There is a beautiful story in the book of Genesis which clearly illustrates the manner in which the light of the Christ may come to illumine and consecrate human thought. It is the story of Jacob's experiences, and it is a story full of significance to the student of Christian Science, for it contains a lesson of deep spiritual value.

In his journey from Beersheba toward Haran, it is stated, Jacob spent one night at a certain place, and it was here that a great spiritual awakening occurred which changed the whole tenor of his career. It was here that he became aware of the sacredness of the mission for which God was even then preparing him. So conscious was he of the presence of God that he exclaimed: "Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.... This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." Farther on in his experience there were many wrestlings with error until the dawn of spiritual light appeared. A darkened human sense gradually gave place to the light that is Christ. Through receptivity and humility Jacob became imbued with those spiritual qualities which fitted him for discipleship—for the work of God among his fellows. Jacob's nature had been changed; he had become more spiritually-minded. Henceforth his life would be more consecrated, his character more Christlike.

How closely related in significance is the story of Jacob's consecration in the service of God to the narrative with which Mary Baker Eddy opens her chapter on Christian Science Practice in the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The incident is the one recorded by Luke of Mary Magdalene, who came uninvited to the house of the Pharisee where Jesus was a guest. Luke describes the Master as expressing the compassion, the love, consideration, and understanding so necessary in healing the sick and the sinning. Our Leader sums up these requirements thus (p. 367): "The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love."

In the case of the Magdalen, however, it was sin rather than sickness which needed to be healed. We recall that she poured the costly oil upon the feet of the Master in token of her repentance; and here we have another requisite of the healer, namely, a spiritual insight or discernment that must needs be present in order that a correct estimate or diagnosis of a patient's sincerity of purpose may be made. The Master possessed the latter quality in perfect measure, for with great spiritual perception he recognized the genuineness of the Magdalen's repentance—her broken heart— and he gave her the assurance of divine forgiveness.

The practitioner of today finds a beautiful lesson in consecration through the study of these Scriptural narratives. Vividly he can picture the transformation taking place in the man Jacob at Bethel. Alone with God he pours oil upon the rock in token of, and in the recognition of, his own anointing and consecration. And in the story of the Magdalen there is that larger lesson in the example of the Master wherein he not only shows forth the love and the compassion requisite in the healer, but also the deep spiritual discernment that enables the healer to diagnose the true status of the patient's needs and to supply those needs.

Our beloved Leader in "Miscellaneous Writings" gives us such a wondrously lovely summary of what a practitioner most needs. She says (p. 354): "A little more grace, a motive made pure, a few truths tenderly told, a heart softened, a character subdued, a life consecrated, would restore the right action of the mental mechanism, and make manifest the movement of body and soul in accord with God."

Truly blest are we who are known as Christian Scientists, workers in today's vineyard of our God. How grateful are we, and how rightfully we should be, for the early pioneers in Christian Science who have preceded us, for they have planted well the seed of Truth. In these latter days we find that our tasks are much easier by reason of these pioneers who blazed the way. We do not have so many hardships as attended their activities. These men and women of the early days of our movement manifested a very great measure of consecration and devotion. Regardless of seeming adversities, of an oftentimes hostile pulpit and press, and of much general intolerance, born of ignorance mainly, these early followers of this new-old religion went forward undaunted. They gave their all for the sake of a suffering and sinwrecked humanity.

Even though now our beloved Cause is held in high regard and respect, there still remains much pioneer work to be done. In the past there was open hostility; today there is indifference to be met and overcome. Let us hold fast to our zeal. Let us make each passing hour one of high devotion and a more Christlike love. The world has need of our work, our service, our consecrated effort. No sacrifice is too great, nor is any task too difficult.

The Christian Science worker soon learns in his experience that there must be an utter consecration to the Christ, Truth, if he would be a worthy follower of Christian Science. With unselfed love he can go forth with courage and strength in the warfare with the so-called workings of evil. Like Jacob, there must be the divine anointing of consecration, of love, of prayer, and of spiritual inspiration, if he is to be a true representative of the Church of God among his fellow beings.

Are we today pouring the oil of consecration and love into our service to the church? Is our devotion to the Cause a devotion that is wholly unselfed? Are our lives dedicated unreservedly to this truth? If so, our gratitude for the blessings of Christian Science will enable us gladly to sacrifice a false sense of life and happiness and plant our feet firmly upon the pathway of healing, comforting, and rescuing humanity from sin and fear and their effects. Cheerfully shall we take up the cross, come out from the material world and be separate—set apart, as it were—in our divinely appointed mission. And as true soldiers of God we shall unfailingly bear away the victory and wear the crown of the faithful.

Copyright, 1944, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, One, Norway Street, Boston 15, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post ofiice as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918, Published every Saturday.