Page 176

TO FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, WILMINGTON, N. C.
3

IN APPRECIATION OF A GIFT OF FIFTY DOLLARS IN GOLD TOWARDS

THE CONCORD (N. H.) STREET FUND

My Beloved Brethren: - Long ago you of the dear
6 South paved the way to my forever gratitude, and now
illustrate the past by your present love. God grant
that such great goodness, pointing the path to heaven
9

within you, hallow your Palmetto home with palms of
victory and songs of glory.

Page 177

CHAPTER VIII - DEDICATORY MESSAGES TO BRANCH CHURCHES

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

of CHICAGO, ILL.
3 BELOVED BRETHREN: - Most happily would I com-
ply with your cordial invitation and be with you on
so interesting an occasion as the dedication of First
6 Church of Christ, Scientist, in Chicago. But daily duties
attention elsewhere, and I am glad to say that
there seems to be no special need of my personal pres-
9 ence at your religious jubilee. I am quite able to take
the trip to your city, and if wisdom lengthens my sum
of years to fourscore (already imputed to me), I shall
12 then be even younger and nearer the eternal meridian
than now, for the true knowledge and proof of life is in
putting off the limitations and putting on the possibilities
15

and permanence of Life.

In your renowned city, the genesis of Christian Science
was allied to that olden axiom: "The blood of the martyrs
18 is the seed of the Church;" but succeeding years show in
livid lines that the great Shepherd has nurtured and
nourished this church as a fatling of the flock. To-day
21 the glory of His presence rests upon it, the joy of many
generations awaits it, and this prophecy of Isaiah is
fulfilled among you: "I will direct their work in truth,
24

and I will make an everlasting covenant with them."

Page 178
1 Your Bible and your textbook, pastor and ethical
tenets, do not mislead the seeker after Truth. These
3 unpretentious preachers cloud not the spiritual meaning
of Holy Writ by material interpretations, nor lose the
invincible process and purity of Christianity whereby
6 the sick are healed and sinners saved. The Science of
Christianity is not generally understood, but it hastens
hourly to this end. This Science is the essence of religion,
9 distilled in the laboratory of infinite Love and prepared
for all peoples. And because Science is naturally divine,
is this natural Science less profitable or scientific than
12 "counting the legs of insects"? The Scripture declares
that God is All. Then all is Spirit and spiritual. The
true sense of life is lost to those who regard being
15 as material. The Scripture pronounces all that God
made "good;" therefore if evil exists, it exists without
God. But this is impossible in reality, for He made
18 all "that was made." Hence the inevitable revelation
of Christian Science - that evil is unreal; and this is
the best of it.
21 On April 15, 1891, the Christian Science textbook lay
on a table in a burning building. A Christian Scientist
entered the house through a window and snatched this
24 book from the flames. Instantly the table sank a charred
mass. The covers of the book were burned up, but not
one word in the book was effaced. If the world were in
27

ashes, the contents of "Science and Health with Key to
the Scriptures" would remain immortal.

It is said that the nearest approach to the sayings of
30

the great Master is the Logia of Papias, written in A.D.
145, and that all else reported as his sayings are transla-
tions. The ancient Logia, or imputed sayings of Jesus

Page 179
1 by Papias, are undoubtedly the beginning of the gospel
writings. The synoptic Scriptures, as set forth in the
3 first and second chapters of Genesis, were in two dis-
tinct manuscripts. The first gave an account of the
spiritual creation, and the second was an opposite story,
6 or allegory, of a material universe and man made of
dust. In this allegorical document the power and pre-
rogative of Spirit are submerged in matter. In other
9 words, soul enters non-intelligent dust and man becomes
both good and evil, both mind and matter, mortal and
immortal, - all of which divine Science shows to be an
12

impossibility.

The Old and the New Testaments contain self-evident
truths that cannot be lost, but being translations, the
15 Scriptures are criticized. Some dangerous skepticism ex-
ists as to the verification of our Master's sayings. But
Christians and Christian Scientists know that if the Old
18 Testament and gospel narratives had never been written,
the nature of Christianity, as depicted in the life of our
Lord, and the truth in the Scriptures, are sufficient to au-
21 thenticate Christ's Christianity as the perfect ideal. The
character of the Nazarene Prophet illustrates the Prin-
ciple and practice of a true divinity and humanity. The
24 different renderings or translations of Scripture in no
wise affect Christian Science. Christianity and Science,
being contingent on nothing written and based on the
27

divine Principle of being, must be, are, irrefutable and
eternal.

We are indeed privileged in having the untranslated
30

revelations of Christian Science. They afford such expo-
sitions of the therapeutics, ethics, and Christianity of
Christ as make even God demonstrable, the divine Love

Page 180

practical, and so furnish rules whereby man can prove
God's love, healing the sick and the sinner.
3 Whosoever understands Christian Science knows beyond
a doubt that its life-giving truths were preached and
practised in the first century by him who proved their
6 practicality, who uttered Christ's Sermon on the Mount,
who taught his disciples the healing Christianity which
applies to all ages, and who dated time. A spiritual
9 understanding of the Scriptures restores their origi-
nal tongue in the language of Spirit, that primordial
standard of Truth.
12 Christian Science contains no element whatever of hyp-
notism or animal magnetism. It appeals alone to God, to
the divine Principle, or Life, Truth, and Love, to whom
15 all things are possible; and this Principle heals sin, sick-
ness, disease, and death. Christian Science meets error
with Truth, death with Life, hate with Love, and thus,
18 and only thus, does it overcome evil and heal disease.
The obstinate sinner, however, refuses to see this grand
verity or to acknowledge it, for he knows not that in justice,
21

as well as in mercy, God is Love.

In our struggles with sin and sinners, when we drop
compliance with their desires, insist on what we know is
24 right, and act accordingly, the disguised or the self-
satisfied mind, not ready to be uplifted, rebels, miscon-
strues our best motives, and calls them unkind. But this
27 is the cross. Take it up, - it wins the crown; and in
the spirit of our great Exemplar pray: "Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do."
30

No warfare exists between divine theology and Christian
Science, for the latter solves the whence and why of the
cosmos and defines noumenon and phenomena spiritually,

Page 181
1 not materially. The specific quest of Christian Science is
to settle all points beyond cavil, on the Biblical basis that
3 God is All-in-all; whereas philosophy and so-called natural
science, dealing with human hypotheses, or material cause
and effect, are aided only at long intervals with elementary
6

truths, and ultimate in unsolved problems and outgrown,
proofless positions.

Progress is spiritual. Progress is the maturing concep-
9 tion of divine Love; it demonstrates the scientific, sinless
life of man and mortal's painless departure from matter
to Spirit, not through death, but through the true idea of
12

Life, - and Life not in matter but in Mind.

