Beloved brethren, Christ, Truth, saith unto you, "Be not afraid!"—fear not sin, lest thereby it master you; but only fear to sin. Watch and pray for self-knowledge; [30] since then, and thus, cometh repentance,—and your superiority to a delusion is won.

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Repentance is better than sacrifice. The costly balm [1] of Araby, poured on our Master's feet, had not the value of a single tear.

Beloved children, the world has need of you,—and more as children than as men and women: it needs your [5] innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontami- nated lives. You need also to watch, and pray that you preserve these virtues unstained, and lose them not through contact with the world. What grander ambition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to [10] know that your example, more than words, makes morals for mankind!



Address Before The Alumni Of The Massachusetts Metaphysical College, 1895

My Beloved Students:—Weeks have passed into [15] months, and months into years, since last we met; but time and space, when encompassed by divine presence, do not separate us. Our hearts have kept time together, and our hands have wrought steadfastly at the same object-lesson, while leagues have lain between us. [20]

We may well unite in thanksgiving for the continued progress and unprecedented prosperity of our Cause. It is already obvious that the world's acceptance and the momentum of Christian Science, increase rapidly as years glide on. [25]

As Christian Scientists, you have dared the perilous de- fense of Truth, and have succeeded. You have learned how fleeting is that which men call great; and how per- manent that which God calls good.

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You have proven that the greatest piety is scarcely [1] sufficient to demonstrate what you have adopted and taught; that your work, well done, would dignify angels.

Faithfully, as meekly, you have toiled all night; and at break of day caught much. At times, your net has [5] been so full that it broke: human pride, creeping into its meshes, extended it beyond safe expansion; then, losing hold of divine Love, you lost your fishes, and pos- sibly blamed others more than yourself. But those whom God makes "fishers of men" will not pull for the shore; [10] like Peter, they launch into the depths, cast their nets on the right side, compensate loss, and gain a higher sense of the true idea. Nothing is lost that God gives: had He filled the net, it would not have broken.

Leaving the seed of Truth to its own vitality, it propa- [15] gates: the tares cannot hinder it. Our Master said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away;" and Jesus' faith in Truth must not ex- ceed that of Christian Scientists who prove its power to be immortal. [20]

The Christianity that is merely of sects, the pulpit, and fashionable society, is brief; but the Word of God abideth. Plato was a pagan; but no greater difference existed be- tween his doctrines and those of Jesus, than to-day exists between the Catholic and Protestant sects. I love the [25] orthodox church; and, in time, that church will love Christian Science. Let me specially call the attention of this Association to the following false beliefs inclining mortal mind more deviously:—

The belief in anti-Christ: that somebody in the flesh [30] is the son of God, or is another Christ, or is a spiritually adopted child, or is an incarnated babe, is the evil one—

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in other words, the one evil—disporting itself with the [1] subtleties of sin!

Even honest thinkers, not knowing whence they come, may deem these delusions verities, before they know it, or really look the illusions in the face. The ages are bur- [5] dened with material modes. Hypnotism, microbes, X-rays, and ex-common sense, occupy time and thought; and error, given new opportunities, will improve them. The most just man can neither defend the innocent nor detect the guilty, unless he knows how to be just; and this knowl- [10] edge demands our time and attention.

The mental stages of crime, which seem to belong to the latter days, are strictly classified in metaphysics as some of the many features and forms of what is properly denominated, in extreme cases, moral idiocy. I visited [15] in his cell the assassin of President Garfield, and found him in the mental state called moral idiocy. He had no sense of his crime; but regarded his act as one of simple justice, and himself as the victim. My few words touched him; he sank back in his chair, limp and pale; his flip- [20] pancy had fled. The jailer thanked me, and said, "Other visitors have brought to him bouquets, but you have brought what will do him good."

This mental disease at first shows itself in extreme sensitiveness; then, in a loss of self-knowledge and of [25] self-condemnation,—a shocking inability to see one's own faults, but an exaggerating sense of other people's. Unless this mental condition be overcome, it ends in a total loss of moral, intellectual, and spiritual discernment, and is characterized in this Scripture: "The fool hath [30] said in his heart, There is no God." This state of mind is the exemplification of total depravity, and the result

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of sensuous mind in matter. Mind that is God is not in [1] matter; and God's presence gives spiritual light, wherein is no darkness.

If, as is indisputably true, "God is Spirit," and Spirit is our Father and Mother, and that which it includes is [5] all that is real and eternal, when evil seems to predomi- nate and divine light to be obscured, free moral agency is lost; and the Revelator's vision, that "no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name," is imminent. [10]

Whoever is mentally manipulating human mind, and is not gaining a higher sense of Truth by it, is losing in the scale of moral and spiritual being, and may be car- ried to the depths of perdition by his own consent. He who refuses to be influenced by any but the divine Mind, [15] commits his way to God, and rises superior to sugges- tions from an evil source. Christian Science shows that there is a way of escape from the latter-day ultimatum of evil, through scientific truth; so that all are without excuse. [20]

Already I clearly recognize that mental malpractice, if persisted in, will end in insanity, dementia, or moral idiocy. Thank God! this evil can be resisted by true Christianity. Divine Love is our hope, strength, and shield. We have nothing to fear when Love is at the [25] helm of thought, but everything to enjoy on earth and in heaven.

The systematized centres of Christian Science are life- giving fountains of truth. Our churches, The Christian Science Journal, and the Christian Science Quarterly, [30] are prolific sources of spiritual power whose intellectual, moral, and spiritual animus is felt throughout the land.

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Our Publishing Society, and our Sunday Lessons, are [1] of inestimable value to all seekers after Truth. The Com- mittee on Sunday School Lessons cannot give too much time and attention to their task, and should spare no research in the preparation of the Quarterly as an educa- [5] tional branch.

The teachers of Christian Science need to watch inces- santly the trend of their own thoughts; watch that these be not secretly robbed, and themselves misguided, and so made to misteach others. Teachers must conform [10] strictly to the rules of divine Science announced in the Bible and their textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." They must themselves practise, and teach others to practise, the Hebrew Decalogue, the Ser- mon on the Mount, and the understanding and enuncia- [15] tion of these according to Christ.

They must always have on armor, and resist the foe within and without. They cannot arm too thoroughly against original sin, appearing in its myriad forms: pass- sion, appetites, hatred, revenge, and all the et cetera of [20] evil. Christian Scientists cannot watch too sedulously, or bar their doors too closely, or pray to God too fer- vently, for deliverance from the claims of evil. Thus doing, Scientists will silence evil suggestions, uncover their methods, and stop their hidden influence upon the [25] lives of mortals. Rest assured that God in His wisdom will test all mankind on all questions; and then, if found faithful, He will deliver us from temptation and show us the powerlessness of evil,—even its utter nothingness.

The teacher in Christian Science who does not spe- [30] cially instruct his pupils how to guard against evil and its silent modes, and to be able, through Christ, the liv-

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ing Truth, to protect themselves therefrom, is commit- [1] ting an offense against God and humanity. With Science and Health for their textbook, I am astounded at the apathy of some students on the subject of sin and mental malpractice, and their culpable ignorance of the work- [5] ing of these—and even the teacher's own deficiency in this department. I can account for this state of mind in the teacher only as the result of sin; otherwise, his own guilt as a mental malpractitioner, and fear of being found out. [10]

The helpless ignorance of the community on this sub- ject is pitiable, and plain to be seen. May God enable my students to take up the cross as I have done, and meet the pressing need of a proper preparation of heart to prac- tise, teach, and live Christian Science! Your means of [15] protection and defense from sin are, constant watchful- ness and prayer that you enter not into temptation and are delivered from every claim of evil, till you intelligently know and demonstrate, in Science, that evil has neither prestige, power, nor existence, since God, good, is All- [20] in-all.

The increasing necessity for relying on God to de- fend us against the subtler forms of evil, turns us more unreservedly to Him for help, and thus becomes a means of grace. If one lives rightly, every effort to hurt one [25] will only help that one; for God will give the ability to overcome whatever tends to impede progress. Know this: that you cannot overcome the baneful effects of sin on yourself, if you in any way indulge in sin; for, sooner or later, you will fall the victim of your own as [30] well as of others' sins. Using mental power in the right direction only, doing to others as you would have them

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do to you, will overcome evil with good, and destroy [1] your own sensitiveness to the power of evil.

The God of all grace be with you, and save you from "spiritual wickedness in high places."

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H., [5] June 3, 1895



Address Before The Christian Scientist Association Of The Massachusetts Metaphysical College, In 1893

SUBJECT: Obedience [10]

My Beloved Students:—This question, ever nearest to my heart, is to-day uppermost: Are we filling the measures of life's music aright, emphasizing its grand strains, swelling the harmony of being with tones whence come glad echoes? As crescendo and diminuendo accent [15] music, so the varied strains of human chords express life's loss or gain,—loss of the pleasures and pains and pride of life: gain of its sweet concord, the courage of honest convictions, and final obedience to spiritual law. The ultimate of scientific research and attainment in [20] divine Science is not an argument: it is not merely say- ing, but doing, the Word—demonstrating Truth—even as the fruits of watchfulness, prayer, struggles, tears, and triumph.

