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diff --git a/31427-tei/31427-tei.tei b/31427-tei/31427-tei.tei new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ae3a3bd --- /dev/null +++ b/31427-tei/31427-tei.tei @@ -0,0 +1,23588 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?> + +<!DOCTYPE TEI.2 SYSTEM "http://www.gutenberg.org/tei/marcello/0.4/dtd/pgtei.dtd" [ + +<!ENTITY u5 "http://www.tei-c.org/Lite/"> + +]> + +<TEI.2 lang="en"> +<teiHeader> + <fileDesc> + <titleStmt> + <title>Miscellaneous Writings, 1883-1896</title> + <author><name reg="Eddy, Mary Baker">Mary Baker Eddy</name></author> + </titleStmt> + <editionStmt> + <edition n="1">Edition 1</edition> + </editionStmt> + <publicationStmt> + <publisher>Project Gutenberg</publisher> + <date>February 27, 2010</date> + <idno type="etext-no">31427</idno> + <availability> + <p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and + with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it + away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg + License online at www.gutenberg.org/license</p> + </availability> + </publicationStmt> + <sourceDesc> + <bibl> + Created electronically. + </bibl> + </sourceDesc> + </fileDesc> + <encodingDesc> + </encodingDesc> + <profileDesc> + <langUsage> + <language id="en"></language> + <language id="la"></language> + </langUsage> + </profileDesc> + <revisionDesc> + <change> + <date value="2010-02-27">February 27, 2010</date> + <respStmt> + <name> + Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David King, and the Online + Distributed Proofreading Team at <http://www.pgdp.net/>. + </name> + </respStmt> + <item>Project Gutenberg TEI edition 1</item> + </change> + </revisionDesc> +</teiHeader> + +<pgExtensions> + <pgStyleSheet> + .boxed { x-class: boxed } + .shaded { x-class: shaded } + .rules { x-class: rules; rules: all } + .indent { margin-left: 2 } + .bold { font-weight: bold } + .italic { font-style: italic } + .smallcaps { font-variant: small-caps } + </pgStyleSheet> + + <pgCharMap formats="txt.iso-8859-1"> + <char id="U0x2014"> + <charName>mdash</charName> + <desc>EM DASH</desc> + <mapping>--</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x2003"> + <charName>emsp</charName> + <desc>EM SPACE</desc> + <mapping> </mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x2026"> + <charName>hellip</charName> + <desc>HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS</desc> + <mapping>...</mapping> + </char> + </pgCharMap> +</pgExtensions> + +<text lang="en"> + <front> + <div> + <divGen type="pgheader" /> + </div> + <div> + <divGen type="encodingDesc" /> + </div> + + <div rend="page-break-before: always"> + <p rend="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center">Miscellaneous Writings</p> + <p rend="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center">1883-1896</p> + <p rend="font-size: large; text-align: center">by</p> + <p rend="font-size: x-large; text-align: center">Mary Baker Eddy</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">and Author of Science and Health with</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">Key to the Scriptures</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">Published by the</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker G. Eddy</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">Boston, U. S. A.</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">Copyright, 1896</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">By Mary Baker G. Eddy</p> + <p rend="text-align: center">Copyright renewed, 1924</p> + </div> + <div rend="page-break-before: always"> + <head>Contents</head> + <divGen type="toc" /> + </div> + + </front> +<body> + +<pb n='v'/><anchor id='Pgv'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Dedication.</head> + +<lg> +<l>To</l> +<l>Loyal Christian Scientists</l> +<l>In This And Every Land</l> +<l>I Lovingly Dedicate These Practical Teachings</l> +<l>Indispensable To The Culture And Achievements Which</l> +<l>Constitute The Success Of A Student</l> +<l>And Demonstrate The Ethics</l> +<l>Of Christian Science</l> +</lg> + +<p> +Mary Baker Eddy +</p> + +</div> + +<pb n='vii'/><anchor id='Pgvii'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Epigrams.</head> + +<lg> +<l>Pray thee, take care, that tak'st my book in hand,</l> +<l>To read it well; that is, to understand.</l> +</lg> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Ben Jonson</hi>: <hi rend='italic'>Epigram</hi> 1 +</p> + +<lg> +<l>When I would know thee ... my thought looks</l> +<l>Upon thy well made choice of friends and books;</l> +<l>Then do I love thee, and behold thy ends</l> +<l>In making thy friends books, and thy books friends.