The Puritans possessed the motive of true religion,
which, demonstrated on the Golden Rule, would have
15 solved ere this the problem of religious liberty and human
rights. It is "a consummation devoutly to be wished"
that all nations shall speedily learn and practise the
18 intermediate line of justice between the classes and masses
of mankind, and thus exemplify in all things the universal
equity of Christianity.
21 Thirty years ago (1866) Christian Science was discovered
in America. Within those years it is estimated that
Chicago has gained from a population of 238,000 to the
24

number of 1,650,000 inhabitants.

The statistics of mortality show that thirty years ago
the death-rate was at its maximum. Since that time it
27 has steadily decreased. It is authentically said that one
expositor of Daniel's dates fixed the year 1866 or 1867 for
the return of Christ - the return of the spiritual idea to
30

the material earth or antipode of heaven. It is a marked
coincidence that those dates were the first two years of
my discovery of Christian Science.

Page 182

Thirty years ago Chicago had few Congregational
churches. To-day it is said to have a majority of these
3 churches over any other city in the United States. Thirty
years ago at my request I received from the Congrega-
tional Church a letter of dismissal and recommendation
6 to evangelical churches - thenceforth to exemplify my
early love for this church and a membership of thirty
years by establishing a new-old church, the foundations
9

of which are the same, even Christ, Truth, as the chief
corner-stone.

In 1884, I taught a class in Christian Science and
12 formed a Christian Scientist Association in Chicago.
From this small sowing of the seed of Truth, which, when
sown, seemed the least among seeds, sprang immortal
15 fruits through God's blessing and the faithful labor of
loyal students, - the healing of the sick, the reforming
of the sinner, and First Church of Christ, Scientist, with
18

its large membership and majestic cathedral.

Humbly, gratefully, trustingly, I dedicate this beauti-
ful house of worship to the God of Israel, the divine
21 Love that reigns above the shadow, that launched the
earth in its orbit, that created and governs the universe -
guarding, guiding, giving grace, health, and immortality
24

to man.

May the wanderer in the wilderness of mortal beliefs
and fears turn hither with satisfied hope. May the birds
27 of passage rest their weary wings amid the fair foliage of
this vine of His husbanding, find shelter from the storm
and a covert from the tempest. May this beloved
30

church adhere to its tenets, abound in the righteousness
of Love, honor the name of Christian Science, prove the
practicality of perfection, and press on to the infinite

Page 183
1 uses of Christ's creed, namely, - "Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
3 and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and
thy neighbor as thyself." Thus may First Church of
Christ, Scientist, in this great city of Chicago, verify what
6

John Robinson wrote in 1620 to our Pilgrim Fathers:
"When Christ reigns, and not till then, will the world
have rest."

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

LONDON, ENGLAND

Beloved Brethren across the Sea: - To-day a nation is
12 born. Spiritual apprehension unfolds, transfigures, heals.
With you be there no more sea, no ebbing faith, no night.
Love be thy light upon the mountain of Israel. God
15

will multiply thee.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.
18 Beloved Brethren: - I rejoice with you; the day has
come when the forest becomes a fruitful field, and the deaf
hear the words of the Book, and the eyes of the blind see
21

out of obscurity.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

DETROIT, MICH.
24 Beloved Students and Church: - Thanks for invitation
to your dedication. Not afar off I am blending with
thine my prayer and rejoicing. God is with thee. "Arise,
27

shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is
risen upon thee."

Page 184

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

TORONTO, CANADA

3 Beloved Brethren: - Have just received your des-
patch. Since the world was, men have not heard with
the ear, neither hath the eye seen, what God hath prepared
6

for them that wait upon Him and work righteousness.

WHITE MOUNTAIN CHURCH

My Beloved Brethren: - To-day I am privileged to
9 congratulate the Christian Scientists of my native State
upon having built First Church of Christ, Scientist, at
the the Mountains. Your kind card, inviting me to
12 be present at at dedication, came when I was so occu-
pied that I omitted to wire an acknowledgment thereof
and to return my cordial thanks at an earlier date. The
15 beautiful birch bark on which it was written pleased me;
it was so characteristic of our Granite State, and I
treasure it next to your compliments. That rustic scroll
18 brought back to me the odor of my childhood, a love
which stays the shadows of years. God grant that this
little church shall prove a historic gem on the glowing
21

records of Christianity, and lay upon its altars a sacrifice
and service acceptable in God's sight.

Your rural chapel is a social success quite sacred in its
24 results. The prosperity of Zion is very precious in the
sight of divine Love, holding unwearied watch over a
world. Isaiah said: "How beautiful upon the mountains
27

are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, . . . that
saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" Surely, the Word
that is God must at some time find utterance and accept-

Page 185
1 ance throughout the earth, for he that soweth shall reap.
To such as have waited patiently for the appearing of
3

Truth, the day dawns and the harvest bells are ringing.

"Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;
6

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait."

The peace of Love is published, and the sword of the
9 Spirit is drawn; nor will it be sheathed till Truth shall
reign triumphant over all the earth. Truth, Life, and
Love are formidable, wherever thought, felt, spoken, or
12 written, - in the pulpit, in the court-room, by the way-
side, or in our homes. They are the victors never to be
vanquished. Love is the generic term for God. Love
15 formed this trinity, Truth, Life, Love, the trinity no man
can sunder. Life is the spontaneity of Love, inseparable
from Love, and Life is the "Lamb slain from the foun-
18 dation of the world," - even that which "was dead, and
is alive again; and was lost, and is found;" for Life is
Christ, and Christ, as aforetime, heals the sick, saves
21

sinners, and destroys the last enemy, death.

In 1888 I visited these mountains and spoke to an
attentive audience collected in the hall at the Fabyan

24 House. Then and there I foresaw this hour, and spoke
of the little church to be in the midst of the mountains,
closing my remarks with the words of Mrs. Hemans: -
27

For the strength of the hills, we bless Thee,

Our God, our fathers' God!

The sons and daughters of the Granite State are rich in

30

signs and symbols, sermons in stones, refuge in mountains,

Page 186
1

and good universal. The rocks, rills, mountains, meadows,
fountains, and forests of our native State should be

3 prophetic of the finger divine that writes in living char-
acters their lessons on our lives. May God's little ones
cluster around this rock-ribbed church like tender nestlings
6

in the crannies of the rocks, and preen their thoughts for
upward flight.

Though neither dome nor turret tells the tale of your
9 little church, its song and sermon will touch the heart,
point the path above the valley, up the mountain, and on
to the celestial hills, echoing the Word welling up from
12 the infinite and swelling the loud anthem of one Father-
Mother God, o'er all victorious! Rest assured that He
in whom dwelleth all life, health, and holiness, will supply
15

all your needs according to His riches in glory.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

DULUTH, MINN.