Obeying the divine Principle which you profess to un- [25] derstand and love, demonstrates Truth. Never absent from your post, never off guard, never ill-humored, never unready to work for God,—is obedience; being "faith- ful over a few things." If in one instance obedience be lacking, you lose the scientific rule and its reward: namely, [30]

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to be made "ruler over many things." A progressive [1] life is the reality of Life that unfolds its immortal Prin- ciple.

The student of Christian Science must first separate the tares from the wheat; discern between the thought, [5] motive, and act superinduced by the wrong motive or the true—the God-given intent and volition—arrest the former, and obey the latter. This will place him on the safe side of practice. We always know where to look for the real Scientist, and always find him there. I agree [10] with Rev. Dr. Talmage, that "there are wit, humor, and enduring vivacity among God's people."

Obedience is the offspring of Love; and Love is the Principle of unity, the basis of all right thinking and acting; it fulfils the law. We see eye to eye and know as we [15] are known, reciprocate kindness and work wisely, in proportion as we love.

It is difficult for me to carry out a divine commission while participating in the movements, or modus operandi, of other folks. To point out every step to a student and [20] then watch that each step be taken, consumes time,— and experiments ofttimes are costly. According to my calendar, God's time and mortals' differ. The neo- phyte is inclined to be too fast or too slow: he works somewhat in the dark; and, sometimes out of season, [25] he would replenish his lamp at the midnight hour and borrow oil of the more provident watcher. God is the fountain of light, and He illumines one's way when one is obedient. The disobedient make their moves before God makes His, or make them too late to follow Him. [30] Be sure that God directs your way; then, hasten to follow under every circumstance.

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Human will must be subjugated. We cannot obey [1] both God, good, and evil,—in other words, the ma- terial senses, false suggestions, self-will, selfish motives, and human policy. We shall have no faith in evil when faith finds a resting-place and scientific under- [5] standing guides man. Honesty in every condition, under every circumstance, is the indispensable rule of obedience. To obey the principle of mathematics ninety- nine times in one hundred and then allow one numeral to make incorrect your entire problem, is neither Science [10] nor obedience.

However keenly the human affections yearn to for- give a mistake, and pass a friend over it smoothly, one's sympathy can neither atone for error, advance individual growth, nor change this immutable decree of Love: "Keep [15] My commandments." The guerdon of meritorious faith or trustworthiness rests on being willing to work alone with God and for Him,—willing to suffer patiently for error until all error is destroyed and His rod and His staff comfort you. [20]

Self-ignorance, self-will, self-righteousness, lust, covet- ousness, envy, revenge, are foes to grace, peace, and progress; they must be met manfully and overcome, or they will uproot all happiness. Be of good cheer; the warfare with one's self is grand; it gives one plenty [25] of employment, and the divine Principle worketh with you,—and obedience crowns persistent effort with everlasting victory. Every attempt of evil to harm good is futile, and ends in the fiery punishment of the evil-doer. [30]

Jesus said, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth,

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this defileth a man." If malicious suggestions whisper [1] evil through the mind's tympanum, this were no apology for acting evilly. We are responsible for our thoughts and acts; and instead of aiding other people's devices by obeying them,—and then whining over misfortune,— [5] rise and overthrow both. If a criminal coax the unwary man to commit a crime, our laws punish the dupe as ac- cessory to the fact. Each individual is responsible for himself.

Evil is impotent to turn the righteous man from his [10] uprightness. The nature of the individual, more stub- born than the circumstance, will always be found argu- ing for itself,—its habits, tastes, and indulgences. This material nature strives to tip the beam against the spir- itual nature; for the flesh strives against Spirit,—against [15] whatever or whoever opposes evil,—and weighs mightily in the scale against man's high destiny. This conclusion is not an argument either for pessimism or for optimism, but is a plea for free moral agency,—full exemption from all necessity to obey a power that should be and is [20] found powerless in Christian Science.

Insubordination to the law of Love even in the least, or strict obedience thereto, tests and discriminates be- tween the real and the unreal Scientist. Justice, a prominent statute in the divine law, demands of all [25] trespassers upon the sparse individual rights which one justly reserves to one's self,—Would you consent that others should tear up your landmarks, manipulate your students, nullify or reverse your rules, countermand your orders, steal your possessions, and escape the [30] penalty therefor? No! "Therefore all things what- soever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even

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so to them." The professors of Christian Science must [1] take off their shoes at our altars; they must unclasp the material sense of things at the very threshold of Christian Science: they must obey implicitly each and every injunction of the divine Principle of life's long [5] problem, or repeat their work in tears. In the words of St. Paul, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield your- selves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" [10]

Beloved students, loyal laborers are ye that have wrought valiantly, and achieved great guerdons in the vineyard of our Lord; but a mighty victory is yet to be won, a great freedom for the race; and Christian success is under arms,—with armor on, not laid down. Let us [15] rejoice, however, that the clarion call of peace will at length be heard above the din of battle, and come more sweetly to our ear than sound of vintage bells to villagers on the Rhine.

I recommend that this Association hereafter meet tri- [20] ennially; many of its members reside a long distance from Massachusetts, and they are members of The Mother Church who would love to be with you on Sunday, and once in three years is perhaps as often as they can afford to be away from their own fields of labor. [25]



Communion Address, January, 1896

Friends and Brethren:—The Biblical record of the great Nazarene, whose character we to-day commemorate, is scanty; but what is given, puts to flight every doubt as to the immortality of his words and works. Though [30]

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written in a decaying language, his words can never pass [1] away: they are inscribed upon the hearts of men: they are engraved upon eternity's tablets.

Undoubtedly our Master partook of the Jews' feast of the Passover, and drank from their festal wine-cup. [5] This, however, is not the cup to which I call your at- tention,—even the cup of martyrdom: wherein Spirit and matter, good and evil, seem to grapple, and the human struggles against the divine, up to a point of discovery; namely, the impotence of evil, and the om- [10] nipotence of good, as divinely attested. Anciently, the blood of martyrs was believed to be the seed of the Church. Stalled theocracy would make this fatal doctrine just and sovereign, even a divine decree, a law of Love! That the innocent shall suffer for the guilty, is inhuman. The [15] prophet declared, "Thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel." This is plain: that what- ever belittles, befogs, or belies the nature and essence of Deity, is not divine. Who, then, shall father or favor this sentence passed upon innocence? thereby giving the [20] signet of God to the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of His beloved Son, the righteous Nazarene,—christened by John the Baptist, "the Lamb of God."

Oh! shameless insult to divine royalty, that drew from the great Master this answer to the questions of the [25] rabbinical rabble: "If I tell you, ye will not believe; and if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go."

Infinitely greater than human pity, is divine Love,— that cannot be unmerciful. Human tribunals, if just, borrow their sense of justice from the divine Principle [30] thereof, which punishes the guilty, not the innocent. The Teacher of both law and gospel construed the substitution

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of a good man to suffer for evil-doers—a crime! When [1] foretelling his own crucifixion, he said, "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!" [5]

Would Jesus thus have spoken of what was indis- pensable for the salvation of a world of sinners, or of the individual instrument in this holy (?) alliance for accom- plishing such a monstrous work? or have said of him whom God foreordained and predestined to fulfil a divine [10] decree, "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea"?

The divine order is the acme of mercy: it is neither questionable nor assailable: it is not evil producing good, [15] nor good ultimating in evil. Such an inference were impious. Holy Writ denounces him that declares, "Let us do evil, that good may come! whose damnation is just."

Good is not educed from its opposite: and Love divine [20] spurned, lessens not the hater's hatred nor the criminal's crime; nor reconciles justice to injustice; nor substitutes the suffering of the Godlike for the suffering due to sin. Neither spiritual bankruptcy nor a religious chancery can win high heaven, or the "Well done, good and faithful [25] servant,... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Divine Love knows no hate; for hate, or the hater, is nothing: God never made it, and He made all that was made. The hater's pleasures are unreal; his sufferings, self-imposed; his existence is a parody, and he ends— [30] with suicide.

The murder of the just Nazarite was incited by the

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same spirit that in our time massacres our missionaries, [1] butchers the helpless Armenians, slaughters innocents. Evil was, and is, the illusion of breaking the First Com- mandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me:" it is either idolizing something and somebody, or hating [5] them: it is the spirit of idolatry, envy, jealousy, covet- ousness, superstition, lust, hypocrisy, witchcraft.

