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. a.s.sembling 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]
[Page 157.]
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 pa.s.s. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." This I know, for G.o.d 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
[Page 158.]
To A Student
_My Beloved Student:_-In reply to your letter I will say: G.o.d"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 G.o.d"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 G.o.d 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
[Page 159.]
spake in their synagogues, reading the Scriptures and [1]
expounding them; and G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d, 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]
[Page 160.]
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 circ.u.m- 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 a.s.sured, that every trial of our faith in G.o.d makes us stronger and firmer in understanding and obedience. [15]
Lovingly yours, MARY BAKER G. EDDY
CHAPTER VI. SERMONS.