18 First Church of Christ, Scientist, Duluth, Minn.: - May
our God make this church the fold of flocks, and may
those that plant the vineyard eat the fruit thereof. Here
21

let His promise be verified: "Before they call, I will
answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Beloved Brethren: - Accept my thanks for your cordial
card inviting me to be with you on the day of your church
27

dedication. It gives me great pleasure to know that
you have erected a Church of Christ, Scientist, in your

Page 187
1 city. Surely, your fidelity, faith, and Christian zeal
fairly indicate that, spiritually as well as literally, the
3 church in Salt Lake City hath not lost its saltness. I
may at some near future visit your city, but am too busy
to think of doing so at present.
6 May the divine light of Christian Science that lighteth
every enlightened thought illumine your faith and under-
standing, exclude all darkness or doubt, and signal the
9 perfect path wherein to walk, the perfect Principle whereby
to demonstrate the perfect man and the perfect law of
God. In the words of St. Paul: "Now the end of the
12 commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a
good conscience, and of faith unfeigned;" and St. John
says: "For this is the message that ye heard from the
15

beginning, that we should love one another."

May the grace and love of God be and abide with

you all.
18

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

November 16, 1898

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

My Beloved Brethren: - You have met to conse-
crate your beautiful temple to the worship of the only
24 true God. Since the day in which you were brought into
the light and liberty of His children, it has been in the
hearts of this people to build a house unto Him whose
27 name they would glorify in a new commandment -
"that ye love one another." In this new recognition of
the riches of His love and the majesty of His might you
30

have built this house - laid its foundations on the rock

Page 188
1 of Christ, and the stone which the builders rejected you
have made the head of the corner. This house is hallowed
3 by His promise: "I have hallowed this house, which thou
hast built, to put my name there forever; and mine eyes
and mine heart shall be there perpetually." "Now mine
6 eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer
that is made in this place." Your feast days will not be
in commemoration, but in recognition of His presence;
9 your ark of the covenant will not be brought out of the
city of David, but out of "the secret place of the most
High," whereof the Psalmist sang, even the omniscience
12 of omnipotence; your tabernacle of the congregation will
not be temporary, but a "house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens;" your oracle, under the wings of
15

the cherubim, is Truth's evangel, enunciating, "God is
Love."

In spirit I enter your inner sanctuary, your heart's
18 heart, breathing a benediction for God's largess. He
surely will not shut me out from your presence, and the
ponderous walls of your grand cathedral cannot prevent
21

me from entering where the heart of a Southron has
welcomed me.

Christian Science has a place in its court, in which, like
24 beds in hospitals, one man's head lies at another's feet.
As you work, the ages win; for the majesty of Christian
Science teaches the majesty of man. When it is learned
27 that spiritual sense and not the material senses convey all
impressions to man, man will naturally seek the Science of
his spiritual nature, and finding it, be God-endowed for
30

discipleship.

When divine Love gains admittance to a humble heart,
that individual ascends the scale of miracles and meets the

Page 189
1 warmest wish of men and angels. Clad in invincible
armor, grasping the sword of Spirit, you have started in
3 this sublime ascent, and should reach the mount of revela-
tion; for if ye would run, who shall hinder you? So dear,
so due, to God is obedience, that it reaches high heaven
6

in the common walks of life, and it affords even me a
perquisite of joy.

You worship no distant deity, nor talk of unknown
9 love. The silent prayers of our churches, resounding
through the dim corridors of time, go forth in waves of
sound, a diapason of heart-beats, vibrating from one
12 pulpit to another and from one heart to another, till
truth and love, commingling in one righteous prayer,
shall encircle and cement the human race.
15 The government of divine Love derives its omnipotence
from the love it creates in the heart of man; for love is
allegiant, and there is no loyalty apart from love. When
18 the human senses wake from their long slumber to see how
soon earth's fables flee and faith grows wearisome, then
that which defies decay and satisfies the immortal cravings
21 is sought and found. In the twilight of the world's
pageantry, in the last-drawn sigh of a glory gone, we are
drawn towards God.
24 Beloved brethren, I cannot forget that yours is the first
church edifice of our denomination erected in the sunny
South - once my home. There my husband died, and
27

the song and the dirge, surging my being, gave expression
to a poem written in 1844, from which I copy this verse: -

Friends, why throng in pity round me?
30

Wherefore, pray, the bell did toll?
Dead is he who loved me dearly:
Am I not alone in soul?

Page 190
1 Did that midnight shadow, falling upon the bridal
wreath, bring the recompense of human woe, which is the
3 merciful design of divine Love, and so help to evolve that
larger sympathy for suffering humanity which is eman-
cipating it with the morning beams and noonday glory of
6

Christian Science?

The age is fast answering this question: Does Christian
Science equal materia medica in healing the worst forms
9 of contagious and organic diseases? My experience in
both practices - materia medica and the scientific meta-
physical practice of medicine - shows the latter not only
12

equalling but vastly excelling the former.

Christians who accept our Master as authority, regard
his sayings as infallible. Jesus' students, failing to cure a
15 severe case of lunacy, asked their great Teacher, "Why
could not we cast him out?" He answered, "This kind
goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." This declara-
18 tion of our Master, as to the relative value, skill, and
certainty of the divine laws of Mind over the human
mind and above matter in healing disease, remains beyond
21

questioning a divine decision in behalf of Mind.

Jesus gave his disciples (students) power over all manner
of diseases; and the Bible was written in order that all
24 peoples, in all ages, should have the same opportunity to
become students of the Christ, Truth, and thus become
God-endued with power (knowledge of divine law) and
27 with "signs following." Jesus declared that his teaching
and practice would remain, even as it did, "for them also
which shall believe on me through their word." Then,
30

in the name of God, wherefore vilify His prophets to-day
who are fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and verifying his last
promise, "Lo, I am with you alway"? It were well for

Page 191
1 the world if there survived more of the wisdom of Nico-
demus of old, who said, "No man can do these miracles
3

that thou doest, except God be with him."

Be patient towards persecution. Injustice has not a
tithe of the power of justice. Your enemies will advertise
6 for you. Christian Science is spreading steadily through-
out the world. Persecution is the weakness of tyrants
engendered by their fear, and love will cast it out. Con-
9 tinue steadfast in love and good works. Children of
light, you are not children of darkness. Let your light
shine. Keep in mind the foundations of Christian
12 Science - one God and one Christ. Keep personality
out of sight, and Christ's "Blessed are ye" will seal your
apostleship.
15 This glad Easter morning witnesseth a risen Saviour, a
higher human sense of Life and Love, which wipes away
all tears. With grave-clothes laid aside, Christ, Truth, has
18 come forth from the tomb of the past, clad in immortality.
The sepulchres give up their dead. Spirit is saying unto
matter: I am not there, am not within you. Behold the
21

place where they laid me; but human thought has risen!

Mortality's thick gloom is pierced. The stone is rolled
away. Death has lost its sting, and the grave its victory.
24

Immortal courage fills the human breast and lights the
living way of Life.