</l> +</lg> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Ben Jonson</hi>: <hi rend='italic'>Epigram</hi> 86 +</p> + +<lg> +<l>If worlds were formed by matter,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And mankind from the dust;</l> +<l>Till time shall end more timely,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>There's nothing here to trust.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thenceforth to evolution's</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Geology, we say,—</l> +<l>Nothing have we gained therefrom,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And nothing have to pray:</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My world has sprung from Spirit,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>In everlasting day;</l> +<l>Whereof, I've more to glory,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Wherefor, have much to pay.</l> +</lg> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi> +</p> + +</div> + +<!-- djk 009.png is page ix --> +<pb n='ix'/><anchor id='Pgix'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Preface.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><p>[Page ix.]</p></then></pgIf> + +<p> +[Transcriber's Note: The original book includes line numbers throughout the text, +for easy reference to the text by page number and line number. This transcription +retains those page and line numbers; the numbers in [square brackets] at the right ends +of lines are the original book's line numbers. The paragraphs are not adjusted +as is customary for text in e-books, nor are words split by hyphens rejoined, +so that the lines shown below have the +same words as the lines in the original book.] +</p> + +<lg> +<l>A certain apothegm of a Talmudical philosopher [1]</l> +<l>suits my sense of doing good. It reads thus: <q rend='pre'>The</q></l> +<l>noblest charity is to prevent a man from accepting</l> +<l>charity; and the best alms are to show and to enable a</l> +<l><q rend='post'>man to dispense with alms.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the early history of Christian Science, among my</l> +<l>thousands of students few were wealthy. Now, Christian</l> +<l>Scientists are not indigent; and their comfortable fortunes</l> +<l>are acquired by healing mankind morally, physically,</l> +<l>spiritually. The easel of time presents pictures—once [10]</l> +<l>fragmentary and faint—now rejuvenated by the touch</l> +<l>of God's right hand. Where joy, sorrow, hope, disap-</l> +<l>pointment, sigh, and smile commingled, now hope sits</l> +<l>dove-like.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To preserve a long course of years still and uniform, [15]</l> +<l>amid the uniform darkness of storm and cloud and</l> +<l>tempest, requires strength from above,—deep draughts</l> +<l>from the fount of divine Love. Truly may it be said:</l> +<l>There is an old age of the heart, and a youth that never</l> +<l>grows old; a Love that is a boy, and a Psyche who is [20]</l> +<l>ever a girl. The fleeting freshness of youth, however,</l> +<l>is not the evergreen of Soul; the coloring glory of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='x'/><anchor id='Pgx'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page x.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>perpetual bloom; the spiritual glow and grandeur of [1]</l> +<l>a consecrated life wherein dwelleth peace, sacred and</l> +<l>sincere in trial or in triumph.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The opportunity has at length offered itself for me to</l> +<l>comply with an oft-repeated request; namely, to collect [5]</l> +<l>my miscellaneous writings published in <hi rend='italic'>The Christian</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Science Journal</hi>, since April, 1883, and republish them</l> +<l>in book form,—accessible as reference, and reliable as</l> +<l>old landmarks. Owing to the manifold demands on my</l> +<l>time in the early pioneer days, most of these articles [10]</l> +<l>were originally written in haste, without due preparation.</l> +<l>To those heretofore in print, a few articles are herein</l> +<l>appended. To some articles are affixed data, where these</l> +<l>are most requisite, to serve as mile-stones measuring the</l> +<l>distance,—or the difference between then and now,— [15]</l> +<l>in the opinions of men and the progress of our Cause.