That man can break the forever-law of infinite Love, was, and is, the serpent's biggest lie! and ultimates in a religion of pagan priests bloated with crime; a religion [10] that demands human victims to be sacrificed to human passions and human gods, or tortured to appease the anger of a so-called god or a miscalled man or woman! The Assyrian Merodach, or the god of sin, was the "lucky god;" and the Babylonian Yawa, or Jehovah, was the [15] Jewish tribal deity. The Christian's God is neither, and is too pure to behold iniquity.

Divine Science has rolled away the stone from the sepul- chre of our Lord; and there has risen to the awakened thought the majestic atonement of divine Love. The [20] at-one-ment with Christ has appeared—not through vicarious suffering, whereby the just obtain a pardon for the unjust,—but through the eternal law of justice; wherein sinners suffer for their own sins, repent, forsake sin, love God, and keep His commandments, thence to [25] receive the reward of righteousness: salvation from sin, not through the death of a man, but through a divine Life, which is our Redeemer.

Holy Writ declares that God is Love, is Spirit; hence it follows that those who worship Him, must worship [30] Him spiritually,—far apart from physical sensation such as attends eating and drinking corporeally. It is

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plain that aught unspiritual, intervening between God [1] and man, would tend to disturb the divine order, and countermand the Scripture that those who worship the Father must worship Him in spirit. It is also plain, that we should not seek and cannot find God in mat- [5] ter, or through material methods; neither do we love and obey Him by means of matter, or the flesh,—which warreth against Spirit, and will not be reconciled thereto.

We turn, with sickened sense, from a pagan Jew's [10] or Moslem's misconception of Deity, for peace; and find rest in the spiritual ideal, or Christ. For "who is so great a God as our God!" unchangeable, all-wise, all- just, all-merciful; the ever-loving, ever-living Life, Truth, Love: comforting such as mourn, opening the prison [15] doors to the captive, marking the unwinged bird, pitying with more than a father's pity; healing the sick, cleansing the leper, raising the dead, saving sinners. As we think thereon, man's true sense is filled with peace, and power; and we say, It is well that Christian Science has taken [20] expressive silence wherein to muse His praise, to kiss the feet of Jesus, adore the white Christ, and stretch out our arms to God.

The last act of the tragedy on Calvary rent the veil of matter, and unveiled Love's great legacy to mortals: [25] Love forgiving its enemies. This grand act crowned and still crowns Christianity: it manumits mortals; it translates love; it gives to suffering, inspiration; to patience, experience; to experience, hope; to hope, faith; to faith, understanding; and to understanding, Love tri- [30] umphant!

In proportion to a man's spiritual progress, he will

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indeed drink of our Master's cup, and be baptized with [1] his baptism! be purified as by fire,—the fires of suffering; then hath he part in Love's atonement, for "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth." Then shall he also reign with him: he shall rise to know that there is no sin, [5] that there is no suffering; since all that is real is right. This knowledge enables him to overcome the world, the flesh, and all evil, to have dominion over his own sinful sense and self. Then shall he drink anew Christ's cup, in the kingdom of God—the reign of righteousness— [10] within him; he shall sit down at the Father's right hand: sit down; not stand waiting and weary; but rest on the bosom of God; rest, in the understanding of divine Love that passeth all understanding; rest, in that which "to know aright is Life eternal," and whom, not having seen, [15] we love.

Then shall he press on to Life's long lesson, the eternal lore of Love; and learn forever the infinite meanings of these short sentences: "God is Love;" and, All that is real is divine, for God is All-in-all. [20]



Message To The Annual Meeting Of The Mother Church, Boston, 1896

Beloved Brethren, Children, and Grandchildren:— Apart from the common walks of mankind, revolving oft the hitherto untouched problems of being, and [25] oftener, perhaps, the controversies which baffle it, Mother, thought-tired, turns to-day to you; turns to her dear church, to tell the towers thereof the remarkable achievements that have been ours within the past few years: the rapid transit from halls to churches, from un- [30]

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settled questions to permanence, from danger to escape, [1] from fragmentary discourses to one eternal sermon; yea, from darkness to daylight, in physics and metaphysics.

Truly, I half wish for society again; for once, at least, to hear the soft music of our Sabbath chimes saluting the [5] ear in tones that leap for joy, with love for God and man.

Who hath not learned that when alone he has his own thoughts to guard, and when struggling with man- kind his temper, and in society his tongue? We also [10] have gained higher heights; have learned that trials lift us to that dignity of Soul which sustains us, and finally conquers them; and that the ordeal refines while it chastens.

Perhaps our church is not yet quite sensible of what [15] we owe to the strength, meekness, honesty, and obedi- ence of the Christian Science Board of Directors; to the able editors of The Christian Science Journal, and to our efficient Publishing Society.

No reproof is so potent as the silent lesson of a good [20] example. Works, more than words, should characterize Christian Scientists. Most people condemn evil-doing, evil-speaking; yet nothing circulates so rapidly: even gold is less current. Christian Scientists have a strong race to run, and foes in ambush; but bear in mind that, in the [25] long race, honesty always defeats dishonesty.

God hath indeed smiled on my church,—this daughter of Zion: she sitteth in high places; and to de- ride her is to incur the penalty of which the Hebrew bard spake after this manner: "He that sitteth in the [30] heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision."

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Hitherto, I have observed that in proportion as this [1] church has smiled on His "little ones," He has blessed her. Throughout my entire connection with The Mother Church, I have seen, that in the ratio of her love for others, hath His love been bestowed upon her; watering [5] her waste places, and enlarging her borders.

One thing I have greatly desired, and again earnestly request, namely, that Christian Scientists, here and elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importu- [10] nately. When a hungry heart petitions the divine Father- Mother God for bread, it is not given a stone,—but more grace, obedience, and love. If this heart, humble and trustful, faithfully asks divine Love to feed it with the bread of heaven, health, holiness, it will be conformed to [15] a fitness to receive the answer to its desire; then will flow into it the "river of His pleasure," the tributary of divine Love, and great growth in Christian Science will follow,— even that joy which finds one's own in another's good.

To love, and to be loved, one must do good to others. [20] The inevitable condition whereby to become blessed, is to bless others: but here, you must so know yourself, under God's direction, that you will do His will even though your pearls be downtrodden. Ofttimes the rod is His means of grace; then it must be ours,—we cannot avoid [25] wielding it if we reflect Him.

Wise sayings and garrulous talk may fall to the ground, rather than on the ear or heart of the hearer; but a tender sentiment felt, or a kind word spoken, at the right moment, is never wasted. Mortal mind presents phases of charac- [30] ter which need close attention and examination. The human heart, like a feather bed, needs often to be stirred,

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sometimes roughly, and given a variety of turns, else it [1] grows hard and uncomfortable whereon to repose.

The lessons of this so-called life in matter are too vast and varied to learn or to teach briefly; and especially within the limits of a letter. Therefore I close here, [5] with the apostle's injunction: "Finally, brethren, what- soever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any [10] praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

With love, Mother, MARY BAKER G. EDDY



CHAPTER V. LETTERS.

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To The Mother Church.

My Beloved Brethren:—If a member of the church is inclined to be uncharitable, or to condemn his brother without cause, let him put his finger to his lips, and forgive others as he would be forgiven. One's first [5] lesson is to learn one's self; having done this, one will naturally, through grace from God, forgive his brother and love his enemies. To avenge an imaginary or an actual wrong, is suicidal. The law of our God and the rule of our church is to tell thy brother his fault and thereby help [10] him. If this rule fails in effect, then take the next Scrip- tural step: drop this member's name from the church, and thereafter "let the dead bury their dead,"—let silence prevail over his remains.

If a man is jealous, envious, or revengeful, he will seek [15] occasion to balloon an atom of another man's indis- cretion, inflate it, and send it into the atmosphere of mortal mind—for other green eyes to gaze on: he will always find somebody in his way, and try to push him aside; will see somebody's faults to magnify under the lens that [20] he never turns on himself.

What have been your Leader's precepts and example! Were they to save the sinner, and to spare his exposure

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so long as a hope remained of thereby benefiting him? [1]

Has her life exemplified long-suffering, meekness, charity, purity?

She readily leaves the answer to those who know her. [5]

Do we yet understand how much better it is to be wronged, than to commit wrong? What do we find in the Bible, and in the Christian Science textbook, on this subject? Does not the latter instruct you that looking continually for a fault in somebody else, talking about it, [10] thinking it over, and how to meet it,—"rolling sin as a sweet morsel under your tongue,"—has the same power to make you a sinner that acting thus regarding disease has to make a man sick? Note the Scripture on this subject: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the [15] Lord."

The Christian Science Board of Directors has borne the burden in the heat of the day, and it ought not to be expected that they could have accomplished, without one single mistake, such Herculean tasks as they have [20] accomplished. He who judges others should know well whereof he speaks. Where the motive to do right exists, and the majority of one's acts are right, we should avoid referring to past mistakes. The greatest sin that one can commit against himself is to wrong one of God's "little [25] ones."