SECOND CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

CHICAGO, ILL.

My Beloved Brethren: - Your card of invitation to this
feast of soul - the dedication of your church - was duly
30

received. Accept my thanks.

Page 192
1 Ye sit not in the idol's temple. Ye build not to an
unknown God. Ye worship Him whom ye serve. Boast
3 not thyself, thou ransomed of divine Love, but press on
unto the possession of unburdened bliss. Heal the sick,
make spotless the blemished, raise the living dead, cast
6

out fashionable lunacy.

The ideal robe of Christ is seamless. Thou hast touched
its hem, and thou art being healed. The risen Christ is
9 thine. The haunting mystery and gloom of his glory
rule not this century. Thine is the upspringing hope, the
conquest over sin and mortality, that lights the living
12

way to Life, not to death.

May the God of our fathers, the infinite Person whom
we worship, be and abide with you. May the blessing of
15

divine Love rest with you. My heart hovers around your
churches in Chicago, for the dove of peace sits smilingly
on these branches and sings of our Redeemer.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

LOS ANGELES, CAL.

Beloved Students: - Your kind letter, inviting me to
21 be present at the dedication of your church, was duly
received. It would indeed give me pleasure to visit you,
to witness your prosperity, and "rejoice with them that
24 do rejoice," but the constant recurring demands upon
my time and attention pin me to my post. Of this,
however, I can sing: My love can fly on wings of joy to
27 you and leave a leaf of olive; it can whisper to you of
the divine ever-presence, answering your prayers, crown-
ing your endeavors, and building for you a house "eternal
30

in the heavens."

Page 193
1 You will dedicate your temple in faith unfeigned, not to
the unknown God, but unto Him whom to know aright
3 is life everlasting. His presence with you will bring to
your hearts so much of heaven that you will not feel my
absence. The privilege remains mine to watch and work
6 for all, from East to West, from the greensward and
gorgeous skies of the Orient to your dazzling glory
in the Occident, and to thank God forever "for His
9

goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children
of men."

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

12 November 20, 1902

SECOND CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
15 Beloved: - The spiritual dominates the temporal. Love
gives nothing to take away. Nothing dethrones His
house. You are dedicating yours to Him. Protesting
18

against error, you unite with all who believe in Truth.
God guard and guide you.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

NEW YORK, N. Y.

Beloved Brethren: - Carlyle writes, "Give a thing time;
if it succeeds, it is a right thing." Here I aver that you
24 have grasped time and labor, taking the first by the fore-
lock and the last by love. In this lofty temple, dedicated
to God and humanity, may the prophecy of Isaiah be
27

fulfilled: "Fear not: . . . I have called thee by thy
name; thou art mine." Within its sacred walls may

Page 194
1 song and sermon generate only that which Christianity
writes in broad facts over great continents - sermons
3

that fell forests and remove mountains, songs of joy
and gladness.

The letter of your work dies, as do all things material,
6 but the spirit of it is immortal. Remember that a temple
but foreshadows the idea of God, the "house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens," while a silent, grand
9 man or woman, healing sickness and destroying sin,
builds that which reaches heaven. Only those men and
women gain greatness who gain themselves in a complete
12

subordination of self.

The tender memorial engraven on your grand edifice
stands for human self lost in divine light, melted into the
15 radiance of His likeness. It stands for meekness and
might, for Truth as attested by the Founder of your
denomination and emblazoned on the fair escutcheon of
18

your church.

Beloved Students: - Your telegram, in which you pre-
sent to me the princely gift of your magnificent church
21 edifice in New York City, is an unexpected token of your
gratitude and love. I deeply appreciate it, profoundly
thank you for it, and gratefully accept the spirit of it;
24 but I must decline to receive that for which you have
sacrificed so much and labored so long. May divine
Love abundantly bless you, reward you according to
27

your works, guide and guard you and your church
through the depths; and may you

 

"Who stood the storm when seas were rough,
30

Ne'er in a sunny hour fall off."

Page 195

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

CLEVELAND, OHIO
3 Beloved Brethren: - You will pardon my delay in
acknowledging your card of invitation to the dedicatory
services of your church. Adverse circumstances, loss of
6 help, new problems to be worked out for the field, etc,.
have hitherto prevented my reply. However, it is never
too late to repent, to love more, to work more, to watch
9 and pray; but those privileges I have not had time to
express, and so have submitted to necessity, letting the
deep love which I cherished for you be hidden under an
12

appearance of indifference.

We must resign with good grace what we are denied, and
press on with what we are, for we cannot do more than we
15 are nor understand what is not ripening in us. To do
good to all because we love all, and to use in God's service
the one talent that we all have, is our only means of
18

adding to that talent and the best way to silence a deep
discontent with our shortcomings.

Christian Science is at length learned to be no miserable
21 piece of ideal legerdemain, by which we poor mortals ex-
pect to live and die, but a deep-drawn breath fresh from
God, by whom and in whom man lives, moves, and has
24 deathless being. The praiseworthy success of this church,
and its united efforts to build an edifice in which to worship
the infinite, sprang from the temples erected first in the
27 hearts of its members - the unselfed love that builds
without hands, eternal in the heaven of Spirit. God
grant that this unity remain, and that you continue to
30

build, rebuild, adorn, and fill these spiritual temples with
grace, Truth, Life, and Love.

Page 196

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

PITTSBURGH, PA.
3 My Beloved Brethren: - I congratulate you upon erect-
ing the first edifice of our denomination in the Keystone
State, a State whose metropolis is called the "city of
6 brotherly love." May this dear church militant accept
my tender counsel in these words of the Scripture, to be
engrafted in church and State: -
9 "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to
wrath." "He that is slow to anger is better than the
mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh
12 a city." "If any man offend not in word, the same is
a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
"By thy words thou shalt be condemned." "Love thy
15

neighbor as thyself."

"Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that [we] should follow his steps: . . . who, when he was
18 reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened
not; but committed himself to Him that judgeth right-
eously." "Consider him that endured such contradiction
21

of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in
your minds."

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

ST. LOUIS, MO.

My Beloved Brethren: - The good in being, even the
spiritually indispensable, is your daily bread. Work and
27

pray for it. The poor toil for our bread, and we should
work for their health and holiness. Over the glaciers of
winter the summer glows. The beauty of holiness comes

Page 197
1 with the departure of sin. Enjoying good things is
not evil, but becoming slaves to pleasure is. That error
3

is most forcible which is least distinct to conscience.
Attempt nothing without God's help.

May the beauty of holiness be upon this dear people,
6

and may this beloved church be glorious, without spot
or blemish.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

SAN JOSE, CAL.

