, in humility remembering the precepts of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (6:3,4), "When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

In our efforts to serve, we should watch for any tendency in ourselves to become self-centered. Interest in our own endeavors should in no way prevent us from recognizing and expressing gratitude for unselfish service, great or small, rendered to help men on to better things. We should be grateful for those who through countless hours of study and research have developed many useful inventions and products which have contributed to a better standard of living. On the other hand, we should not forget even the least of the kindnesses shown by those workers with whom we come in daily contact in the many lines of human activity—in our business, in the stores, while traveling. So, then, the daily task should provide the opportunity not only to express kindness ourselves, but to appreciate it in others.

Sometimes we may be very desirous of helping others, but may hesitate, feeling we have little to give. Then we should remember that even a small service done thoughtfully and lovingly, or a timely word of encouragement given to one who for the moment seems burdened, may be far more helpful than anything that might have been offered at the time. Paul knew that God has given to us all good, but he recommended that each one study to serve where he is best fitted to serve. In his epistle to the Romans he pointed out that all have "gifts differing according to the grace that is given." And Jesus in his parable of the talents made it clear that even the one talent should not be hidden, but used.

A thought of love must accompany every gift, great or small. Whether we are giving a book to a friend, or writing a message of encouragement, love should go with it. In directing attention to the giving of two mites by the widow (Mark 12:42-44), Jesus measured the gift, not by quantity, but by the sacrifice and devotion which accompanied it.

Many years ago a student of Christian Science gave up an executive position and moved with his family to establish a home in an agricultural district in a distant part of the country. He found himself without employment after an adverse season. After much seeking he found work, at a meager salary, involving routine and requiring little of the ability he had been able to demonstrate in former years. Overcoming resentment and self-pity, he endeavored to be grateful that immediate needs were being met. Later a better position was obtained, which led to other and more satisfactory employment and added responsibility. Thereafter he remembered with gratitude the growth in grace and humility which he had experienced.

During recent years of economic stress, the same student, although unable to take on additional employees, made it a practice never to turn away an applicant for work without cheerfully granting an interview, giving a helpful suggestion as to where employment might be found, or advice as to how the applicant could better present his qualifications to a prospective employer. Always, in closing the interview, he was careful to give encouragement. Many expressed gratitude for the sincere effort on his part to replace discouragement with trustful assurance His own business operated each year without loss, and through such opportunities he realized in some degree the meaning of Mrs. Eddy's words in Science and Health, where she says (p. 518), "The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good."

In helping others we help ourselves, and in the proportion that we grow spiritually, we shall be able to help others more lovingly and wisely. Indeed, as we make practical in thought, word, and deed, the Golden Rule, we shall find unlimited opportunities for service.

Mr. Smetheram concluded the program by reading from the ninth chapter of II Corinthians, verses six to eight.