A Very important event in the community where a Christian Science church is located takes place on Sunday in that church. This is the place where the bread of Life is distributed, where health and peace, the answer to the needs of every man, woman, and child in the community, are offered "without money and without price" (Isa. 55: 1) . Its success requires the participation of every earnest student of Christian Science.
That great things should take place at the church service is implied by Mrs. Eddy's provision in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. VIII, Sect. 5), "The prayers in Christian Science churches shall be offered for the congregations collectively and exclusively." Early workers in Christian Science came to the services, often facing transportation difficulties unknown today, fearlessly bearing the disdain of friends, neighbors, and even family to be present and to pray. Churches overflowed. Sick people came and were healed. In many instances the lame walked away carrying their crutches. The prayers "for the congregations collectively and exclusively" were effective.
These early workers saw their part in prospering the Cause of Christian Science. They were undaunted by persecutions. They persevered. They succeeded. Churches today whose members have shown this self-sacrificing willingness to do their part have prospered. They can continue to prosper only as this willingness continues and grows. When the result is seen to be worth the price, all sense of struggle vanishes, and inspiration comes.