Beloved Students: -Words are inadequate to express
my deep appreciation of your labor and success in com-
12 pleting and dedicating your church edifice, and of the
great hearts and ready hands of our far Western students,
the Christian Scientists.
15 Comparing such students with those whose words
are but the substitutes for works, we learn that the
translucent atmosphere of the former must illumine the
18

midnight of the latter, else Christian Science will dis-
appear from among mortals.

I thank divine Love for the hope set before us in the
21

Word and in the doers thereof, "for of such is the kingdom
of heaven."

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

WILMINGTON, N. C.

My Beloved Brethren: - At this dedicatory season of
your church edifice in the home of my heart, I send lov-
27

ing congratulations, join with you in song and sermon.
God will bless the work of your hearts and hands.

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

30 July 27, 1907

Page 198

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

LONDON, ENGLAND
3

Beloved Students and Brethren: - Your letters of May 1

and June 19, informing me of the dedication of your

magnificent church edifice, have been received with many
6

thanks to you and great gratitude to our one Father.

May God grant not only the continuance of His favors, but their abundant and ripened fruit.
9

CHESTNUT HILL, MASS.,

June 26, 1909

Page 199

CHAPTER IX - LETTERS TO BRANCH CHURCHES

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

PHILADELPHIA, PA.
3 MY BELOVED STUDENTS AND BRETHREN: - I rejoice
with thee. Blessed art thou. In place of dark-
ness, light hath sprung up. The reward of thy hands
6

is given thee to-day. May God say this of the church
in Philadelphia: I have naught against thee.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

WASHINGTON, D. C.

Beloved Brethren: - The Board of Directors and
Trustees of this church will please accept my grateful
12 acknowledgment of the receipt of their Christian canon
pertaining to the hour. The joint resolutions contained
therein show explicitly the attitude of this church in our
15 capital towards me and towards the Cause of Christian
Science, so dear to our hearts and to all loyal lovers of
God and man.
18 This year, standing on the verge of the twentieth cen-
tury, has sounded the tocsin of a higher hope, of strength-
ened hands, of unveiled hearts, of fourfold unity between
21

the churches of our denomination in this and in other

Page 200
1 lands. Religious liberty and individual rights under the
Constitution of our nation are rapidly advancing, avow-
3

ing and consolidating the genius of Christian Science.

Heaven be praised for the signs of the times. Let "the
heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing;" our
6

trust is in the Almighty God, who ruleth in heaven and
upon earth, and none can stay His hand or say, "What

doest thou?"

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

LONDON, ENGLAND

My Beloved Brethren: - The chain of Christian unity,
12 unbroken, stretches across the sea and rises upward to the
realms of incorporeal Life - even to the glorious beati-
tudes of divine Love. Striving to be good, to do good, and
15 to love our neighbor as ourself, man's soul is safe; man
emerges from mortality and receives his rights inalienable
- the love of God and man. What holds us to the Chris-
18 tian life is the seven-fold shield of honesty, purity, and
unselfed love. I need not say this to you, for you know
the way in Christian Science.
21 Pale, sinful sense, at work to lift itself on crumbling
thrones of justice by pulling down its benefactors,
will tumble from this scheme into the bottomless
24 abyss of self-damnation, there to relinquish its league
with evil. Wide yawns the gap between this course
and Christian Science.
27 God spare this plunge, lessen its depths, save sin-
ners and fit their being to recover its connection with
its divine Principle, Love. For this I shall continue to
30

pray.

Page 201
1 God is blessing you, my beloved students and breth-
ren. Press on towards the high calling whereunto
3

divine Love has called us and is fast fulfilling the
promises.

Satan is unchained only for a season, as the Revelator
6

foresaw, and love and good will to man, sweeter than a
sceptre, are enthroned now and forever.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, NEW YORK, N. Y.

My Beloved Brethren: - Your Soul-full words and song
repeat my legacies in blossom. Such elements of friend-
12 ship, faith, and hope repossess us of heaven. I thank
you out of a full heart. Even the crown of thorns, which
mocked the bleeding brow of our blessed Lord, was over-
15 crowned with a diadem of duties done. So let us meekly
meet, mercifully forgive, wisely ponder, and lovingly
scan the convulsions of mortal mind, that its sudden
18 sallies may help us, not to a start, but to a tenure of
unprecarious joy. Rich hope have I in him who says in
his heart: -
21 I will listen for Thy voice,
Lest my footsteps stray;
I will follow and rejoice
24

All the rugged way.

SECOND CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, NEW YORK, N. Y.
27

Beloved Brethren: - Please accept a line from me in lieu
of my presence on the auspicious occasion of the open-
ing of your new church edifice. Hope springs exultant

Page 202
1 on this blest morn. May its white wings overshadow this
white temple and soar above it, pointing the path from
3 earth to heaven - from human ambition, fear, or distrust
to the faith, meekness, and might of him who hallowed
this Easter morn.
6 Now may his salvation draw near, for the night is far
spent and the day is at hand. In the words of St. Paul:
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom
9 tribute is due; custom to whom custom; . . . honor to
whom honor. Owe no man any thing, but to love one
another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the
12

law."

May the benediction of "Well done, good and faithful,"
rest worthily on the builders of this beautiful temple, and
15 the glory of the resurrection morn burst upon the spiritual
sense of this people with renewed vision, infinite mean-
ings, endless hopes, and glad victories in the onward and
18

upward chain of being.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, OAKLAND, CAL.
21 Beloved Brethren: - I thank you for the words of cheer
and love in your letter. The taper unseen in sunlight
cheers the darkness. My work is reflected light, - a
24 drop from His ocean of love, from the underived glory,
the divine Esse. From the dear tone of your letter,
you must be bringing your sheaves into the store-
27 house. Press on. The way is narrow at first, but it
expands as we walk in it. "Herein is my Father glori-
fied, that ye bear much fruit." God bless this vine of
30

His planting.

Page 203

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, WASHINGTON, D. C.
3 Beloved Brethren: - I have nothing new to communi-
cate; all is in your textbooks. Pray aright and demon-
strate your prayer; sing in faith. Know that religion
6 should be distinct in our consciousness and life, but not
clamorous for worldly distinction. Church laws which
are obeyed without mutiny are God's laws. Goodness
9 and philanthropy begin with work and never stop working.
All that is worth reckoning is what we do, and the best of
everything is not too good, but is economy and riches.
12 Be great not as a grand obelisk, nor by setting up to be
great, - only as good. A spiritual hero is a mark for
gamesters, but he is unutterably valiant, the summary of
15 suffering here and of heaven hereafter. Our thoughts
beget our actions; they make us what we are. Dis-
honesty is a mental malady which kills its possessor; it
18 is a sure precursor that its possessor is mortal. A deep
sincerity is sure of success, for God takes care of it. God
bless this dear church, and I am sure that He will if it is
21

ready for the blessing.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, LONDON, ENGLAND
24 Beloved Students: - You have laid the corner-stone of
your church edifice impressively, and buried immortal
truths in the bosom of earth safe from all chance of being
27

challenged.