Know ye not that he who exercises the largest charity, and waits on God, renews his strength, and is exalted? Love is not puffed up; and the meek and loving, God anoints and appoints to lead the line of mankind's tri- [30] umphal march out of the wilderness, out of darkness into light.

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Whoever challenges the errors of others and cherishes [1] his own, can neither help himself nor others; he will be called a moral nuisance, a fungus, a microbe, a mouse gnawing at the vitals of humanity. The darkness in one's self must first be cast out, in order rightly to discern [5] darkness or to reflect light.

If the man of more than average avoirdupois kneels on a stool in church, let the leaner sort console this brother's necessity by doing likewise. Christian Scientists preserve unity, and so shadow forth the substance of our sublime [10] faith, and the evidence of its being built upon the rock of divine oneness,—one faith, one God, one baptism.

If our Board of Directors is prepared to itemize a report of the first financial year since the erection of the edifice of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, let it do so; other- [15] wise, I recommend that you waive the church By-law relating to finances this year of your firstfruits. This Board did not act under that By-law; it was not in ex- istence all of the year. It is but just to consider the great struggles with perplexities and difficulties which the [20] Directors encountered in Anno Domini 1894, and which they have overcome. May God give unto us all that loving sense of gratitude which delights in the opportunity to cancel accounts. I, for one, would be pleased to have the Christian Science Board of Directors itemize a bill of this [25] church's gifts to Mother; and then to have them let her state the value thereof, if, indeed, it could be estimated.

After this financial year, when you call on the members of the Christian Science Board of Directors to itemize or audit their accounts, these will be found already itemized, [30] and last year's records immortalized, with perils past and victories won.

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A motion was made, and a vote passed, at your last [1] meeting, on a subject the substance whereof you had al- ready accepted as a By-law. But, I shall take this as a favorable omen, a fair token that heavy lids are opening, even wider than before, to the light of Love—and By-laws. [5]

Affectionately yours, MARY BAKER EDDY



To ——, On Prayer.

MASSACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE, 571 COLUMBUS AVENUE, [10] BOSTON, March 21, 1885

Dear Sir:—In your communication to Zion's Herald, March 18, under the heading, "Prayer and Healing; sup- plemental," you state that you would "like to hear from Dr. Cullis; and, by the way, from Mrs. Eddy, also." [15]

Because of the great demand upon my time, consisting in part of dictating answers through my secretary, or an- swering personally manifold letters and inquiries from all quarters,—having charge of a church, editing a maga- zine, teaching Christian Science, receiving calls, etc.,—I [20] find it inconvenient to accept your invitation to answer you through the medium of a newspaper; but, for infor- mation as to what I believe and teach, would refer you to the Holy Scriptures, to my various publications, and to my Christian students. [25]

It was with a thrill of pleasure that I read in your arti- cle these words: "If we have in any way misrepresented either Dr. Cullis or Mrs. Eddy, we are sorry." Even the desire to be just is a vital spark of Christianity. And those words inspire me with the hope that you wish to be just. [30]

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If this is so, you will not delay corrections of the statement [1] you make at the close of your article, when referring to me, "the pantheistic and prayerless Mrs. Eddy, of Boston."

It would be difficult to build a sentence of so few words conveying ideas more opposite to the fact. [5]

In refutation of your statement that I am a pantheist, I request you to read my sermons and publications.

As to being "prayerless," I call your attention and deep consideration to the following Scripture, that voices my impressions of prayer:— [10]

"When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.... But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father [15] which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

I hope I am not wrong in literally following the dictum of Jesus; and, were it not because of my desire to set you right on this question, I should feel a delicacy in mak- [20] ing the following statement:—

Three times a day, I retire to seek the divine blessing on the sick and sorrowing, with my face toward the Jeru- salem of Love and Truth, in silent prayer to the Father which "seeth in secret," and with childlike confidence that [25] He will reward "openly." In the midst of depressing care and labor I turn constantly to divine Love for guidance, and find rest. It affords me great joy to be able to attest to the truth of Jesus' words. Love makes all burdens light, it giveth a peace that passeth understanding, and with [30] "signs following." As to the peace, it is unutterable; as to "signs," behold the sick who are healed, the sorrowful

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who are made hopeful, and the sinful and ignorant who [1] have become "wise unto salvation"!

And now, dear sir, as you have expressed contrition for an act which you have immediately repeated, you are placed in this dilemma: To reiterate such words of [5] apology as characterize justice and Christianity.

Very truly, MARY BAKER G. EDDY



To The National Christian Scientist Association.

Beloved Students:—Meet together and meet en masse, [10] in 1888, at the annual session of the National Christian Scientist Association. Be "of one mind," "in one place," and God will pour you out a blessing such as you never before received. He who dwelleth in eternal light is bigger than the shadow, and will guard and guide His [15] own.

Let no consideration bend or outweigh your purpose to be in Chicago on June 13. Firm in your allegiance to the reign of universal harmony, go to its rescue. In God's hour, the powers of earth and hell are proven powerless. [20] The reeling ranks of materia medica, with poisons, nos- trums, and knives, are impotent when at war with the omnipotent! Like Elisha, look up, and behold: "They that be with us, are more than they that be with them."

Error is only fermenting, and its heat hissing at the [25] "still, small voice" of Truth; but it can neither silence nor disarm God's voice. Spiritual wickedness is stand- ing in high places; but, blind to its own fate, it will tumble into the bottomless.

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Christians, and all true Scientists, marching under what- [1] soever ensign, come into the ranks! Again I repeat, per- son is not in the question of Christian Science. Principle, instead of person, is next to our hearts, on our lips, and in our lives. Our watchwords are Truth and Love; and [5] if we abide in these, they will abound in us, and we shall be one in heart,—one in motive, purpose, pursuit. Abid- ing in Love, not one of you can be separated from me; and the sweet sense of journeying on together, doing unto others as ye would they should do unto you, conquers all [10] opposition, surmounts all obstacles, and secures success. If you falter, or fail to fulfil this Golden Rule, though you should build to the heavens, you would build on sand.

Is it a cross to give one week's time and expense to the jubilee of Spirit? Then take this cross, and the crown [15] with it. Sending forth currents of Truth, God's methods and means of healing, and so spreading the gospel of Love, is in itself an eternity of joy that outweighs an hour. Add one more noble offering to the unity of good, and so cement the bonds of Love. [20]

With love, MARY BAKER EDDY



To The College Association.

Letter read at the meeting of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College Association, June 3, 1891. [25]

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS' ASSOCIATION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE

My Beloved Students:—You may be looking to see me in my accustomed place with you, but this you must no

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longer expect. When I retired from the field of labor, [1] it was a departure, socially, publicly, and finally, from the routine of such material modes as society and our societies demand. Rumors are rumors,—nothing more. I am still with you on the field of battle, taking forward [5] marches, broader and higher views, and with the hope that you will follow.

The eternal and infinite, already brought to your earnest consideration, so grow upon my vision that I cannot feel justified in turning aside for one hour from [10] contemplation of them and of the faith unfeigned. When the verities of being seem to you as to me,—as they must some time,—you will understand the neces- sity for my seclusion, and its fulfilment of divine order. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye sepa- [15] rate, saith the Lord."

All our thoughts should be given to the absolute demonstration of Christian Science. You can well afford to give me up, since you have in my last re- vised edition of Science and Health your teacher and [20] guide.

I recommend that the June session of this honorable body shall close your meetings for the summer; also, that hereafter you hold three sessions annually, convening once in four months; oftener is not requisite, and the [25] members coming from a distance will be accommodated by this arrangement.

Yours affectionately, MARY B. G. EDDY

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To The National Christian Scientist Association.

My Dear Students and Friends:—Accept my thanks for your card of invitation, your badge, and order of exer- cise, all of which are complete.

When I gave you a meagre reception in Boston at the [5] close of the first convention of the National Christian Scientist Association, it was simply to give you the privi- lege, poor as it was, of speaking a few words aside to your teacher. I remember my regret, when, having asked in general assembly if you had any questions to propose, I [10] received no reply. Since then you have doubtless realized that such opportunity might have been improved; but that time has passed.

I greatly rejoice over the growth of my students within the last few years. It was kind of you to part so gently [15] with the protecting wings of the mother-bird, and to spread your own so bravely. Now, dear ones, if you take my advice again, you will do—what?

Even this: Disorganize the National Christian Scientist Association! and each one return to his place of [20] labor, to work out individually and alone, for himself and for others, the sublime ends of human life.

To accomplish this, you must give much time to self- examination and correction; you must control appetite, passion, pride, envy, evil-speaking, resentment, and each [25] one of the innumerable errors that worketh or maketh a lie. Then you can give to the world the benefit of all this, and heal and teach with increased confidence. My students can now organize their students into associa- tions, form churches, and hold these organizations of their [30]

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own,—until, in turn, their students will sustain them- [1] selves and work for others.

