Editorial Notice
With the December issue, Brother J. F. Bailey's editorial relation with the Journal ceased. He will, however, continue a contributor in connection with work in healing and teaching. Under the present editorial management, we trust all interested in the Cause of Christian Science, and consequently in the prosperity of its recognized Periodical, will feel even stronger prompting than ever before individually to help sustain it with the best thought, the clearest realization of Truth given them. The Journal is no less what Scientists themselves make it now, than heretofore. Let us "assemble ourselves together," join hands— cordial thoughts—and do valiantly for the charge entrusted to us by our Teacher and Leader, The Christian Science Journal!
Student's Association
At the January meeting (held the first Wednesday of each month in the Reading Room 62 Boylston St., Boston) a large number were present, and it proved a decidedly harmonious and profitable gathering. One of the most interesting topics presented for discussion, was that of the children in our Sabbath Schools. Certainly the leading of these little ones into the understanding of Life and Love—if not the most beautiful—is at least one of the most beautiful in the Master's Vineyard. Our Teacher has said: "The children will make the Scientists." Surely this is a subject for earnest consideration; and it is one upon which for some time there have been signs of general awakening. In some localities, missionary work has been undertaken in this direction, and with good results. Let it spread throughout the length and breadth of the land.
Dispensary Work
On Friday p. m. January 9th, a special meeting was called for consideration of ways and means by which to extend Dispensary work. The larger and deeper sense of this expression—the sense in which it is used in Christian Science—is seemingly but little understood. It is really a dispensary of Truth both by means of literature and healing—which cannot be separated. A Dispensary is an important feature of our work in any community. By this we mean,—not that all literature and healing are to be dispensed from one place, for every one possessing Truth will dispense it at every opportunity,—but that any community is largely in sympathy with a movement whose recognized motive is to benefit all classes of people; moreover, that a "headquarters" centrally and desirably located is more easily found by "strangers" or transient guests. At the meeting above referred to, it was decided that the missionary work would be resumed in Boston; inasmuch as it had proved, in experience, to be the means of leading many to become seekers after the way of Life. The present plan is, for all so disposed to distribute literature or other aid as opportunity offers in their various districts: and weekly, in some specified place, to gather together those becoming interested; for the purpose of explaining Christian Science, or to take up the Bible lessons as occasion seems to warrant. It was also determined to invite each one of these to accept the standing invitation to the public, to meet at the Reading Room, 62 Boylston St., and listen to a "talk" given weekly to beginners on Thursday at 3 p. m. This latter plan has been in operation here during the winter, calling out a good attendance and much interest. It surely affords most desirable opportunity to come into understanding of the Message of Truth: "Peace on earth, good will to man!"
I would like very much if you would give your readers a few thoughts on the subject of Christian Scientists attending Church. There is only a little band of us here; and to part of us, it seems our duty to hold together, to have our own meetings. The eighth chapter of Romans makes that point very clear to me; but others say that the sermons the minister preaches are so spiritual and full of Science that they don't want to lose them. Is not error that seems so near Truth, yet without the understanding of Truth, or Science, more dangerous for a Scientist than error that is seen plainly? I hope to see something in the Journal soon on this subject.
If we, as Scientists, would increase in understanding of Life we must individually be obedient to our highest sense of good. Meeting the error of the hour is all that can insure victory; and there is no time or place where fidelity is not both needed and rewarded. Day by day, and step by step, light and peace and love unfold to the obedient child. Our Teacher has truly said that one with God forms a majority. As evidence of this fact one little circle that two years ago numbered but three persons, has at the present time developed into a congregation with a church property half paid for. Of the congregations enumerated in the list of "Church Services" given in the Journal, probably not one would be in existence to-day, had not a few, of one mind, in the beginning quietly undertaken to meet, in the face of seeming obstacles, in private homes of individuals earnest in the work. In view of this fact, all participating in the indecision evidenced above, should feel greatly encouraged to go and "do likewise."
