TO help others effectively is an art taught by Christian Science. This art involves the expression, activity, and application of Science. To be an efficient helper one must possess a true basis of action and realize an abiding source of supply, and this basis and source can only be defined as Mrs. Eddy has done, by the word Principle. It is not too much to say that in this age there are many people who find it easier to bear their own burdens than to stand helpless before the troubles of others. Kindliness and good will to others is so general a characteristic of our times that a special modern term to describe this mental attitude is in common use, derived from an ancient word. Altruism, or care for the welfare of others, is a quality of thought so wide-spread in our day that it is expressed not only in churches and charitable institutions, but it is also affecting the world's legislatures and courts as never before and is even invading the sphere of international relations of business and finance, commerce and industry.
Almost everybody wants to help others. Latent in the consciousness even of the cynic and the disillusioned scoffer there is the secret wish to help, to be of use to mankind, to improve and beautify present-day conditions, to order, arrange, and harmonize seemingly conflicting interests. But how to help, that is the question. As soon as the wish arises, mankind finds itself faced by the failures of the past, the experiments which promised so much and achieved so little, the doctrines and theories which, though originally put forward with the best of intentions, became in course of time shackles binding mankind to insufferable conditions. The cry goes up, How long? The piteous wail of impotence momentarily drowns out the song of life. Would-be reformers stand aghast at the reversal of their best laid plans and wait in despairing wonder for some still small voice to tell them unmistakably the way of salvation, not necessarily nor altogether for themselves but for others.
Whoever finds himself in this predicament should, however, know that there is a savior at hand, that the kingdom of God is come and is within us. Christian Science places within the grasp of every one the power to help others. It shows the way, long sought and desired by the good in every age. Its message is the climax and culmination of all charity and almsgiving. The whole altruistic desire of the ages is gathered into the focus of Christian Science. Every instinctive impulse of every mother to save her child, every throb of brotherly love, every wish or hope to lift the fallen, save the sinner, or heal the sick, finds an answering assurance and satisfaction in the teaching and practise of Christian Science. But to learn this lesson and acquire this art we must begin by establishing in our thought the basic fact of being. What does causation mean to us? What of primitive source and origin? What of God, creator and controller of the universe and man?