You whose labors are doing so much to benefit mankind
will not be impatient if you have not accomplished all you

Page 204
1 desire, nor will you be long in doing more. My faith in
God and in His followers rests in the fact that He is infinite
3 good, and that He gives His followers opportunity to use
their hidden virtues, to put into practice the power which
lies concealed in the calm and which storms awaken to
6

vigor and to victory.

It is only by looking heavenward that mutual friend-
ships such as ours can begin and never end. Over sea
9

and over land, Christian Science unites its true followers
in one Principle, divine Love, that sacred ave and essence
of Soul which makes them one in Christ.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, COLUMBUS, OHIO

IN REPLY TO A LETTER ANNOUNCING THE PURPOSE OF THE
15 CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS TO PRACTISE WITHOUT FEES IN COM-
PLIANCE WITH THE STATE LAWS

Beloved Brethren: - I congratulate you tenderly on the
18 decision you have made as to the present practice of
Christian Science in your State, and thoroughly recom-
mend it under the circumstances. I practised gratui-
21

tously when starting this great Cause, which was then the
scoff of the age.

The too long treatment of a disease, the charging of
24 the sick whom you have not healed a full fee for treat-
ment, the suing for payment, hypnotism, and the resent-
ing of injuries, are not the fruits of Christian Science,
27 while returning good for evil, loving one's enemies, and
overcoming evil with good, - these are its fruits;
and its therapeutics, based as aforetime on this divine
30

Principle, heals all disease.

Page 205
1 We read in the Scriptures: "There is therefore now no
condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
3 not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." "Stand fast
therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us
free." "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless
6

as doves."


Wisdom is won through faith, prayer, experience; and
God is the giver.
9 "God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
12

And rides upon the storm."

THIRD CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, LONDON, ENGLAND
15 Beloved Brethren: - Love and unity are hieroglyphs of
goodness, and their philosophical impetus, spiritual
Aesculapius and Hygeia, saith, "As the thought is, so is the
18 deed; as the thing made is good or bad, so is its maker."
This idealism connects itself with spiritual understanding,
and so makes God more supreme in consciousness, man
21 more His likeness, friends more faithful, and enemies
harmless. Scholastic theology at its best touches but the
hem of Christian Science, shorn of all personality, wholly
24 apart from human hypotheses, matter, creed and dogma,
the lust of the flesh and the pride of power. Christian
Science is the full idea of its divine Principle, God; it is
27 forever based on Love, and it is demonstrated by perfect
rules; it is unerring. Hence health, holiness, immortality,
are its natural effects. The practitioner may fail, but the
30

Science never.

Page 206

Miscellany
1 Philosophical links, which would unite dead mat-
ter with animate, Spirit with matter and material
3 means, prayer with power and pride of position, hinder
the divine influx and lose Science,- lose the Principle
of divine metaphysics and the tender grace of spiritual
6

understanding, that love-linked holiness which heals
and saves.

Schisms, imagination, and human beliefs are not
9 parts of Christian Science; they darken the discern-
ment of Science; they divide Truth's garment and cast
lots for it.
12 Seeing a man in the moon, or seeing a person in the
picture of Jesus, or believing that you see an individual
who has passed through the shadow called death, is
15 not seeing the spiritual idea of God; but it is seeing
a human belief, which is far from the fact that portrays
Life, Truth, Love.
18 May these words of the Scriptures comfort you: "The
Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God
thy glory." "The city had no need of the sun, neither
21 of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did
lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." "Ye
are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
24 nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the
praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into
His marvellous light." "Giving thanks unto the Father,
27 which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inherit-
ance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from
the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the
30

kingdom of His dear Son." "Ye were sometimes dark-
ness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children
of light."

Page 207

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, MILWAUKEE, WIS.
3

Beloved Brethren: - Your communication is gratefully
received. Press on! The wrath of men shall praise God,
and the remainder thereof He will restrain.

A TELEGRAM AND MRS. EDDY'S REPLY

Beloved Leader: - The representatives of churches and
societies of Christian Science in Missouri, in annual
9 conference assembled, unite in loving greetings to you,
and pledge themselves to strive more earnestly, day
by day, for the clearer understanding and more perfect
12 manifestation of the truth which you have unfolded to
the world, and by which sin and sickness are destroyed
and life and immortality brought to light.
15 Yours in loving obedience,
CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES OF CHRISTIAN
SCIENCE IN MISSOURI
18

ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI,
January 5, 1909

Mrs. Eddy's Reply
21 "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter
thou into the joy of thy lord" - the satisfaction of
meeting and mastering evil and defending good, thus
24

predicating man upon divine Science. (See Science
and Health, p. 227.)

CHESTNUT HILL, MASS,
27

January 6, 1909

Page 208

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
3 Beloved Brethren: - Accept my deep thanks for your
highly interesting letter. It would seem as if the whole
import of Christian Science had been mirrored forth by
6

your loving hearts, to reflect its heavenly rays over all the
earth.

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,
9

July 15, 1909

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
12 Beloved Christian Scientists: - Like the gentle dews of
heaven and the refreshing breeze of morn, comes your
dear letter to my waiting heart, - waiting in due expec-
15 tation of just such blessedness, crowning the hope and
hour of divine Science, than which nothing can exceed
its ministrations of God to man.
18 I congratulate you on the prospect of erecting a church
building, wherein to gather in praise and prayer for the
whole human family.
21

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,
November 2, 1909

THE COMMITTEES IN CONFERENCE, CHICAGO, ILL.
24 The Committees: - God bless the courageous, far-seeing
committees in conference for their confidence in His
ways and means of reaching the very acme of Christian
27

Science.

Page 209

COMMENT ON LETTER FROM

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, OTTAWA, ONTARIO
3 God will abundantly bless this willing and obedient
church with the rich reward of those that seek and serve
Him. No greater hope have we than in right thinking
6

and right acting, and faith in the blessing of fidelity,
courage, patience, and grace.

Page 210

CHAPTER X - ADMONITION AND COUNSEL

WHAT OUR LEADER SAYS

BELOVED Christian Scientists, keep your minds so
3 filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and
death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can
be added to the mind already full. There is no door
6 through which evil can enter, and no space for evil to fill
in a mind filled with goodness. Good thoughts are an
impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely
9 shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not
only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest
upon are thereby benefited.
12 The self-seeking pride of the evil thinker injures him
when he would harm others. Goodness involuntarily
resists evil. The evil thinker is the proud talker and
15

doer. The right thinker abides under the shadow of the
Almighty. His thoughts can only reflect peace, good will
towards men, health, and holiness.(1)

WAYS THAT ARE VAIN

Certain individuals entertain the notion that Chris-
tian Science Mind-healing should be two-sided, and only
21

denounce error in general, - saying nothing, in particu-

(1) Copyright, 1909, by Mary Baker Eddy. Renewed, 1937.

