A College student was saying quietly but firmly to three classmates at a noon get-together, "Christian Science shouldn't take second place in our experience here at the university." All agreed that they needed Christian Science more now than ever before. They also wanted fellow students to witness the practical benefits of knowing God as an ever-present help. And before they broke off for afternoon lectures they laid plans to form a Christian Science Organization at the university, as provided for by Mary Baker Eddy in Article XXIII, Section 8, of the Manual of The Mother Church.

Each of the students had had a good grounding in the fundamentals of Christian Science, having attended the Christian Science Sunday School through high school and early college years. Some of them had proved their understanding of Christian Science during war service. As steps were taken to establish a Christian Science Organization, they endeavored to look only to the ever-present guidance of Principle to direct them aright. The organization grew in numbers and in service to the university, and its members were rewarded not only in accelerated understanding of Christian Science, but also in academic achievement.

Like these students, most Christian Scientists at college desire to hold fast to their knowledge that God, Principle, governs the only real universe and man in harmony, peace, and perfection. But often they encounter influences which threaten to upset their convictions and interrupt or retard their progress in Science. Studies claim much time, some professors challenge their faith in a Supreme Being, and fellow students sometimes loudly proclaim atheism and denounce Christianity as mere superstition.

Many students, delving deep into material knowledge, come up disillusioned. Some lose faith in moral values. Others grope in vain for something satisfying out of which to weave better lives. Those studying mathematics learn there is a principle beyond the figures and functions they work with. They write down formulas, but cannot claim absoluteness for them. How much Christian Science is needed at an institution of higher learning!

Christian Scientists at college are convinced of the infallible logic of Mrs. Eddy's writings and their practicality. And they want to hear how others of their faith are putting Christian Science first in their college lives. Forming a Christian Science Organization or taking part in one makes this possible. As they advance, students find strength in the knowledge that their organization, founded and conducted in accordance with the Church Manual, is a functional part of Mrs. Eddy's provision for disseminating Christian Science in this age and only awaits recognition of its spiritual value to come to full fruition.

As they take the necessary human steps, students learn much about turning to God for guidance. Instead of relying on human wisdom, they seek to follow Mrs. Eddy's injunction (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 117), "Be sure that God directs your way; then, hasten to follow under every circumstance." Instead of turning to personal leadership, they hold to her treasured statement in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 454), "Love inspires illumines, designates, and leads the way."

The argument oftentimes arises that the numbers are too few for an organization to be effective. Christ Jesus assured, however (Matt. 18: 20). "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." From contemplation of this statement comes the quiet strength of spiritual inspiration which annuls the argument. One can be humbly grateful for Mrs. Eddy's momentous victory over similar circumstances in the early days of the movement and for her comforting words (Science and Health, p. 225), "You may know when first Truth leads by the fewness and faithfulness of its followers."

Sometimes an organization faces the question of sponsoring social activities. It might be argued that some would become interested in Christian Science through such activities and later join the organization. The only attraction, however, is Spirit, and that organization is secure which builds on no other foundation.

The most gratifying result of a Christian Science Organization is witnessed in what it does not only for its members, but for the university. Even a small group's acknowledgment of God's creation as wholly good and of His orderly government of man and the universe aids others to see the fallacy of the belief in government by chance and a human predilection to err. The happiness of working Scientists and their success at college make plain to other students that the all-power of God helps at every turn. And every demonstration of Christian Science that is experienced by an organization member awakens others to perceive the healing effect of prayer.

The activity of an organization also benefits the campus in more obvious ways. It aids broader circulation of The Christian Science Monitor, with its balanced, constructive presentation of news and its hopeful message for mankind. Authorized Christian Science lectures reach students and professors who might not otherwise learn of its blessing. The organization's study room or library enables theological, medical, and philosophy students who are required to investigate Christian Science to obtain accurate information.

Testimony meetings held regularly offer opportunity to relate inspiring examples of how God can be put first at college. At one meeting a student told how faithful daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly had made his academic work easier. Another said that by refusing to join in general criticism of a teacher's instruction and holding to the perfection of man as an idea of God, he witnessed more effective instruction. Another testified of improved grades through steadfast acknowledgment of one Mind, or intelligence, one Principle, which is all-powerful and always present.

Through the inspired provision of Mrs. Eddy for college organizations, young Christian Scientists have broad opportunities for spiritual growth. Active participation therein gives refuge from the storms of erudite materialism, and putting God first arms them with truth wherewith to withstand false attractions and temptations. And best of all, they find the utilization of their knowledge of the Science of being far more effective in solving problems than any human learning a university can give.