TRUE cooperation is an art based upon Science, and when so understood it is capable of producing grand results for humanity. It is an application of Christian Science which enables human beings to work together under the one Mind. It implies law, order, and government of the right sort; that is, self-government under divine guidance. An outward show of cooperation does not, however, prove the inward grace, for appearances are often deceptive. Mrs. Eddy, with a touch of kindly humor, says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 138), "For students to work together is not always to cooperate, but sometimes to coelbow!" Christian Scientists are particularly prepared to avoid coelbowing, because as a matter of fact their teaching and practice equip them for true unity of action.
It is no exaggeration to state that Christian Scientists are the most united body of people on earth. They admit but one God, one Mind, and that one the Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus." They acknowledge but one Christ. They use but one Bible and one text-book as a "Key to the Scriptures." They recognize but one Leader, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, and they rejoice in one Mother Church, of which all other Christian Science churches the world over are branches. A wonderful unity of thought and purpose, therefore, pervades the ranks of Christian Scientists. So to live as to be able to reflect the redeeming and healing power of Truth, is the underlying desire which characterizes the thinking of those who have named the name of Christian Scientist. This is not said in any spirit of boastfulness, nor in order to disparage the religious life of other Christian denominations, but to set forth a glorious fact in human history which is of vital encouragement to Christian Scientists themselves, as well as to those spiritual aspirants who have been looking for unity and peace in religious life and so far have not found them.
Christian Science has now circled the globe. It suffices for two or three Christian Scientists from different parts of the world to meet for a little while, in order to feel as though they had always known each other. Whence comes this joy of brotherhood? Is it not the necessary expression of that spiritual understanding which acknowledges only one God and therefore excludes none of God's children from the pale of His merciful unity?