Page 211
1 lar, of error that is damning men. They are sticklers
for a false, convenient peace, straining at gnats and
3 swallowing camels. The unseen wrong to individuals
and society they are too cowardly, too ignorant, or too
wicked to uncover, and excuse themselves by denying
6 that this evil exists. This mistaken way, of hiding sin
in order to maintain harmony, has licensed evil, allowing
it first to smoulder, and then break out in devouring
9 flames. All that error asks is to be let alone; even as
in Jesus' time the unclean spirits cried out, "Let us
alone; what have we to do with thee?"
12 Animal magnetism, in its ascending steps of evil,
entices its victim by unseen, silent arguments. Revers-
ing the modes of good, in their silent allurements to
15 health and holiness, it impels mortal mind into error of
thought, and tempts into the committal of acts foreign
to the natural inclinations. The victims lose their
18 individuality, and lend themselves as willing tools to
carry out the designs of their worst enemies, even those
who would induce their self-destruction. Animal mag-
21 netism fosters suspicious distrust where honor is due, fear
where courage should be strongest, reliance where there
should be avoidance, a belief in safety where there is
24 most danger; and these miserable lies, poured constantly
into his mind, fret and confuse it, spoiling that indi-
vidual's disposition, undermining his health, and sealing
27

his doom, unless the cause of the mischief is found out
and destroyed.

Other minds are made dormant by it, and the victim
30

is in a state of semi-individuality, with a mental hazi-
ness which admits of no intellectual culture or spiritual
growth. The state induced by this secret evil influence

Page 212
1 is a species of intoxication, in which the victim is led to
believe and do what he would never, otherwise, think
3

or do voluntarily.

This intricate method of animal magnetism is the
essence, or spirit, of evil, which makes mankind drunken.
6 In this era it is taking the place of older and more open
sins, and other forms of intoxication. A harder fight
will be necessary to expose the cause and effects of
9 this evil influence, than has been required to put down
the evil effects of alcohol. The alcoholic habit is the
use of higher forms of matter, wherewith to do evil;
12

whereas animal magnetism is the highest form of mental
evil, wherewith to complete the sum total of sin.

The question is often asked, Why is there so much
15 dissension among mental practitioners? We answer,
Because they do not practise in strict accordance with
the teaching of Christian Science Mind-healing. If they
18 did, there would be unity of action. Being like the
disciples of old, "with one accord in one place," they
would receive a spiritual influx impossible under other
21 conditions, and so would recognize and resist the
animal magnetism by which they are being deceived
and misled.
24 The mental malpractitioner, interfering with the
rights of Mind, destroys the true sense of Science, and
loses his own power to heal. He tries to compensate
27 himself for his own loss by hindering in every way con-
ceivable the success of others. You will find this prac-
titioner saying that animal magnetism never troubles
30

him, but that Mrs. Eddy teaches animal magnetism;
and he says this to cover his crime of mental malprac-
tice, in furtherance of unscrupulous designs.

Page 213
1 The natural fruits of Christian Science Mind-healing
are harmony, brotherly love, spiritual growth and
3 activity. The malicious aim of perverted mind-power,
or animal magnetism, is to paralyze good and give
activity to evil. It starts factions and engenders envy
6 and hatred, but as activity is by no means a right of
evil and its emissaries, they ought not to be encouraged
in it. Because this age is cursed with one rancorous
9 and lurking foe to human weal, those who are the
truest friends of mankind, and conscientious in their
desire to do right and to live pure and Christian lives,
12 should be more zealous to do good, more watchful and
vigilant. Then they will be proportionately successful
and bring out glorious results.
15 Unless one's eyes are opened to the modes of mental
malpractice, working so subtly that we mistake its sug-
gestions for the impulses of our own thought, the victim
18 will allow himself to drift in the wrong direction with-
out knowing it. Be ever on guard against this enemy.
Watch your thoughts, and see whether they lead you
21 to God and into harmony with His true followers.
Guard and strengthen your own citadel more strongly.
Thus you will grow wiser and better through every
24

attack of your foe, and the Golden Rule will not rust
for lack of use or be misinterpreted by the adverse
influence of animal magnetism.

ONLY ONE QUOTATION

The following three quotations from "Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures" are submitted
30

to the dear Churches of Christ, Scientist. From these

Page 214
1 they may select one only to place on the walls of their
church. Otherwise, as our churches multiply, promiscu-
3 ous selections would write your textbook on the walls of
your churches.

Divine Love always has met and always will meet every
6

human need.

MARY BAKER EDDY

Christianity is again demonstrating the Life that is
9

Truth, and the Truth that is Life.
MARY BAKER EDDY

Jesus' three days' work in the sepulchre set the seal
12

of eternity on time. He proved Life to be deathless and
Love to be the master of hate.

MARY BAKER EDDY

THE LABORER AND HIS HIRE

In reply to letters questioning the consistency of
Christian Scientists taking pay for their labors, and with
18 the hope of relieving the questioners' perplexity, I will say:
Four years after my discovery of Christian Science, while
taking no remuneration for my labors, and for healing all
21 manner of diseases, I was confronted with the fact that I
had no monetary means left wherewith to hire a hall in
which to speak, or to establish a Christian Science home
24 for indigent students, which I yearned to do, or even to
meet my own current expenses. I therefore halted from
necessity.
27

I had cast my all into the treasury of Truth, but where
were the means with which to carry on a Cause? To
desert the Cause never occurred to me, but nobody

Page 215
1 then wanted Christian Science, or gave it a halfpenny.
Though sorely oppressed, I was above begging and
3 knew well the priceless worth of what had been bestowed
without money or price. Just then God stretched forth
His hand. He it was that bade me do what I did,
6 and it prospered at every step. I wrote "Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures," taught students for
a tuition of three hundred dollars each, though I seldom
9 taught without having charity scholars, sometimes a
dozen or upward in one class. Afterwards, with touch-
ing tenderness, those very students sent me the full
12 tuition money. However, I returned this money with
love; but it was again mailed to me in letters begging
me to accept it, saying, "Your teachings are worth much
15

more to me than money can be."

It was thus that I earned the means with which to start
a Christian Science home for the poor worthy student, to
18 establish a Metaphysical College, to plant our first maga-
zine, to purchase the site for a church edifice, to give my
church The Christian Science Journal, and to keep "the
21

wolves in sheep's clothing," preying upon my pearls, from
clogging the wheels of Christian Science.

