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!
Souls that are gentle and still Hear the first music of this Far-off, infinite, Bliss!
So may the G.o.d of peace be and abide with this church. [30]
Affectionately yours, MARY BAKER EDDY
[Page 154.]
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 G.o.d"s love for His flock is manifest in His care. He will dig about this little church, prune its enc.u.mbering branches, water it with the dews of heaven, enrich its roots, and enlarge its borders with divine Love. G.o.d 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 G.o.d, 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, G.o.d. 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]
[Page 155.]
G.o.d is All-in-all-therefore, that in reality there is but [1]
one cause and effect.
The pride of circ.u.mstance 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d, -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]
[Page 156.]
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.