The time it takes yearly to prepare for this national convention is worse than wasted, if it causes thought to wander in the wilderness or ways of the world. The de- [5] tail of conforming to society, in any way, costs you what it would to give time and attention to hygiene in your ministry and healing.

For students to work together is not always to co- operate, but sometimes to coelbow! Each student should [10] seek alone the guidance of our common Father—even the divine Principle which he claims to demonstrate,— and especially should he prove his faith by works, ethi- cally, physically, and spiritually. Remember that the first and last lesson of Christian Science is love, perfect [15] love, and love made perfect through the cross.

I once thought that in unity was human strength; but have grown to know that human strength is weakness,— that unity is divine might, giving to human power, peace.

My counsel is applicable to the state of general growth [20] in the members of the National Christian Scientist Asso- ciation, but it is not so adapted to the members of students' organizations. And wherefore? Because the growth of these at first is more gradual; but whenever they are equal to the march triumphant, God will give [25] to all His soldiers of the cross the proper command, and under the banner of His love, and with the "still, small voice" for the music of our march, we all shall take step and march on in spiritual organization.

Your loving teacher, [30] MARY BAKER G. EDDY

CONCORD, N. H., May 23, 1890

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N. B. I recommend this honorable body to adjourn, [1] if it does not disorganize, to three years from this date; or, if it does disorganize, to meet again in three years. Then bring your tithes into the storehouse, and God will pour you out a blessing such as you even yet have not [5] received.

M. B. G. E.



To The First Church Of Christ, Scientist, Boston.

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty [10] through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.—2 COR. X. 4, 5.

In April, 1883, I started the Journal of Christian [15] Science, with a portion of the above Scripture for its motto.

On December 10, 1889, I gave a lot of land—in Boston, situated near the beautiful Back Bay Park, now valued at $20,000 and rising in value—for the purpose [20] of having erected thereon a church edifice to be called The Church of Christ, Scientist.

I had this desirable site transferred in a circuitous, novel way, at the wisdom whereof a few persons have since scrupled; but to my spiritual perception, like all [25] true wisdom, this transaction will in future be regarded as greatly wise, and it will be found that this act was in advance of the erring mind's apprehension.

As with all former efforts in the interest of Christian Science, I took care that the provisions for the land and [30]

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building were such as error could not control. I knew [1] that to God's gift, foundation and superstructure, no one could hold a wholly material title. The land, and the church standing on it, must be conveyed through a type representing the true nature of the gift; a type morally [5] and spiritually inalienable, but materially questionable —even after the manner that all spiritual good comes to Christian Scientists, to the end of taxing their faith in God, and their adherence to the superiority of the claims of Spirit over matter or merely legal titles. [10]

No one could buy, sell, or mortgage my gift as I had it conveyed. Thus the case rested, and I supposed the trustee-deed was legal; but this was God's business, not mine. Our church was prospered by the right hand of His righteousness, and contributions to the Building Fund [15] generously poured into the treasury. Unity prevailed,— till mortal man sought to know who owned God's temple, and adopted and urged only the material side of this question.

The lot of land which I donated I redeemed from under [20] mortgage. The foundation on which our church was to be built had to be rescued from the grasp of legal power, and now it must be put back into the arms of Love, if we would not be found fighting against God.

The diviner claim and means for upbuilding the Church [25] of Christ were prospered. Our title to God's acres will be safe and sound—when we can "read our title clear" to heavenly mansions. Built on the rock, our church will stand the storms of ages: though the material super- structure should crumble into dust, the fittest would sur- [30] vive,—the spiritual idea would live, a perpetual type of the divine Principle it reflects.

[Page 141.]

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, our prayer in [1] stone, will be the prophecy fulfilled, the monument up- reared, of Christian Science. It will speak to you of the Mother, and of your hearts' offering to her through whom was revealed to you God's all-power, all-presence, and [5] all-science. This building begun, will go up, and no one can suffer from it, for no one can resist the power that is behind it; and against this church temple "the gates of hell" cannot prevail.

All loyal Christian Scientists hail with joy this pro- [10] posed type of universal Love; not so, however, with error, which hates the bonds and methods of Truth, and shudders at the freedom, might, and majesty of Spirit, —even the annihilating law of Love.

I vindicate both the law of God and the laws of our [15] land. I believe,—yea, I understand,—that with the spirit of Christ actuating all the parties concerned about the legal quibble, it can easily be corrected to the satis- faction of all. Let this be speedily done. Do not, I im- plore you, stain the early history of Christian Science by [20] the impulses of human will and pride; but let the divine will and the nobility of human meekness rule this busi- ness transaction, in obedience to the law of Love and the laws of our land.

As the ambassador of Christ's teachings, I admonish [25] you: Delay not longer to commence building our church in Boston; or else return every dollar that you yourselves declare you have had no legal authority for obtaining, to the several contributors,—and let them, not you, say what shall be done with their money. [30]

Of our first church in Boston, O recording angel! write: God is in the midst of her: how beautiful are her

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feet! how beautiful are her garments! how hath He en- [1] larged her borders! how hath He made her wildernesses to bud and blossom as the rose!

With love, MARY BAKER EDDY



To Donors Of Boat, From Toronto, Canada.

Written on receipt of a beautiful boat presented by Christian Scientists in Toronto, for the little pond at Pleasant View. The boat displays, among other beautiful decorations, a number of masonic symbols. [10]

Beloved Students and Friends:—Accept my thanks for the beautiful boat and presentation poem. Each day since they arrived I have said, Let me write to the donors, —and what?

My first impression was to indite a poem; my second, [15] a psalm; my third, a letter. Why the letter alone? Be- cause your dear hearts expressed in their lovely gift such varying types of true affection, shaded as autumn leaves with bright hues of the spiritual, that my Muse lost her lightsome lyre, and imagery of thought gave place to [20] chords of feeling too deep for words.

A boat song seemed more Olympian than the psalm in spiritual strains of the Hebrew bard. So I send my answer in a commonplace letter. Poor return, is it not? [25]

The symbols of freemasonry depicted on the boat wakened memory, touched tender fibres of thought, and I longed to say to the masonic brothers: If as a woman I may not unite with you in freemasonry, nor you with me in Christian Science, yet as friends we can feel the [30]

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touch of heart to heart and hand to hand, on the broad [1] basis and sure foundation of true friendship's "level" and the "square" of moral sentiments.

My dear students may have explained to the kind par- ticipants in beautifying this boat our spiritual points, [5] above the plane of matter. If so, I may hope that a closer link hath bound us. Across lakes, into a kingdom, I reach out my hand to clasp yours, with this silent bene- diction: May the kingdom of heaven come in each of your hearts! [10]

With love, MARY BAKER EDDY



Address,—Laying The Corner-Stone.

Beloved Students:—On the 21st day of May, A.D. 1894, with quiet, imposing ceremony, is laid the corner- [15] stone of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist," in Boston.

It gives me great pleasure to say that you, principally the Normal class graduates of my College, well known physicians, teachers, editors, and pastors of churches, [20] by contributions of one thousand dollars each, husband and wife reckoned as one, have, within about three months, donated the munificent sum of forty-two thou- sand dollars toward building The Mother Church. A quiet call from me for this extra contribution, in aid of [25] our Church Building Fund, found you all "with one accord in one place." Each donation came promptly; sometimes at much self-sacrifice, but always accompanied with a touching letter breathing the donor's privileged joy.

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The granite for this church was taken from the quar- [1] ries in New Hampshire, my native State. The money for building "Mother's Room," situated in the second story of the tower on the northeast corner of this build- ing, and the name thereof, came from the dear children [5] of Christian Scientists; a little band called Busy Bees, organized by Miss Maurine R. Campbell.

On this memorable day there are laid away a copy of this address, the subscription list on which appear your several names in your own handwriting, your textbook, [10] "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and other works written by the same author, your teacher, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science;(4) without pomp or pride, laid away as a sacred secret in the heart of a rock, there to typify the prophecy, "And a man [15] shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; ... as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land:" henceforth to whisper our Master's promise, "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." [20]

To-day, be this hope in each of our hearts,—precious in God's sight as shall be the assembling of His people in this temple, sweet as the rest that remaineth for the righteous, and fresh as a summer morn,—that, from earth's pillows of stone, our visible lives are rising to [25] God. As in the history of a seed, so may our earthly sowing bear fruit that exudes the inspiration of the wine poured into the cup of Christ.

To-day I pray that divine Love, the life-giving Prin- ciple of Christianity, shall speedily wake the long night [30] of materialism, and the universal dawn shall break upon the spire of this temple. The Church, more than any

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other institution, at present is the cement of society, and [1] it should be the bulwark of civil and religious liberty. But the time cometh when the religious element, or Church of Christ, shall exist alone in the affections, and need no organization to express it. Till then, this form of godli- [5] ness seems as requisite to manifest its spirit, as individ- uality to express Soul and substance.