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My signature has been slightly changed from my</l> +<l>Christian name, Mary Morse Baker. Timidity in early</l> +<l>years caused me, as an author, to assume various +<foreign rend='italic'>noms</foreign></l> +<l><foreign rend='italic'>de plume</foreign>. After my first marriage, to +Colonel Glover [20]</l> +<l>of Charleston, South Carolina, I dropped the name of</l> +<l>Morse to retain my maiden name,—thinking that other-</l> +<l>wise the name would be too long.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In 1894, I received from the Daughters of the American</l> +<l>Revolution a certificate of membership made out to Mary [25]</l> +<l>Baker Eddy, and thereafter adopted that form of signature,</l> +<l>except in connection with my published works.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='xi'/><anchor id='Pgxi'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page xi.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The first edition of Science and Health having been [1]</l> +<l>copyrighted at the date of its issue, 1875, in my name</l> +<l>of Glover, caused me to retain the initial <q>G</q> on my</l> +<l>subsequent books.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>These pages, although a reproduction of what has [5]</l> +<l>been written, are still in advance of their time; and are</l> +<l>richly rewarded by what they have hitherto achieved for</l> +<l>the race. While no offering can liquidate one's debt of</l> +<l>gratitude to God, the fervent heart and willing hand are</l> +<l>not unknown to nor unrewarded by Him. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>May this volume be to the reader a graphic guide-</l> +<l>book, pointing the path, dating the unseen, and enabling</l> +<l>him to walk the untrodden in the hitherto unexplored</l> +<l>fields of Science. At each recurring holiday the Christian</l> +<l>Scientist will find herein a <q>canny</q> crumb; and thus [15]</l> +<l>may time's pastimes become footsteps to joys eternal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Realism will at length be found to surpass imagination,</l> +<l>and to suit and savor all literature. The shuttlecock of</l> +<l>religious intolerance will fall to the ground, if there be</l> +<l>no battledores to fling it back and forth. It is reason for [20]</l> +<l>rejoicing that the <foreign rend='italic'>vox populi</foreign> +is inclined to grant us peace,</l> +<l>together with pardon for the preliminary battles that</l> +<l>purchased it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With tender tread, thought sometimes walks in memory,</l> +<l>through the dim corridors of years, on to old battle- [25]</l> +<l>grounds, there sadly to survey the fields of the slain and</l> +<l>the enemy's losses. In compiling this work, I have tried</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='xii'/><anchor id='Pgxii'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page xii.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>to remove the pioneer signs and ensigns of war, and to [1]</l> +<l>retain at this date the privileged armaments of peace.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With armor on, I continue the march, command and</l> +<l>countermand; meantime interluding with loving thought</l> +<l>this afterpiece of battle. Supported, cheered, I take my [5]</l> +<l>pen and pruning-hook, to <q>learn war no more,</q> and with</l> +<l>strong wing to lift my readers above the smoke of conflict</l> +<l>into light and liberty.</l> +</lg> + +<p> +Mary Baker Eddy +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Concord, N.H.</hi><lb/> +January, 1897 +</p> + +</div> + +<!-- djk 021.png is page 1, subtract 20 --> +<pb n='001'/><anchor id='Pg001'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter I. Introductory.</head> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Prospectus.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 1.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The ancient Greek looked longingly for the Olym- [1]</l> +<l>piad. The Chaldee watched the appearing of a</l> +<l>star; to him, no higher destiny dawned on the dome</l> +<l>of being than that foreshadowed by signs in the heav- [5]</l> +<l>ens. The meek Nazarene, the scoffed of all scoffers,</l> +<l>said, <q rend='pre'>Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>not discern the signs of the times?</q>—for he forefelt</l> +<l>and foresaw the ordeal of a perfect Christianity, hated</l> +<l>by sinners. