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 G.o.dli- [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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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
[Page 146.]
say, "Tis sweet to remember thee, and G.o.d"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 circ.u.mstances 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
[Page 147.]
The First Members Of The First Church Of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Ma.s.sachusetts
_My Beloved Students_:-Another year has rolled on, [3]
another annual meeting has convened, another s.p.a.ce 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 a.s.sumes 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]
[Page 148.]
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,
[Page 149.]
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 G.o.d 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]