Does a single bosom burn for fame and power? Then when that person shall possess these, let him ask him- self, and answer to his name in this corner-stone of our [10] temple: Am I greater for them? And if he thinks that he is, then is he less than man to whom God gave "do- minion over all the earth," less than the meek who "in- herit the earth." Even vanity forbids man to be vain; and pride is a hooded hawk which flies in darkness. Over [15] a wounded sense of its own error, let not mortal thought resuscitate too soon.

In our rock-bound friendship, delicate as dear, our names may melt into one, and common dust, and their modest sign be nothingness. Be this as it may, the visible [20] unity of spirit remains, to quicken even dust into sweet memorial such as Isaiah prophesied: "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." [25]

When the hearts of Christian Scientists are woven to- gether as are their names in the web of history, earth will float majestically heaven's heraldry, and echo the song of angels: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." [30]

To The Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, and to the dear children that my heart folds within it, let me

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say, 'Tis sweet to remember thee, and God's Zion, with [1] healing on her wings. May her walls be vocal with sal- vation; and her gates with praise!



To The First Church Of Christ, Scientist, Boston

My Beloved Students:—I cannot conscientiously lend my counsel to direct your action on receiving or dismiss- ing candidates. To do this, I should need to be with you. I cannot accept hearsay, and would need to know the circumstances and facts regarding both sides of the [10] subject, to form a proper judgment. This is not my present province; hence I have hitherto declined to be consulted on these subjects, and still maintain this position.

These are matters of grave import; and you cannot [15] be indifferent to this, but will give them immediate at- tention, and be governed therein by the spirit and the letter of this Scripture: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them."

I cannot be the conscience for this church; but if I [20] were, I would gather every reformed mortal that desired to come, into its fold, and counsel and help him to walk in the footsteps of His flock. I feel sure that as Chris- tian Scientists you will act, relative to this matter, up to your highest understanding of justice and mercy. [25]

Affectionately yours, MARY BAKER EDDY Feb. 12, 1895

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The First Members Of The First Church Of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts

My Beloved Students:—Another year has rolled on, [3] another annual meeting has convened, another space of time has been given us, and has another duty been done [5] and another victory won for time and eternity? Do you meet in unity, preferring one another, and demonstrating the divine Principle of Christian Science? Have you improved past hours, and ladened them with records worthy to be borne heavenward? Have you learned [10] that sin is inadmissible, and indicates a small mind? Do you manifest love for those that hate you and de- spitefully use you?

The man of integrity is one who makes it his constant rule to follow the road of duty, according as Truth and [15] the voice of his conscience point it out to him. He is not guided merely by affections which may some time give the color of virtue to a loose and unstable character.

The upright man is guided by a fixed Principle, which destines him to do nothing but what is honorable, and to [20] abhor whatever is base or unworthy; hence we find him ever the same,—at all times the trusty friend, the affec- tionate relative, the conscientious man of business, the pious worker, the public-spirited citizen.

He assumes no borrowed appearance. He seeks no [25] mask to cover him, for he acts no studied part; but he is indeed what he appears to be,—full of truth, candor, and humanity. In all his pursuits, he knows no path but the fair, open, and direct one, and would much rather fail of success than attain it by reproachable means. He [30]

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never shows us a smiling countenance while he meditates [1] evil against us in his heart. We shall never find one part of his character at variance with another.

Lovingly yours, MARY BAKER EDDY [5]

Sept. 30, 1895



Extract From A Letter

The Rules and By-laws in the Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrim. They were [10] not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as one person might impose on another. They were im- pelled by a power not one's own, were written at differ- ent dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang from necessity, the logic of events,—from the immedi- [15] ate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause; hence their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future [20] generations might not accomplish.



To The Mother Church

Beloved Brethren:—Until recently, I was not aware that the contribution box was presented at your Friday evening meetings. I specially desire that you collect no moneyed contributions from the people present on these occasions.

Let the invitation to this sweet converse be in the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Ho, every one that thirsteth,

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come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come [1] ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."

Invite all cordially and freely to this banquet of Chris- tian Science, this feast and flow of Soul. Ask them to [5] bring what they possess of love and light to help leaven your loaf and replenish your scanty store. Then, after presenting the various offerings, and one after another has opened his lips to discourse and distribute what God has given him of experience, hope, faith, and under- [10] standing, gather up the fragments, and count the baskets full of accessions to your love, and see that nothing has been lost.

With love, MARY BAKER EDDY [15]



To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Oconto

My Beloved Brethren:—Lips nor pen can ever ex- press the joy you give me in parting so promptly with your beloved pastor, Rev. Mr. Norcross, to send him to [20] aid me. It is a refreshing demonstration of Christianity, brotherly love, and all the rich graces of the Spirit. May this sacrifice bring to your beloved church a vision of the new church, that cometh down from heaven, whose altar is a loving heart, whose communion is fellowship with [25] saints and angels. This example of yours is a light that cannot be hid.

Guided by the pillar and the cloud, this little church that built the first temple for Christian Science worship shall abide steadfastly in the faith of Jesus' words: "Fear [30]

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not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to [1] give you the kingdom." May He soon give you a pastor; already you have the great Shepherd of Israel watch- ing over you. Give my forever-love to your dear church.

Yours in bonds of Christ, MARY BAKER G. EDDY [5]

BOSTON, MASS., 1889



To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Scranton

Beloved Brethren:—Space is no separator of hearts. [10] Spiritually, I am with all who are with Truth, and whose hearts today are repeating their joy that God dwelleth in the congregation of the faithful, and loveth the gates of Zion.

The outlook is cheering. We have already seen the [15] salvation of many people by means of Christian Science. Chapels and churches are dotting the entire land. Con- venient houses and halls can now be obtained wherein, as whereout, Christian Scientists may worship the Father "in spirit and in truth," as taught by our great Master. [20]

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" If He be with us, the wayside is a sanctuary, and the desert a resting-place peopled with living witnesses of the fact that "God is Love."

God is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no [25] dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than to all, is God demonstrable as divine Life, Truth, and Love; and His people are they that reflect Him—that reflect Love. Again, this infinite Principle, with its uni- versal manifestation, is all that really is or can be; [30] hence God is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds,

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and folds the sheep of His pasture; and their ears are [1] attuned to His call. In the words of the loving disciple, "My sheep hear my voice,... and they follow me; ...neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." [5]

God is a consuming fire. He separates the dross from the gold, purifies the human character, through the furnace of affliction. Those who bear fruit He purgeth, that they may bear more fruit. Through the sacred law, He speaketh to the unfruitful in tones of Sinai: and, in [10] the gospel, He saith of the barren fig-tree, "Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?"

God is our Father and our Mother, our Minister and the great Physician: He is man's only real relative on earth and in heaven. David sang, "Whom have I in [15] heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee."

Brother, sister, beloved in the Lord, knowest thou thyself, and art thou acquainted with God? If not, I pray thee as a Christian Scientist, delay not to make Him [20] thy first acquaintance.

Glorious things are spoken of you in His Word. Ye are a chosen people, whose God is—what? Even All. May mercy and truth go before you: may the lamp of your life continually be full of oil, and you be wedded to the spiritual idea, Christ; then will you heal, and teach, and preach, on the ascending scale of everlasting Life and Love.

Affectionately yours in Christ, MARY BAKER EDDY [30]

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To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Denver

Beloved Pastor and Brethren:—"As in water face answereth to face," and in love continents clasp hands, so the oneness of God includes also His presence with those [5] whose hearts unite in the purposes of goodness. Of this we may be sure: that thoughts winged with peace and love breathe a silent benediction over all the earth, co- operate with the divine power, and brood unconsciously o'er the work of His hand. [10]

I, as a corporeal person, am not in your midst: I, as a dictator, arbiter, or ruler, am not present; but I, as a mother whose heart pulsates with every throb of theirs for the welfare of her children, am present, and rejoice with them that rejoice. [15]

May meekness, mercy, and love dwell forever in the hearts of those who worship in this tabernacle: then will they receive the heritage that God has prepared for His people,—made ready for the pure in affection, the meek in spirit, the worshipper in truth, the follower of [20] good.

Thus founded upon the rock of Christ, when storm and tempest beat against this sure foundation, you, safely sheltered in the strong tower of hope, faith, and Love, are God's nestlings; and He will hide you in His [25] feathers till the storm has passed. Into His haven of Soul there enters no element of earth to cast out angels, to silence the right intuition which guides you safely home.

Exercise more faith in God and His spiritual means [30]

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and methods, than in man and his material ways and [1] means, of establishing the Cause of Christian Science. If right yourself, God will confirm His inheritance. "Be not weary in well doing." Truth is restful, and Love is triumphant. [5]

When God went forth before His people, they were fed with manna: they marched through the wilderness: they passed through the Red Sea, untouched by the bil- lows. At His command, the rock became a fountain; and the land of promise, green isles of refreshment. In [10] the words of the Psalmist, when "the Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."

