IT is evident, to those who are in a position to know, that a great redemptive work is being accomplished by the Christian Science Reading Rooms. Many grateful men and women have testified to the good they have received through their reading and meditation therein, having found in the Reading Rooms a refuge from the cares and disappointments of human existence, and having gained peace, harmony, and healing within their portals. Many indeed are those whose lives are being enriched, purified, and gladdened by making use of this haven for study and spiritual realization; and it is cause for gratitude that an ever increasing number of church members, as well as others, are frequenting these rooms and sharing in their blessings. When we consider this rich fruitage, we cannot fail to realize the great importance of the Reading Room to the Christian Science movement. It plays its part in furthering the salvation of mankind; it represents the healing activity of divine Mind, its true usefulness being an expression of the real Church, which Mrs. Eddy defines in part, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583), as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."
Christian Scientists are more and more clearly recognizing that, since the Reading Room is an activity of the Christian Science church, it is their privilege as church members to support it and share in its healing and regenerative work. The joy of taking part in this holy work is not limited to librarians, attendants, and committee workers, but is open to all who use this activity for good wisely provided by our Leader. Because our Reading Rooms are consecrated to Love's work, those who go there for study, prayer, and meditation learn something of the meaning of "the secret place of the most High," and thereby get a priceless sense of God's loving-kindness.
If one sometimes neglects to make use of the Reading Rooms when he has the opportunity to do so, he has only to remember that by yielding to indifference he would be depriving himself of a very helpful experience. It is a truism in Christian Science that as we avail ourselves of the blessings we have we are fitted to receive more. The Christian Science Reading Room may rightly be regarded as a blessing which we have with us, and of which we can avail ourselves in order that Love may fit us to receive more.