When the great Master first sent forth his students, he
24 bade them take no scrip for their journey, saying, "The
laborer is worthy of his hire." Next, on the contrary,
he bade them take scrip. Can we find a better example
27 for our lives than that of our Master? Why did he send
forth his students first without, and then with, provision
for their expenses? Doubtless to test the effect of both
30

methods on mankind. That he preferred the latter is
evident, since we have no hint of his changing this direc-
tion; and that his divine wisdom should temper human

Page 216
1 affairs, is plainly set forth in the Scriptures. Till Christian
Scientists give all their time to spiritual things, live without
3 eating, and obtain their money from a fish's mouth, they
must earn it in order to help mankind with it. All sys-
tems of religion stand on this basis.
6 The law and the gospel, - Christian, civil, and educa-
tional means, - manufacture, agriculture, tariff, and
revenue subsist on demand and supply, regulated by a
9 government currency, by which each is provided for and
maintained. What, then, can a man do with truth
and without a cent to sustain it? Either his life must
12

be a miracle that frightens people, or his truth not
worth a cent.

THE CHILDREN CONTRIBUTORS
15 My Beloved Children: - Tenderly thanking you for
your sweet industry and love on behalf of the room
of the Pastor Emeritus in The First Church of Christ,
18 Scientist, Boston, I say: The purpose of God to you-
ward indicates another field of work which I present to
your thought, work by which you can do much good and
21 which is adapted to your present unfolding capacity. I
request that from this date you disband as a society,
drop the insignia of "Busy Bees," work in your own sev-
24

eral localities, and no longer contribute to The Mother
Church flower fund.

As you grow older, advance in the knowledge of self-
27 support, and see the need of self-culture, it is to be expected
you will feel more than at present that charity begins at
home, and that you will want money for your own uses.
30

Contemplating these important wants, I see that you
should begin now to earn for a purpose even higher, the

Page 217
1 money that you expend for flowers. You will want it for
academics, for your own school education, or, if need be,
3

to help your parents, brothers, or sisters.

Further to encourage your early, generous incentive
for action, and to reward your hitherto unselfish toil, I
6 have deeded in trust to The Mother Church of Christ,
Scientist, in Boston, the sum of four thousand dollars
to be invested in safe municipal bonds for my dear chil-
9 dren contributors to the room of the Pastor Emeritus.
This sum is to remain on interest till it is disbursed in
equal shares to each contributor. This disbursal will
12 take place when the contributors shall have arrived at
legal age, and each contributor will receive his divi-
dend with interest thereon up to date, provided he has
15

complied with my request as above named.

A CORRECTION

In the last Sentinel [Oct. 12, 1899] was the following
18 question: "If all matter is unreal, why do we deny the
existence of disease in the material body and not the body
itself?"
21 We deny first the existence of disease, because we can
meet this negation more readily than we can negative all
that the material senses affirm. It is written in "Science
24 and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "An improved
belief is one step out of error, and aids in taking the
next step and in understanding the situation in Christian
27

Science" (p. 296).


Thus it is that our great Exemplar, Jesus of Nazareth,
first takes up the subject. He does not require the last
30

step to be taken first. He came to the world not to
destroy the law of being, but to fulfil it in righteousness.

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1 He restored the diseased body to its normal action,
functions, and organization, and in explanation of his
3 deeds he said, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it be-
cometh us to fulfil all righteousness." Job said, "In
my flesh shall I see God." Neither the Old nor the New
6 Testament furnishes reasons or examples for the destruc-
tion of the human body, but for its restoration to life
and health as the scientific proof of "God with us."
9 The power and prerogative of Truth are to destroy all
disease and to raise the dead - even the self-same
Lazarus. The spiritual body, the incorporeal idea, came
12

with the ascension.

Jesus demonstrated the divine Principle of Christian
Science when he presented his material body absolved
15 from death and the grave. The introduction of pure
abstractions into Christian Science, without their correl-
atives, leaves the divine Principle of Christian Science
18

unexplained, tends to confuse the mind of the reader, and
ultimates in what Jesus denounced, namely, straining
at gnats and swallowing camels.

QUESTION ANSWERED

A fad of belief is the fool of mesmerism. The belief
that an individual can either teach or heal by proxy is a
24 false faith that will end bitterly. My published works are
teachers and healers. My private life is given to a serv-
itude the fruit of which all mankind may share. Such
27 labor is impartial, meted out to one no more than to
another. Therefore an individual should not enter the
Massachusetts Metaphysical College with the expecta-
30

tion of receiving instruction from me, other than that

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1 which my books afford, unless I am personally present.
Nor should patients anticipate being helped by me through
3 some favored student. Such practice would be erro-
neous, and such an anticipation on the part of the sick a
hindrance rather than help.
6 My good students have all the honor of their success
in teaching or in healing. I by no means would pluck
their plumes. Human power is most properly used in
9

preventing the occasion for its use; otherwise its use
is abuse.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE HEALING
12 To say that it is sin to ride to church on an electric
car, would not be more preposterous than to believe
that man's Maker is not equal to the destruction of disease
15 germs. Christ, Truth, the ever-present spiritual idea,
who raises the dead, is equal to the giving of life and health
to man and to the healing, as aforetime, of all manner of
18 diseases. I would not charge Christians with doubting
the Bible record of our great Master's life of healing, since
Christianity must be predicated of what Christ Jesus
21 taught and did; but I do say that Christian Science cannot
annul nor make void the laws of the land, since Christ,
the great demonstrator of Christian Science, said, "Think
24

not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

I have expressed my opinion publicly as to the pre-
27 cautions against the spread of so-called infectious and
contagious diseases in the following words: -

"Rather than quarrel over vaccination, I recommend, if
30

the law demand, that an individual submit to this process,
that he obey the law, and then appeal to the gospel to

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1 save him from bad physical results. Whatever changes
come to this century or to any epoch, we may safely
3 submit to the providence of God, to common justice, to
the maintenance of individual rights, and to govern-
mental usages. This statement should be so interpreted
6 as to apply, on the basis of Christian Science, to the
reporting of a contagious case to the proper authorities
when the law so requires. When Jesus was questioned
9 concerning obedience to human law, he replied: 'Render
to Caesar the things that are Caesar's,' even while you
render 'to God the things that are God's.' "
12 I believe in obeying the laws of the land. I practise and
teach this obedience, since justice is the moral signification
of law. Injustice denotes the absence of law. Each day
15 I pray for the pacification of all national difficulties, for
the brotherhood of man, for the end of idolatry and
infidelity, and for the growth and establishment of
18 Christian religion - Christ's Christianity. I also have
faith that my prayer availeth, and that He who is
overturning will overturn until He whose right it is shall
21 reign. Each day I pray: "God bless my enemies; make
them Thy friends; give them to know the joy and the
peace of love."
24 Past, present, or future philosophy or religion, which
departs from the instructions and example of the great
Galilean Prophet, cannot be Christlike. Jesus obeyed
27 human laws and fell a victim to those laws. But nineteen
centuries have greatly improved human nature and
human statutes. That the innocent should suffer for the
30

guilty, seems less divine, and that humanity should share
alike liberty of conscience, seems more divine to-day than
it did yesterday.

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