and last year"s records immortalized, with perils past and victories won.
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A motion was made, and a vote pa.s.sed, 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.
Ma.s.sACHUSETTS 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]
[Page 133.]
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 pa.s.seth understanding, and with [30]
"signs following." As to the peace, it is unutterable; as to "signs," behold the sick who are healed, the sorrowful
[Page 134.]
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 a.s.sociation.
_Beloved Students_:-Meet together and meet _en ma.s.se_, [10]
in 1888, at the annual session of the National Christian Scientist a.s.sociation. Be "of one mind," "in one place,"
and G.o.d 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 G.o.d"s hour, the powers of earth and h.e.l.l 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 G.o.d"s voice. Spiritual wickedness is stand- ing in high places; but, blind to its own fate, it will tumble into the bottomless.
[Page 135.]
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, G.o.d"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 n.o.ble offering to the unity of good, and so cement the bonds of Love. [20]
With love, MARY BAKER EDDY
To The College a.s.sociation.
Letter read at the meeting of the Ma.s.sachusetts Metaphysical College a.s.sociation, June 3, 1891. [25]
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS" a.s.sOCIATION OF THE Ma.s.sACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE
_My Beloved Students_:-You may be looking to see me in my accustomed place with you, but this you must no
[Page 136.]