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To kindle all minds with a gleam of gratitude, the</l> +<l>new idea that comes welling up from infinite Truth needs</l> +<l>to be understood. The seer of this age should be a</l> +<l>sage.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Humility is the stepping-stone to a higher recognition [15]</l> +<l>of Deity. The mounting sense gathers fresh forms and</l> +<l>strange fire from the ashes of dissolving self, and drops</l> +<l>the world. Meekness heightens immortal attributes</l> +<l>only by removing the dust that dims them. Goodness</l> +<l>reveals another scene and another self seemingly rolled [20]</l> +<l>up in shades, but brought to light by the evolutions of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='002'/><anchor id='Pg002'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 2.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>advancing thought, whereby we discern the power of [1]</l> +<l>Truth and Love to heal the sick.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Pride is ignorance; those assume most who have the</l> +<l>least wisdom or experience; and they steal from their</l> +<l>neighbor, because they have so little of their own. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The signs of these times portend a long and strong</l> +<l>determination of mankind to cleave to the world, the</l> +<l>flesh, and evil, causing great obscuration of Spirit.</l> +<l>When we remember that God is just, and admit the</l> +<l>total depravity of mortals, <emph>alias</emph> mortal mind,—and that [10]</l> +<l>this Adam legacy must first be seen, and then must be</l> +<l>subdued and recompensed by justice, the eternal attri-</l> +<l>bute of Truth,—the outlook demands labor, and the</l> +<l>laborers seem few. To-day we behold but the first</l> +<l>faint view of a more spiritual Christianity, that embraces [15]</l> +<l>a deeper and broader philosophy and a more rational and</l> +<l>divine healing. The time approaches when divine Life,</l> +<l>Truth, and Love will be found alone the remedy for sin,</l> +<l>sickness, and death; when God, man's saving Principle,</l> +<l>and Christ, the spiritual idea of God, will be revealed. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man's probation after death is the necessity of his</l> +<l>immortality; for good dies not and evil is self-destruc-</l> +<l>tive, therefore evil must be mortal and self-destroyed.</l> +<l>If man should not progress after death, but should re-</l> +<l>main in error, he would be inevitably self-annihilated. [25]</l> +<l>Those upon whom <q>the second death hath no power</q></l> +<l>are those who progress here and hereafter out of evil,</l> +<l>their mortal element, and into good that is immortal;</l> +<l>thus laying off the material beliefs that war against</l> +<l>Spirit, and putting on the spiritual elements in divine [30]</l> +<l>Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>While we entertain decided views as to the best method</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='003'/><anchor id='Pg003'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 3.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>for elevating the race physically, morally, and spiritually, [1]</l> +<l>and shall express these views as duty demands, we</l> +<l>shall claim no especial gift from our divine origin, no</l> +<l>supernatural power. If we regard good as more natural</l> +<l>than evil, and spiritual understanding—the true knowl- [5]</l> +<l>edge of God—as imparting the only power to heal the</l> +<l>sick and the sinner, we shall demonstrate in our lives the</l> +<l>power of Truth and Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The lessons we learn in divine Science are applica-</l> +<l>ble to all the needs of man. Jesus taught them for this [10]</l> +<l>very purpose; and his demonstration hath taught us</l> +<l>that <q>through his stripes</q>—his life-experience—and</l> +<l>divine Science, brought to the understanding through</l> +<l>Christ, the Spirit-revelator, is man healed and saved.</l> +<l>No opinions of mortals nor human hypotheses enter this [15]</l> +<l>line of thought or action. Drugs, inert matter, never are</l> +<l>needed to aid spiritual power. Hygiene, manipulation,</l> +<l>and mesmerism are not Mind's medicine. The Principle</l> +<l>of all cure is God, unerring and immortal Mind.