God is good to Israel,—washed in the waters of Meribah, cleansed of the flesh,—good to His Israel encompassed not with pride, hatred, self-will, and self- [15] justification; wherein violence covereth men as a gar- ment, and as captives are they enchained.

Christian Scientists bring forth the fruits of Spirit, not flesh; and God giveth this "new name" to no man who honors Him not by positive proof of trustworthiness. [20] May you be able to say, "I have not cleansed my heart in vain."

Sir Edwin Arnold, to whom I presented a copy of my first edition of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," writes:— [25]

Peace on earth and Good-will! Souls that are gentle and still Hear the first music of this Far-off, infinite, Bliss!

So may the God of peace be and abide with this church. [30]

Affectionately yours, MARY BAKER EDDY

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To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Lawrence

Beloved Brethren:—The spreading branches of The Church of Christ, Scientist, are fast reaching out their broad shelter to the entire world. Your faith has not [5] been without works,—and God's love for His flock is manifest in His care. He will dig about this little church, prune its encumbering branches, water it with the dews of heaven, enrich its roots, and enlarge its borders with divine Love. God only waits for man's worthiness to [10] enhance the means and measure of His grace. You have already proof of the prosperity of His Zion. You sit beneath your own vine and fig-tree as the growth of spirituality—even that vine whereof our Father is husbandman. [15]

It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the under- standing, and the kingdom of God, the reign of har- mony already within us. Through the word that is spoken unto you, are you made free. Abide in His word, and it shall abide in you; and the healing Christ will [20] again be made manifest in the flesh—understood and glorified.

Honor thy Father and Mother, God. Continue in His love. Bring forth fruit—"signs following"—that your prayers be not hindered. Pray without ceasing. [25] Watch diligently; never desert the post of spiritual ob- servation and self-examination. Strive for self-abnega- tion, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love. Let your light reflect Light. Have no ambition, affection, nor aim apart from holiness. Forget not for a moment, that [30]

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God is All-in-all—therefore, that in reality there is but [1] one cause and effect.

The pride of circumstance or power is the prince of this world that has nothing in Christ. All power and happiness are spiritual, and proceed from goodness. [5] Sacrifice self to bless one another, even as God has blessed you. Forget self in laboring for mankind; then will you woo the weary wanderer to your door, win the pilgrim and stranger to your church, and find access to the heart of humanity. While pressing meekly on, be [10] faithful, be valiant in the Christian's warfare, and peace will crown your joy.

Lovingly yours, MARY BAKER EDDY



To Correspondents

Beloved Students:—Because Mother has not the time even to read all of her interesting correspondence, and less wherein to answer it (however much she desires thus to do), she hereby requests: First, that you, her students' students, who write such excellent letters to [20] her, will hereafter, as a general rule, send them to the editors of The Christian Science Journal for publication, and thereby give to us all the pleasure of hearing from you.

If my own students cannot spare time to write to God, —when they address me I shall be apt to forward their [25] letters to Him as our common Parent, and by way of The Christian Science Journal; thus fulfilling their moral obligation to furnish some reading-matter for our denomi- national organ. Methinks, were they to contemplate the universal charge wherewith divine Love has entrusted us, [30]

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in behalf of a suffering race, they would contribute oftener [1] to the pages of this swift vehicle of scientific thought; for it reaches a vast number of earnest readers, and seek- ers after Truth.

With love, MARY BAKER EDDY



To Students

Beloved Christian Scientists:—Please send in your contributions as usual to our Journal. All is well at head- quarters, and when the mist shall melt away you will see clearly the signs of Truth and the heaven of Love within [10] your hearts. Let the reign of peace and harmony be supreme and forever yours.

I proposed to merge the adjourned meeting in the one held at Chicago, because I saw no advantage, but great disadvantage, in one student's opinions or modus oper- [15] andi becoming the basis for others: read "Retrospection" on this subject. Science is absolute, and best under- stood through the study of my works and the daily Chris- tian demonstration thereof. It is their materiality that clogs the progress of students, and "this kind goeth not [20] forth but by prayer and fasting." It is materialism through which the animal magnetizer preys, and in turn becomes a prey. Spirituality is the basis of all true thought and volition. Assembling themselves together, and listening to each other amicably, or contentiously, is no aid to [25] students in acquiring solid Christian Science. Experi- ence and, above all, obedience, are the aids and tests of growth and understanding in this direction.

With love, MARY B. G. EDDY [30]

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To A Student

My Dear Student:—It is a great thing to be found worthy to suffer for Christ, Truth. Paul said, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." Reign then, my beloved in the Lord. He that marketh the sparrow's fall [5] will direct thy way.

I have written, or caused my secretary to write, to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, of Toronto, Canada (you will find their card in The C. S. Journal,) that you or your lawyer will ask them all questions important for your case, and re- [10] quested that they furnish all information possible. They will be glad to help you. Every true Christian Scientist will feel "as bound with you," but as free in Truth and Love, safe under the shadow of His wing.

Yes, my student, my Father is your Father; and He [15] helps us most when help is most needed, for He is the ever-present help.

I am glad that you are in good cheer. I enclose you the name of Mr. E. A. Kimball, C. S. D., of Chicago,— 5020 Woodlawn Ave.,—for items relative to Mrs. Steb- [20] bin's case.

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." This I know, for God is for us. [25]

Write me when you need me. Error has no power but to destroy itself. It cannot harm you; it cannot stop the eternal currents of Truth.

Ever with love, MARY B. G. EDDY

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To A Student

My Beloved Student:—In reply to your letter I will say: God's ways are not as our ways; but higher far than the heavens above the earth is His wisdom above ours. When I requested you to be ordained, I little [5] thought of the changes about to be made. When I insisted on your speaking without notes, I little knew that so soon another change in your pulpit would be demanded. But now, after His messenger has obeyed the message of divine Love, comes the interpretation thereof. But you [10] see we both had first to obey, and to do this through faith, not sight.

The meaning of it all, as now shown, is this: when you were bidden to be ordained, it was in reward for your faithful service, thus to honor it. The second command, [15] to drop the use of notes, was to rebuke a lack of faith in divine help, and to test your humility and obedience in bearing this cross.

All God's servants are minute men and women. As of old, I stand with sandals on and staff in hand, wait- [20] ing for the watchword and the revelation of what, how, whither. Let us be faithful and obedient, and God will do the rest.

In the April number of The Christian Science Journal you will find the forthcoming completion (as I now think) [25] of the divine directions sent out to the churches. It is satisfactory to note, however, that the order therein given corresponds to the example of our Master. Jesus was not ordained as our churches ordain ministers. We have no record that he used notes when preaching. He

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spake in their synagogues, reading the Scriptures and [1] expounding them; and God has given to this age "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," to elucidate His Word.

You may read this letter to your church, and then [5] send it to Rev. Mr. Norcross, and he will understand. May the God of all grace give you peace.

With love, MARY BAKER EDDY



Extract From A Christmas Letter

Beloved Students:—My heart has many rooms: one of these is sacred to the memory of my students. Into this upper chamber, where all things are pure and of good report,—into this sanctuary of love,—I often retreat, sit silently, and ponder. In this chamber is [15] memory's wardrobe, where I deposit certain recollec- tions and rare grand collections once in each year. This is my Christmas storehouse. Its goods commemorate, —not so much the Bethlehem babe, as the man of God, the risen Christ, and the adult Jesus. Here I deposit [20] the gifts that my dear students offer at the shrine of Christian Science, and to their lone Leader. Here I talk once a year,—and this is a bit of what I said in 1890: "O glorious Truth! O Mother Love! how has the sense of Thy children grown to behold Thee! and how have [25] many weary wings sprung upward! and how has our Model, Christ, been unveiled to us, and to the age!"

I look at the rich devices in embroidery, silver, gold, and jewels,—all gifts of Christian Scientists from all parts of our nation, and some from abroad,—then al- [30]

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most marvel at the power and permanence of affection [1] under the regime of Christian Science! Never did grati- tude and love unite more honestly in uttering the word thanks, than ours at this season. But a mother's love behind words has no language; it may give no material [5] token, but lives steadily on, through time and circum- stance, as part and paramount portion of her being.

Thus may our lives flow on in the same sweet rhythm of head and heart, till they meet and mingle in bliss super- nal. There is a special joy in knowing that one is gaining [10] constantly in the knowledge of Truth and divine Love. Your progress, the past year, has been marked. It satis- fies my present hope. Of this we rest assured, that every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger and firmer in understanding and obedience. [15]

Lovingly yours, MARY BAKER G. EDDY



CHAPTER VI. SERMONS.

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A Christmas Sermon

Delivered in Chickering Hall, Boston, Mass., on the Sunday Before Christmas, 1888

SUBJECT: The Corporeal and Incorporeal Saviour

TEXT: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the [5] government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.—ISAIAH ix. 6.

To the senses, Jesus was the son of man: in Science, man is the son of God. The material senses could [10] not cognize the Christ, or Son of God: it was Jesus' approximation to this state of being that made him the Christ-Jesus, the Godlike, the anointed.

