"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." This admonition of the Master is most precious and near to the hearts of all students of Christian Science who are endeavoring to follow it. The way to obey this counsel is so simple that it may seem difficult, for the human mind is prone to believe in its own will and effort; but the important requirement is to remember that Jesus also said, "I can of mine own self do nothing." Then, as God is known to be the only Mind, and man His perfect expression, comes the comforting realization that we have only to reflect Mind and let the rays of Truth and Love purify our desires, and bless and heal wherever there is need.
One afternoon, many years ago, two little boys were sent from their home in town to their grandfather's farm, as the mother was obliged to go and care for a loved one. The elder boy knew the way, but the smaller one was afraid and, on reaching the edge of town, sat down, weary, frightened, and in a flood of tears. The other lad was certain that they must go on at once, as it was getting dark—but what should he do? Just then a man swinging a lighted lantern emerged from a gate a little way ahead of them and started up the road in the direction of the farm. The elder boy told his little brother that they could follow the light, and it would be all right. So they trudged along the lonely road, up and down hill, getting quite far behind the light but keeping their eyes on it, until they reached the gate of the home where a loving welcome awaited them.
The elder boy has since become one of the foremost educators of America. In addressing a class of college students he used this story to illustrate the point which was to him most important, namely, that the man never knew what courage and comfort his light had given those forlorn little children. Therefore, he said, each young person, graduated from the college, and honestly carrying on with the high standard he had received, would be shedding his light, although he might not know the good he would be doing.
