The writing of an article, a testimony, or a poem for publication in one of the Christian Science periodicals is a blessing to the writer and a way of serving the great Cause of Christian Science. In the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of this Science, we find her on occasion urging students to share their fruitage and experiences with the entire Field through the periodicals. One example of this may be found on page 155 of "Miscellaneous Writings" under the heading "To Correspondents."

On page 79 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy writes, "Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us." Preparing an article is a means of contributing to the general welfare of our movement and of mankind. Many who are reading our periodicals are searching and hungering for a message of healing. Perhaps you have had just the experience or revelation that will help and encourage them to gain a clearer understanding of the particular problem on which they may be working. Certainly the sharing of some clear light of Truth that we have received is fulfilling Jesus' command (Matt. 10:8), "Freely ye have received, freely give." Both our Master and our Leader gave liberally of their spiritual treasures; let us follow in their footsteps and share the good that has come to us.

Certainly before one writes a theme or thesis on any subject he carefully studies and consults the authoritative works on it. Our authorities are the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy. These books are rich in fact and revelation. Through the careful study of these books, and especially the study of the specific references in them which concern the subject we may have chosen, vast new vistas of our subject will unfold. We shall be able to speak "as one having authority" in proportion to our living and demonstrating of these truths. This divine authority is apparent in the works of all spiritually-minded writers, and it comes by gaining, yea, reflecting, the understanding of God and His creation.

One may argue, as did Moses when he was bidden to go before the Egyptian court (Ex. 4:10, 12), "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant," but God will reply to us, as He did to the ancient leader, "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." There are many references in our Leader's writings, as well, which show that education or a special flare for writing is not necessarily requisite for the proper expression of spiritual truths. For example, Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 262), "When the heart speaks, however simple the words, its language is always acceptable to those who have hearts."

It is the love and Christliness we express for which the world is really searching, not rhetoric. This spiritual fervor is the essential difference between an inspired and an uninspired writer. The grammatical and linguistic qualities of the Bible and the works of our Leader are of the highest standard, but the material accompaniments are not what make those volumes fountains of inspiration and healing.

The author, while taking a course in English composition at college, was required to prepare a lengthy theme each week. Because of a heavy program, it was difficult for him to prepare much in advance. He found that when careful study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly and prayerful acknowledgment of God as the only author preceded his writing, the contents for the week's composition unfolded effortlessly and good grades invariably were received. When there was any strain on his part, evidencing a false sense of responsibility and of personal authorship, the quality of the work would decline. Let us be scribes writing what divine Mind dictates; God is the only author, and everything that He has made is "very good."

The editorial departments of The Christian Science Publishing Society do prayerful work in selecting what shall be published in our periodicals. If our manuscript is rejected it may be that our talents lie in another direction. As Paul says (I Cor. 12:4), "There are diversities of gifts." We may need to do more research and study, to demonstrate more fully the truths we have studied before the manuscript is ready for publication. Let us use such an occasion as an opportunity for more study and prayer. No sense of discouragement should be entertained; rather should there be a determination to gain further clarity on the subject, which will result in further spiritual growth.

The contents of our contribution to the periodicals will be fraught with healing, the preparation will be without strain, and the technical composition will be correct when we acknowledge God as the author and remove self. When this is done, our experience will be filled with opportunities to gain spiritual growth, a boon to our beloved religion in supplying its periodicals with inspired material, and a blessing to those "millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert"—who, Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 570), "are waiting and watching for rest and drink." Then we shall be heeding her loving advice, when she adds, "Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences."