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]
[Page 150.]
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, Ma.s.s., 1889
To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Scranton
_Beloved Brethren_:-s.p.a.ce is no separator of hearts. [10]
Spiritually, I am with all who are with Truth, and whose hearts today are repeating their joy that G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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 "G.o.d is Love."
G.o.d is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no [25]
dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than to all, is G.o.d 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 G.o.d is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds,
[Page 151.]
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]
G.o.d 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 c.u.mbereth it the ground?"
G.o.d 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 G.o.d? 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 G.o.d 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]
[Page 152.]
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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d"s nestlings; and He will hide you in His [25]
feathers till the storm has pa.s.sed. 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 G.o.d and His spiritual means [30]
[Page 153.]
and methods, than in man and his material ways and [1]
means, of establishing the Cause of Christian Science.
If right yourself, G.o.d will confirm His inheritance. "Be not weary in well doing." Truth is restful, and Love is triumphant. [5]
When G.o.d went forth before His people, they were fed with manna: they marched through the wilderness: they pa.s.sed 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."
G.o.d is good to Israel,-washed in the waters of Meribah, cleansed of the flesh,-good to His Israel encompa.s.sed 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 G.o.d 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!