The prophet whose words we have chosen for our text, prophesied the appearing of this dual nature, as [15] both human and divinely endowed, the personal and the impersonal Jesus.

The only record of our Master as a public benefactor, or personal Saviour, opens when he was thirty years of age; owing in part, perhaps, to the Jewish law that none [20] should teach or preach in public under that age. Also, it is natural to conclude that at this juncture he was specially endowed with the Holy Spirit; for he was given the new name, Messiah, or Jesus Christ,—the God-

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anointed; even as, at times of special enlightenment, [1] Jacob was called Israel; and Saul, Paul.

The third event of this eventful period,—a period of such wonderful spiritual import to mankind!—was the advent of a higher Christianity. [5]

From this dazzling, God-crowned summit, the Naza- rene stepped suddenly before the people and their schools of philosophy; Gnostic, Epicurean, and Stoic. He must stem these rising angry elements, and walk serenely over their fretted, foaming billows. [10]

Here the cross became the emblem of Jesus' history; while the central point of his Messianic mission was peace, good will, love, teaching, and healing.

Clad with divine might, he was ready to stem the tide of Judaism, and prove his power, derived from Spirit, to [15] be supreme; lay himself as a lamb upon the altar of materialism, and therefrom rise to his nativity in Spirit.

The corporeal Jesus bore our infirmities, and through his stripes we are healed. He was the Way-shower, and suffered in the flesh, showing mortals how to escape from [20] the sins of the flesh.

There was no incorporeal Jesus of Nazareth. The spiritual man, or Christ, was after the similitude of the Father, without corporeality or finite mind.

Materiality, worldliness, human pride, or self-will, by [25] demoralizing his motives and Christlikeness, would have dethroned his power as the Christ.

To carry out his holy purpose, he must be oblivious of human self.

Of the lineage of David, like him he went forth, simple [30] as the shepherd boy, to disarm the Goliath. Panoplied in the strength of an exalted hope, faith, and understand-

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ing, he sought to conquer the three-in-one of error: the [1] world, the flesh, and the devil.

Three years he went about doing good. He had for thirty years been preparing to heal and teach divinely; but his three-years mission was a marvel of glory: its [5] chaplet, a grave to mortal sense dishonored—from which sprang a sublime and everlasting victory!

He who dated time, the Christian era, and spanned eternity, was the meekest man on earth. He healed and taught by the wayside, in humble homes: to arrant [10] hypocrite and to dull disciples he explained the Word of God, which has since ripened into interpretation through Science.

His words were articulated in the language of a de- clining race, and committed to the providence of God. [15] In no one thing seemed he less human and more divine than in his unfaltering faith in the immortality of Truth. Referring to this, he said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away!" and they have not: they still live; and are the basis of divine [20] liberty, the medium of Mind, the hope of the race.

Only three years a personal Saviour! yet the founda- tions he laid are as eternal as Truth, the chief corner-stone.

After his brief brave struggle, and the crucifixion of [25] the corporeal man, the incorporeal Saviour—the Christ or spiritual idea which leadeth into all Truth—must needs come in Christian Science, demonstrating the spir- itual healing of body and mind.

This idea or divine essence was, and is, forever about [30] the Father's business; heralding the Principle of health, holiness, and immortality.

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Its divine Principle interprets the incorporeal idea, or [1] Son of God; hence the incorporeal and corporeal are distinguished thus: the former is the spiritual idea that represents divine good, and the latter is the human presentation of goodness in man. The Science of Chris- [5] tianity, that has appeared in the ripeness of time, re- veals the incorporeal Christ; and this will continue to be seen more clearly until it be acknowledged, under- stood,—and the Saviour, which is Truth, be compre- hended. [10]

To the vision of the Wisemen, this spiritual idea of the Principle of man or the universe, appeared as a star. At first, the babe Jesus seemed small to mortals; but from the mount of revelation, the prophet beheld it from the beginning as the Redeemer, who would present a wonder- [15] ful manifestation of Truth and Love.

In our text Isaiah foretold, "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

As the Wisemen grew in the understanding of Christ, [20] the spiritual idea, it grew in favor with them. Thus it will continue, as it shall become understood, until man be found in the actual likeness of his Maker. Their highest human concept of the man Jesus, that portrayed him as the only Son of God, the only begotten of the [25] Father, full of grace and Truth, will become so magnified to human sense, by means of the lens of Science, as to reveal man collectively, as individually, to be the son of God.

The limited view of God's ideas arose from the testimony [30] of the senses. Science affords the evidence that God is the Father of man, of all that is real and eternal. This spir-

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itual idea that the personal Jesus demonstrated, casting [1] out evils and healing, more than eighteen centuries ago, disappeared by degrees; both because of the ascension of Jesus, in which it was seen that he had grown beyond the human sense of him, and because of the corruption of [5] the Church.

The last appearing of Truth will be a wholly spiritual idea of God and of man, without the fetters of the flesh, or corporeality. This infinite idea of infinity will be, is, as eternal as its divine Principle. The daystar of this appear- [10] ing is the light of Christian Science—the Science which rends the veil of the flesh from top to bottom. The light of this revelation leaves nothing that is material; neither darkness, doubt, disease, nor death. The material cor- poreality disappears; and individual spirituality, perfect [15] and eternal, appears—never to disappear.

The truth uttered and lived by Jesus, who passed on and left to mortals the rich legacy of what he said and did, makes his followers the heirs to his example; but they can neither appreciate nor appropriate his treasures [20] of Truth and Love, until lifted to these by their own growth and experiences. His goodness and grace pur- chased the means of mortals' redemption from sin; but, they never paid the price of sin. This cost, none but the sinner can pay; and accordingly as this account is settled [25] with divine Love, is the sinner ready to avail himself of the rich blessings flowing from the teaching, example, and suffering of our Master.

The secret stores of wisdom must be discovered, their treasures reproduced and given to the world, before man [30] can truthfully conclude that he has been found in the order, mode, and virgin origin of man according to divine

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Science, which alone demonstrates the divine Principle [1] and spiritual idea of being.

The monument whose finger points upward, commemorates the earthly life of a martyr; but this is not all of the philanthropist, hero, and Christian. The Truth he [5] has taught and spoken lives, and moves in our midst a divine afflatus. Thus it is that the ideal Christ—or impersonal infancy, manhood, and womanhood of Truth and Love—is still with us.

And what of this child?—"For unto us a child is [10] born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder."

This child, or spiritual idea, has evolved a more ready ear for the overture of angels and the scientific under- standing of Truth and Love. When Christ, the incor- [15] poreal idea of God, was nameless, and a Mary knew not how to declare its spiritual origin, the idea of man was not understood. The Judaean religion even required the Virgin-mother to go to the temple and be purified, for having given birth to the corporeal child Jesus, whose [20] origin was more spiritual than the senses could inter- pret. Like the leaven that a certain woman hid in three measures of meal, the Science of God and the spiritual idea, named in this century Christian Science, is leaven- ing the lump of human thought, until the whole shall [25] be leavened and all materialism disappear. This action of the divine energy, even if not acknowledged, has come to be seen as diffusing richest blessings. This spiritual idea, or Christ, entered into the minutiae of the life of the personal Jesus. It made him an honest man, [30] a good carpenter, and a good man, before it could make him the glorified.

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The material questions at this age on the reappearing [1] of the infantile thought of God's man, are after the man- ner of a mother in the flesh, though their answers per- tain to the spiritual idea, as in Christian Science:—

Is he deformed? [5]

He is wholly symmetrical; the one altogether lovely.

Is the babe a son, or daughter?

Both son and daughter: even the compound idea of all that resembles God.

How much does he weigh? [10]

His substance outweighs the material world.

How old is he?

Of his days there is no beginning and no ending.

What is his name?

Christ Science. [15]

Who are his parents, brothers, and sisters?

His Father and Mother are divine Life, Truth, and Love; and they who do the will of his Father are his is brethren.

Is he heir to an estate? [20]

"The government shall be upon his shoulder!" He has dominion over the whole earth; and in admiration of his origin, he exclaims, "I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto [25] babes!"

Is he wonderful?

His works thus prove him. He giveth power, peace, and holiness; he exalteth the lowly; he giveth liberty

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to the captive, health to the sick, salvation from sin to [1] the sinner—and overcometh the world!

Go, and tell what things ye shall see and hear: how the blind, spiritually and physically, receive sight; how the lame, those halting between two opinions or hob- [5] bling on crutches, walk; how the physical and moral lepers are cleansed; how the deaf—those who, having ears, hear not, and are afflicted with "tympanum on the brain"—hear; how the dead, those buried in dogmas and physical ailments, are raised; that to the poor— [10] the lowly in Christ, not the man-made rabbi—the gospel is preached. Note this: only such as are pure in spirit, emptied of vainglory and vain knowledge, re- ceive Truth.