"A CITY that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Standing on the steps of the Sanatorium of The Christian Science Benevolent Association at Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, one is forcefully reminded of these words of Christ Jesus. High on Single Tree Hill, it may be seen from a great distance, and its lights penetrate afar the darkness of night, even as the healing work practiced there penetrates the gloom of error and dispels it with far-reaching effects that extend into many parts of the world.
This, one of the institutions approved by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, is doing a vast amount of good that is unknown to the casual observer, and is an activity for which Christian Scientists may be sincerely grateful. A guest there is immediately conscious of the sense of peace and order within, the demonstration of careful, accurate thinking on the part of those in charge. Beauty, comfort, and convenience are expressed everywhere. Even the graceful arrangement of the cut flowers, which are to be seen every day, expresses intelligence and harmony. One sees manifested in all of the appointments of the Sanatorium an understanding of Mrs. Eddy's words, "Beauty is a thing of life, which dwells forever in the eternal Mind and reflects the charms of His goodness in expression, form, outline, and color" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 247).
The atmosphere of this home is made possible by the faithful daily work of the associates, and by obedience to the necessary, wise requests made of each guest upon entering. One of these requests, which is helpful to all, emphatically discourages discussion of discord. How quickly the world would become happier and healthier if this were a universal rule! One who neither discusses error nor listens to such discussions, except as may be needful or helpful, may claim the promise, "To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."
In the Sanatorium one is greeted always by the gracious smile of each associate. These smiles are not merely perfunctory, or even the smiles of courteous obligation, but back of them is the confidence born of daily work, often years of work, with the aid of the Bible and Science and Health. The happy expression of intelligent knowing pervades the countenances of the associates throughout the institution.
Here one may truly learn the meaning of the words of Jesus, which were a fundamental factor in his healing work: "I am among you as he that serveth." For here the undisturbed Christ-consciousness is expressed by all who assist in the various kinds of needful work, and a true sense of service dignifies all tasks. Each one is performed with grace and love and usefulness.
In the little chapel where Christian Science services are held on Sundays and Wednesdays, one feels at once a great desire to be helpful by guarding thought most carefully to the exclusion of all error, and thereby emitting only a mental atmosphere of peace and healing. The purpose and aim of the Sanatorium is perhaps more than ever apparent at the time of the services, and as one listens to the careful readings from the desk and to the testimonies lovingly given by those who come there from all parts of the world, one gains a truer sense of values, and resolves henceforth to be more consistently helpful. The little problems of daily life seem small and inconsequential in comparison with the great work of the Sanatorium.
The Reading Room below the chapel affords a quiet, restful place where guests may read and work, and here much good is realized through greater understanding of Christian Science. It is also arranged that during the afternoon hours, and sometimes in the evening, the guests may engage in parlor games. The play hours come only when the necessary work has been done; and so it should always be. Especially when there seem to be serious problems to solve, we may be tempted to become too grave and tense, forgetting that we may rejoice and express gratitude even before we see the outward solution of our problems.
The home of the nurses and student nurses, located on the grounds and connected with the Sanatorium by an inclosed arcade, expresses the order and cheerfulness of the Sanatorium itself, and encourages a restful attitude toward the labor that follows relaxation. Every provision is there made for the comfort and wholesome entertainment of those who reside within, and contentment and joy pervade its atmosphere.
Both the Sanatorium at Chestnut Hill, near Boston, and the one at San Francisco are wooing the weary to their doors in just the way Mrs. Eddy counsels on page 155 of "Miscellaneous Writings;" and those who visit them for even a short sojourn are blessed and taught many lessons. These visits furnish occasion for guests to give silently of their confidence, gratitude, and joy, and to speak, in season, the happy word that may encourage or inspire where encouragement or inspiration is needed. Guests are never called upon to treat other guests, in order that each guest may considerately be left to find the supply for his own need. So each one who has entered there can better understand the significance of the benediction, "The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
