IT was an important thing that became Samuel's work when he was bidden by God to select, or anoint, a king over Israel, a king to succeed Saul. Like Samuel, the Christian Scientist, when he is engaged in choosing or electing Readers or board members, is engaged in work that is of great import. The account given in the sixteenth chapter of. I Samuel of Samuel's preparations for his work, and the way he accomplished the selection of this king who so greatly blessed mankind with his understanding of his dependence upon God, has much in it that is instructive, enlightening, and helpful to the Christian Scientist. Just as Samuel was directed to select the one who would obey, glorify, and depend upon the divine Mind, so the Christian Scientist in the church elections in which he participates, has ever as his aim and purpose to discern the right spiritual and mental qualifications for the office to be filled.
Samuel saw that the first step he must take was in his own consciousness. As the Bible states it, "The Lord said unto Samuel, ... fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons." "Fill thine horn with oil" means much to us when we recall that Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 592) has defined "oil" as, "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." Could the Christian Scientist, in the election of someone to fill an office, make any better beginning than to fill his consciousness with "oil"? It is a wonderful thing for a church when the membership is consecrated, devoted to obeying the divine Mind; is consecrated to the demonstration of divine Mind's all presence and power.
Charity and gentleness are dependable safeguards from gossip, injustice, prejudice, as well as from the self will and aggressiveness of personal sense. Slander, envy, and intolerance can make no headway when charity and gentleness are governing one's consciousness. Charity and gentleness, being akin to love, the reflection of Love, man's divine Principle, must deliver from haste and impatience, and bring the poise, patience, and fearlessness of Love, reflected and trusted.
