State fairs and county fairs command the interest of thousands upon thousands of people every year. Not only farmers and other country and city folks are there, but among them many business and professional people help to swell the attendance at these yearly exhibitions. The visitors show much interest in modern means for better living. Christian Science may fit into this picture as a participant and thus supply for those interested an opportunity to discover a better way of living and thinking.
At many fairs, Christian Scientists maintain a building or booth in connection with Christian Science activities. Students of this Science who give their services to further our beloved Cause at these fairs are greatly blessed. They enjoy the opportunity of serving in an atmosphere which might well remind them of Christ Jesus' command (Mark 16:15), "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Indeed, the workers may feel the presence of Christ, Truth, as they carry out their duties.
The loving desire shown by Christian Scientists to give "a cup of cold water in Christ's name" is one way of proving and extending the theology they represent, and this Christly offer often results in healing for those who accept the refreshing truth. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and the Leader of its world-wide movement, writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 570): "Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences."
God is the supreme governor of man, and His province includes all creation as His infinite expression. Ideas of Mind are active, obedient, and expressive of Love. To realize fully these profound facts and to apply them scientifically in one's thinking is part of the prayerful metaphysical work done by the attendants in charge of a Christian Science exhibit at a fair.
Those who are not on the committee may lovingly share in this work by making a visit to the booth where The Christian Science Monitor, together with other Christian Science literature, is displayed. A cheering word of support or approval from them is always appreciated by those in charge.
As a boy of twelve years, Jesus, who became the Way-shower for us all, amazed his parents at the termination of their annual pilgrimage to the feast of the Passover in Jerusalem by his enthusiastic devotion to the cause he so clearly recognized as of utmost importance. It is recorded that he said (Luke 2:49), "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"
The following will illustrate the unfoldment of service to God, divine Love. In a midwestern city where one of the largest state agricultural fairs in the United States is held annually, the branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, combine their active efforts. With the invited support of the other branch churches and societies in the state, a year-by-year development of increased activity at the fair has been made possible.
Prayerful work in Christian Science is taken up each year by members of the committees in charge of the activity in advance of the fair opening, which takes place late in August, as well as during the ten-day period of active participation on the grounds. Any confusion is corrected through the understanding that order is a spiritual reality; a claim of limitation is replaced with recognition of spiritual abundance; suggestions of "other gods" are refuted by the firm declaration that God is All-in-all and is ever present.
Year by year the fruitage report kept by the workers grows. It includes evidences of the sharing of the truths of Christian Science with visitors and of new light and fresh inspiration given where needed. Reports of healing are not uncommon. Scores of pieces of Christian Science literature are distributed each day at the fair.
Truly many are given a cup of cold water and go away refreshed with a clearer concept of the healing and regenerative mission of Christian Science. Science and Health is on display, and persons showing interest are directed to Christian Science Reading Rooms, where they may borrow or purchase copies of this textbook and other works by Mrs. Eddy. Also some are interested to learn that the King James Version of the Bible is available at our Reading Rooms.
In the volume entitled "We Knew Mary Baker Eddy," First Series, we are given an account of Mrs. Eddy's attendance as the honored guest of the City of Concord, New Hampshire, at the annual State Fair. Her carriage was driven to a place where she might witness an exhibition of high diving. The account reads (pp. 19, 20): "Mrs. Eddy had told Judge and Mrs. Hanna, who accompanied her in her carriage, that she looked upon the exhibition as an example of overcoming fear, and she wanted to see it." Mrs. Eddy had a broad understanding of human endeavors.
Under God's law of universal harmony only reflections of good are seen, and one's observations should be constantly directed to maintain the right, spiritual concept. To think right, naturally brings about the desire to be of service—to serve God and to serve one's fellow men. Such service, or the desire for it, is richly blessed. Although the blessing may not appear in material forms, the qualities of Principle are unfolding—the kingdom of heaven is being felt within, and peace, joy, and gratitude fill the heart. One is reminded of what Mrs. Eddy says in "No and Yes" (p. 3), "How good and pleasant a thing it is to seek not so much thine own as another's good, to sow by the wayside for the way-weary, and trust Love's recompense of love."