</l> +<l>We have learned that the erring or mortal thought holds [20]</l> +<l>in itself all sin, sickness, and death, and imparts these</l> +<l>states to the body; while the supreme and perfect Mind,</l> +<l>as seen in the truth of being, antidotes and destroys these</l> +<l>material elements of sin and death.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Because God is supreme and omnipotent, <foreign rend='italic'>materia</foreign> +[25]</l> +<l><foreign rend='italic'>medica</foreign>, hygiene, and animal magnetism are +impotent;</l> +<l>and their only supposed efficacy is in apparently delud-</l> +<l>ing reason, denying revelation, and dethroning Deity.</l> +<l>The tendency of mental healing is to uplift mankind; but</l> +<l>this method perverted, is <q>Satan let loose.</q> Hence the [30]</l> +<l>deep demand for the Science of psychology to meet sin,</l> +<l>and uncover it; thus to annihilate hallucination.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='004'/><anchor id='Pg004'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 4.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Thought imbued with purity, Truth, and Love, in- [1]</l> +<l>structed in the Science of metaphysical healing, is the</l> +<l>most potent and desirable remedial agent on the earth.</l> +<l>At this period there is a marked tendency of mortal</l> +<l>mind to plant mental healing on the basis of hypnotism, [5]</l> +<l>calling this method <q>mental science.</q> All <emph>Science</emph> is</l> +<l><emph>Christian</emph> Science; the Science of the Mind that is God,</l> +<l>and of the universe as His idea, and their relation to each</l> +<l>other. Its only power to heal is its power to do good,</l> +<l>not evil.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Timely Issue.</head> + +<lg> +<l>At this date, 1883, a newspaper edited and published</l> +<l>by the Christian Scientists has become a necessity. Many</l> +<l>questions important to be disposed of come to the Col-</l> +<l>lege and to the practising students, yet but little time [15]</l> +<l>has been devoted to their answer. Further enlight-</l> +<l>enment is necessary for the age, and a periodical de-</l> +<l>voted to this work seems alone adequate to meet the</l> +<l>requirement. Much interest is awakened and expressed</l> +<l>on the subject of metaphysical healing, but in many [20]</l> +<l>minds it is confounded with isms, and even infidelity, so</l> +<l>that its religious specialty and the vastness of its worth</l> +<l>are not understood.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is often said, <q rend='pre'>You must have a very strong will-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>power to heal,</q> or, <q rend='pre'>It must require a great deal of +faith</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>to make your demonstrations.</q> When it is answered</l> +<l>that there is no will-power required, and that something</l> +<l>more than faith is necessary, we meet with an expression</l> +<l>of incredulity. It is not alone the mission of Christian</l> +<l>Science to heal the sick, but to destroy sin in mortal [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='005'/><anchor id='Pg005'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 5.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>thought. This work well done will elevate and purify [1]</l> +<l>the race. It cannot fail to do this if we devote our best</l> +<l>energies to the work.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science reveals man as spiritual, harmonious, and eter-</l> +<l>nal. This should be understood. Our College should [5]</l> +<l>be crowded with students who are willing to consecrate</l> +<l>themselves to this Christian work. Mothers should be</l> +<l>able to produce perfect health and perfect morals in their</l> +<l>children—and ministers, to heal the sick—by study-</l> +<l>ing this scientific method of practising Christianity. [10]</l> +<l>Many say, <q rend='pre'>I should like to study, but have not suffi-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>cient faith that I have the power to heal.</q> The healing</l> +<l>power is Truth and Love, and these do not fail in the</l> +<l>greatest emergencies.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><foreign rend='italic'>Materia medica</foreign> says, <q rend='pre'>I +can do no more. I have</q> [15]</l> +<l>done all that can be done. There is nothing to build</l> +<l><q rend='post'>upon. There is no longer any reason for hope.</q> Then</l> +<l>metaphysics comes in, armed with the power of Spirit,</l> +<l>not matter, takes up the case hopefully and builds on</l> +<l>the stone that the builders have rejected, and is suc- [20]</l> +<l>cessful.