A student of Christian Science, who was attending a university, found himself quite lonesome. It seemed that timidity and self-consciousness prevented him from making satisfactory friendships. One Wednesday evening on the way to church he discovered the error in his thinking. He had been thinking selfishly about trying to get acquainted, rather than about reflecting the goodness of God to those he came in contact with. He resolved to go to that service to give, because he knew that man's business is to reflect the presence and power of God. He gave rapt attention to the readings. Joyfully he joined in the singing of the hymns. During silent prayer he asked that every member of the congregation might be receptive to infinite Love. He thanked God for every testimony of healing, rejoicing with others in the inspiration they were finding through the study of Christian Science. After the service he gave a friendly greeting to a stranger who was attending a Christian Science service for the first time.

On his way home the student realized he had attended a most inspiring service because, with a heart full of love, he had gone to give rather than to get. When we endeavor to give, we are acknowledging our oneness with infinite Love, the source of all true being. Such a prayerful attitude disperses the dark clouds of selfishness and gloom which have enshrouded us, wipes away the tears of loneliness, and enables us to see the unlimited good that is ever at hand for all of God's children.

"Is there anything further I could give?" questioned the student; for he realized that Christian Science services are never really over if we are reflecting Love. Suddenly he remembered that his university did not have a Christian Science organization, a provision Mary Baker Eddy made under Article XXIII, Section 8, of the Manual of The Mother Church. The next day he called on several students and faculty members who were members of The Mother Church and suggested that steps be taken to organize. Within a very short time regular meetings were being held, and many happy friendships were formed among those interested in Christian Science. Through this correct sense of service the way was made easier for the many Scientists who later attended the university, to overcome loneliness, to find true friends, and to advance the Cause of Christian Science.

Every student of Christian Science has something to give each day. On page 110 of "Miscellaneous Writings," Mrs. Eddy has written, "Beloved children, the world has need of you,—and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminated lives." What are some of the simple things which young men and women can daily give to the world for the Cause they love? Our example of wholesome living at school, at work, at play, is our finest contribution to the Cause. Many strangers take up the study of Christian Science because they have observed that its students are happy, healthy, honest, inspiring citizens. It would be sad, indeed, were seekers turned away from Christian Science because those who call themselves Scientists do not live up to its high ideals.

Young folk can help our movement by attending Sunday school and church services regularly, by studying the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly daily, and by reading the authorized literature. When they desire to contribute more generously and to accept some responsibilities, the opportunity for membership in both The Mother Church and a branch church is extended. In their local church they can serve on committees, on the ushering staff, or in the Sunday school. There is always something worth while for every member to do. In Article VIII, Section 15, of the Manual Mrs. Eddy writes, "God requires our whole heart, and He supplies within the wide channels of The Mother Church dutiful and sufficient occupation for all its members." There is need for enthusiasm in our churches, as well as for seasoned and matured thought; and the churches are blessed by making room for youth and helping it to feel and accept its rightful responsibilities.

Our Leader always encouraged young people in the study and practice of Christian Science. She never taught that one's youth might be a barrier to the successful practice of healing. There are a number of instances in which Mrs. Eddy encouraged young men and women to think seriously about making the practice of Christian Science their lifework. A notable case is recorded on page 322 of Dr. Lyman P. Powell's biography of Mary Baker Eddy. A young man had written to Mrs. Eddy telling her that he was devoting his entire time to the public practice of Science. Mrs. Eddy replied: "Your letter is my best New Year's gift. I had felt for sometime the fitness you possess for healing. I knew it when you were a member of my College class. It looked a waste of your talents to have you in a counting room." She continues, "A real scientific healer is the highest position attainable in this sphere of being." This entire letter, although written to a young man some forty years ago, might well have been written to youth in every age. It would be well for youth, as well as older students, to study this letter carefully. Mrs. Eddy points out important qualities of thought essential in healing work.

The public practice of Christian Science should never be regarded as an occupation for only mature people. In reality, of course, it is neither youth nor age that contributes to the demonstration of Christian Science. It is spiritual understanding that heals; and no belief of age, sex, or race can claim a monopoly on spiritual understanding. Understanding is a gift of God, and all who are willing to study the Bible and the Christian Science textbook with a sincere and willing thought may accept this gift. An older worker once wrote to a young man who had entered into the practice, "Don't be a new, young practitioner; be man created in God's image and likeness, for this alone heals the sick."

The opportunity to be of service to humanity through the practice of Christian Science is unlimited. This ministry is very sacred. It demands consecration to highest ideals; it demands purity, unselfishness, charity, spirituality. These divine qualities of thought alone bring true happiness and satisfaction. There is no sacrifice in the giving up of materiality for true spirituality when the emptiness, vanity, and worthlessness of materialism are understood. Youth is capable of comprehending the attractiveness of Spirit, the power of Truth, the presence of infinite Love, the indestructibility of Life. There is nothing to prevent young people from practicing Christian Science successfully, for God, infinite good, is the only power.

Just as the life of Mrs. Eddy has been an inspiration to individuals of mature years, convincing them that their days of spiritual usefulness can never be over, just so is the life of Christ Jesus a source of inspiration to youth. The example of either of them, the Scientist sees, is full of inspiration for all. Jesus certainly never thought he was too young to be about his Father's business. He did not delay his entry into the practice of Christian healing. His youth did not hinder him in his healing work, did not prevent his raising the dead or inspiring sinners to pursue a new and better sense of life. He was never without patients; there were always multitudes who were willing, ready, and eager to be healed. Such multitudes are still reaching out for the healing ministrations of Christian Science today. The practice of Christian healing was a simple, natural process to Jesus. He said, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."

Continuing the statement made by Mrs. Eddy on page 110 of "Miscellaneous Writings" earlier in the article, our Leader says, "What grander ambition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to know that your example, more than words, makes morals for mankind!"