In the fourth chapter of II Kings it is related that a great woman of Shunem urged her husband to "make a little chamber ... on the wall" where Elisha, the man of God, might turn in when he passed that way. Later, in this room, after shutting the door to all others, the prophet through prayer restored to life the Shunammite woman's son.

The importance of proper environment and harmonious influence in the practice of mental therapeutics was pointed out in an article in the Jackson (Michigan) Patriot reprinted in "Pulpit and Press" by Mary Baker Eddy (pp. 52–56). That their importance was recognized by Christ Jesus is indicated in the account of the raising of Jairus' daughter which is cited there (p. 54): "He [Jesus] kept the unbelievers away, 'put them all out,' and permitting only the father and mother, with his closest friends and followers, Peter, James, and John, in the chamber with him, and having thus the most perfect obtainable environment, he raised the daughter to life."

To aid in bringing about mankind's recognition of the power of divine healing, Mrs. Eddy saw the wisdom of providing places of quietude, where earnest seekers for Truth may slip away from worldly cares and interference for prayer and study. Through her vision and love for humanity she established the Christian Science Reading Rooms, each of which is a veritable "chamber ... on the wall." In the Reading Room the seeker for Truth has an environment removed from worldly influences where he may learn of the real man's oneness, or unity, with the divine Mind, God, and thus find that Christian Science is indeed the Comforter which Jesus said would remain with us forever.

In the Reading Room one may gain that spiritual understanding of God and man which is an impregnable defense against error. Here are to be found the Bible and all authorized Christian Science literature, which, through the truths they set forth, dispel the dark shadows of the mortal dream. There are no fables in the Christian Science literature; it contains only the facts of being and thus provides the remedy for every kind of human ill. It is evident that a lie and its effects are rendered powerless when the truth replaces them. In the sanctuary of spiritual knowing, the foundation of one's experience is built of understanding and intelligence, the only real substance, against which the most ingenious devices of error have no effect. The inspiration and enlightenment gained in a Christian Science Reading Room may be carried with one into the home, the office, the factory, to fortify him with spiritual truths, which give him the mastery over adverse circumstances.

A Reading Room is often the scene of the seeker's introduction to the truth. Thus an outstanding opportunity is afforded the attendant to express understanding, love, and comfort to those who may be in dire need. Visitors quickly recognize the presence of love, which the librarian or attendant expresses. Not only the attendants, but all students of Christian Science, are blessed and bless others by keeping their concept of the office of Reading Rooms in consonance with our Leader's intention for them.

Remarkable results have been reported in localities where the church members frequently visit the Reading Room. Unity of thought in the demonstration of the one Mind, universal Love, must dispel the illusion of evil's existence. Consecration to Principle and the realization of the continuous operation of God's law, the law of eternal good, cannot fail to dissipate aggressive mental suggestions which may appear as fear, hate, apathy, sin, disease, and death.

"No power can withstand divine Love," Mrs. Eddy assures us in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 224). To be conscious that the real man in God's likeness is fearless, loving, alert, holy, healthy, that he reflects the divine power and has eternal life, is to express the power of divine Love and thereby destroy the illusions of material sense. Restlessness, distractions, sleepiness, antagonism, and other forms of error disappear in the atmosphere where the influence of the one Mind is acknowledged as supreme. Work well done in our Reading Rooms helps immeasurably in giving the stranger the assurance that came to Jacob when he said (Gen. 28:16), "Surely the Lord is in this place."

Unjust verdicts in business or in the home are frequently reversed in the Reading Rooms, where, away from worldly turmoil, the case may be taken before God, the supreme judge of all, whose decisions are always right. Here one may see his brother as the image and likeness of God. Here he may become conscious of the omnipresence of Truth, before which tyranny and dishonesty must inevitably fall. It is not unusual for one in deep distress as a result of what seems to be injustice on the part of another to leave the Reading Room free after a period of quiet study and prayer, having risen above resentment, fear, and doubt to a vision of the Christ, Truth, and a true sense of brotherhood, and to return later to report a happy and amicable settlement.

The good work done for the Reading Rooms by the librarians, the Reading Room committees, and the members of Churches of Christ, Scientist, is imbued with power to bless all who go to the Reading Room for healing and a better understanding of God and His law.

The "little chamber ... on the wall" has been prepared for each of us. May we all, even as did Elisha, "the man of God," go into it and, having shut the door on belief in evil, prove God's law the only law and see man as the perfect reflection of perfect God.