A SUCCESSFUL-APPEARING man arose at a testimony meeting in a Christian Science church and expressed his gratitude for Christian Science. He said that he had recently visited the small town where he had attended the Christian Science Sunday School, and it had brought vividly to his thought how very much that training had meant to him and how grateful he was for the privilege of passing along the same sort of instruction now as a teacher in the Sunday school. He recalled, however, that there was a period in his youthful experience when he had not appreciated Christian Science as much as he should have.
To one listener it occurred that this opinion might be shared temporarily by other young Scientists, especially by those living in small towns where this religion may have few adherents, and also by young people away from home for the first time. Arguments such as the following may present themselves: Why should you have different standards from so many others? You will not meet the right people if you do not conform to general custom. What is the harm in having an occasional smoke or social drink? You won't have any fun without them. People will think you are queer.
Of course the alert young student well knows that in the solution of life's problems, as in problems of mathematics, there is an exact Principle and rule to be followed. He would not expect to get right results in mathematics by taking on others' mistakes and opinions; no more would he follow human errors in any way and expect happiness. The basis for his every thought and action is the oneness of God and man. Man, made in the likeness of God, must always express the graciousness of his heavenly Father, and this real selfhood is always loved and lovable. This knowledge cannot make one complacent and smug, for the demonstration of this truth takes consecrated, persistent effort for its accomplishment. The true Christian Scientist is joyous and teachable, willing to learn something good from each casual contact, and actively rejecting whatever does not promote universal welfare.
