"Trials are proofs of God's care" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 66). About three years ago this was confirmed for me during final examinations. I was completing secondary school and was learning how broadly applicable Christian Science is. In such examinations the achievement required of one is an opportunity to reflect divine qualities, rather than exercise a personal mind separate from God.

In my class the final examinations were preceded by much excitement and fear on the part of students. But as a Christian Scientist I saw in this challenge a good opportunity to prove God's ever-presence. Also, during the examination this understanding gave me a certainty that allowed me to complete my tests calmly.

The basis of my spiritual preparation consisted of clearly understanding my perfect relationship to God as His child; also, my right to express the divine qualities without any interruption, as I had learned in Christian Science Sunday School. In addition, in my prayer I gave specific thought to each subject being examined. I knew that whatever spiritual truths may be behind any subject are known to God, signify His presence, and have their origin in Him. I remembered the reassuring message which came to Moses when he felt rather inadequate to speak with the Israelites before leading them out of Egypt (Ex. 4:12): "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."

Whoever is receptive to divine inspiration and, with the help of Christian Science, overcomes the tendency to force his human will can always experience God's unerring guidance. As a result, the right idea, which will bring the solution for the human problem, will unfold to him at the right time. In her answer to the question "What is man?" Mrs. Eddy includes these words (Science and Health, p. 475): "that which has not a single quality underived from Deity; that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker." I was able to prove this truth at one point during the examination when, right after the topics were given out, a completely developed idea came to mind. I succeeded in dissolving the fear—which had welled up in me quite briefly while the topics were being read—replacing it with confidence and joy and gratitude for God's ever-present help

Working out the various assignments in the consciousness of man's eternal unity with God gave me much joy, and the result was correspondingly complete. In German and mathematics I received a grade which was one mark higher than my marks previous to the exams, in English a grade even two marks higher, and in art I received the best possible mark. These high grades exempted me from the usual oral examination.

This proof of limitless divine Love showed me again that reliance on man's spiritual power to reflect God is true security that is effective for everyone. In this manner I have also been able to heal physical problems, such as the grippe, a sprained ankle, a painful foot condition, and some so-called children's diseases. I am very grateful for Christian Science, the Sunday School, and the many other activities that have taken youth especially into consideration.

(Miss) Sylvia Mehring
West Berlin, Germany