Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,"  ^{Mark 16:15 ;} and again, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  ^{Matt. 5:16 ;} Obedience to the latter counsel is an effectual way of carrying out the former.

The desire of every dedicated Christian Scientist is to let his light shine before men by living an exemplary life, keeping the commandments, doing good to his fellowmen, and otherwise reflecting the Godlike qualities that animate him. But, more important still, he goes out into the byways, seeking those who are ready to learn more of the Christ, Truth, that redeems the world. He welcomes questions about his religion. He does not draw back, lacking courage, doubting his capacity to answer these queries satisfyingly. He realizes that at first the disciples of Jesus could not answer all the questions put to them, nor heal all the diseases that were presented to them, but they did not hold back on that account.

What would have happened to Christian Science if Mrs. Eddy had not freely disclosed the revelation that came to her? Such disclosure was an integral part of her mission, and she could not do otherwise than fulfill its divine mandate. Heedless of scorn and ridicule, she gave the holy message to humanity that God and His manifestations are the only realities of being, that matter is nothing and has only a spurious claim to existence.

How wonderful it is that we have the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, to which we can turn for the answers and the inspiration that we need ! Because of Mrs. Eddy's radical departure from commonly accepted beliefs, many people are highly skeptical of the teachings of Christian Science, not readily accepting them, but now and then expressing a wish to know more about them. They must be fed as babes are fed: given only what they are able to assimilate.

The Christian Scientist finds joy in the companionship of those who think as he does and in whose presence he is at case, not expecting or giving censure, criticism, or argument. In such companionship he can be refreshed; but he knows he cannot always remain in this cloistered environment, for that would be hiding his precious light under a bushel. To be about his Father's business is to reflect God, and the Scientist cannot do this by being withdrawn, self-satisfied, and clannish. He knows he must help the weary and sad, the discouraged and the friendless, and through consciously seeking for himself the light of Truth, he will be able to answer, and answer aright, any query that may come his way. He must be willing to go, if necessary, where barbs of hatred may be directed at him— where possibly he will be attacked with calumny and sneers—and must be able to meet these attacks and nullify them.

Mrs. Eddy writes: "Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences."  ^{Science and Health, p. 570 ;} This divine draught blesses both recipient and giver.

To be always conscious of the divine presence is to know there is but one source of power; that this power is forever at the disposal of the earnest student; that through the eternal Christ it can be brought to bear upon any imaginable circumstance. One can feel assured that always at his side, directing his every act, is his Father-Mother God, guarding and guiding him in all that he says and does.

To be always conscious of the divine presence is to be unconscious of mortal selfhood, unaware of physical discomfort, sorrow, or any other mortal belief, knowing that all these illusions are untrue representations of man and cannot interfere with one's progress Spiritward. Mrs. Eddy says, "Forget self in laboring for mankind; then will you woo the weary wanderer to your door, win the pilgrim and stranger to your church, and find access to the heart of humanity."  ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 155 .}

Do we feel that our particular light is small—inadequate to pierce the gloom of skepticism and the mists of incredulity? Mrs. Eddy has provided a way that is unsurpassed for letting our light shine before men. That is the Wednesday testimony meeting, where members of the congregation may tell of personal experiences of healing by spiritual means. These meetings have often been our first introduction to the healing message of Christian Science. There we may hear from people like ourselves of healings of sickness, sorrow, and discord of every sort. The healings related in the Bible have been so universally regarded as miracles that they have been habitually shunted aside as of no present value to humanity. Only within the past century, through divine revelation, have we learned that what was thought of as miraculous was really the working of spiritual law.

Spiritual light is entirely unseen to mortal vision; only that consciousness which is attuned to the divine can comprehend it. Spiritual light knows no limitation. It is not something to be turned on and off at the source, but is continuous, never varying or dimming. It streams through the universe of Spirit, and it gives light to all who seek it. It is always present, and as we discern it we shall be able to let our light shine ever brighter and lead others to a more fruitful existence.