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Metaphysical therapeutics can seem a miracle and a</l> +<l>mystery to those only who do not understand the grand</l> +<l>reality that Mind controls the body. They acknowledge</l> +<l>an erring or mortal mind, but believe it to be brain mat- [25]</l> +<l>ter. That man is the idea of infinite Mind, always perfect</l> +<l>in God, in Truth, Life, and Love, is something not easily</l> +<l>accepted, weighed down as is mortal thought with mate-</l> +<l>rial beliefs. That which never existed, can seem solid</l> +<l>substance to this thought. It is much easier for people [30]</l> +<l>to believe that the body affects the mind, than that the</l> +<l>mind affects the body.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='006'/><anchor id='Pg006'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 6.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>We hear from the pulpits that sickness is sent as a [1]</l> +<l>discipline to bring man nearer to God,—even though</l> +<l>sickness often leaves mortals but little time free from</l> +<l>complaints and fretfulness, and Jesus cast out disease as</l> +<l>evil. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The most of our Christian Science practitioners have</l> +<l>plenty to do, and many more are needed for the ad-</l> +<l>vancement of the age. At present the majority of the</l> +<l>acute cases are given to the M. D.'s, and only those</l> +<l>cases that are pronounced incurable are passed over to [10]</l> +<l>the Scientist. The healing of such cases should cer-</l> +<l>tainly prove to all minds the power of metaphysics over</l> +<l>physics; and it surely does, to many thinkers, as the</l> +<l>rapid growth of the work shows. At no distant day,</l> +<l>Christian healing will rank far in advance of allopathy [15]</l> +<l>and homœopathy; for Truth must ultimately succeed</l> +<l>where error fails.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mind governs all. That we exist in God, perfect,</l> +<l>there is no doubt, for the conceptions of Life, Truth, and</l> +<l>Love must be perfect; and with that basic truth we con- [20]</l> +<l>quer sickness, sin, and death. Frequently it requires</l> +<l>time to overcome the patient's faith in drugs and mate-</l> +<l>rial hygiene; but when once convinced of the uselessness</l> +<l>of such material methods, the gain is rapid.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is a noticeable fact, that in families where laws [25]</l> +<l>of health are strictly enforced, great caution is observed</l> +<l>in regard to diet, and the conversation chiefly confined</l> +<l>to the ailments of the body, there is the most sickness.</l> +<l>Take a large family of children where the mother has</l> +<l>all that she can attend to in keeping them clothed and</l> +<l>fed, and health is generally the rule; whereas, in small</l> +<l>families of one or two children, sickness is by no means</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='007'/><anchor id='Pg007'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 7.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the exception. These children must not be allowed to [1]</l> +<l>eat certain food, nor to breathe the cold air, because</l> +<l>there is danger in it; when they perspire, they must be</l> +<l>loaded down with coverings until their bodies become</l> +<l>dry,—and the mother of one child is often busier than [5]</l> +<l>the mother of eight.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Great charity and humility is necessary in this work</l> +<l>of healing. The loving patience of Jesus, we must</l> +<l>strive to emulate. <q rend='pre'>Thou shalt love thy neighbor as</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>thyself</q> has daily to be exemplified; and, although [10]</l> +<l>skepticism and incredulity prevail in places where</l> +<l>one would least expect it, it harms not; for if serving</l> +<l>Christ, Truth, of what can mortal opinion avail? Cast</l> +<l>not your pearls before swine; but if you cannot bring</l> +<l>peace to all, you can to many, if faithful laborers in His [15]</l> +<l>vineyard.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Looking over the newspapers of the day, one naturally</l> +<l>reflects that it is dangerous to live, so loaded with disease</l> +<l>seems the very air. These descriptions carry fears to</l> +<l>many minds, to be depicted in some future time upon [20]</l> +<l>the body. A periodical of our own will counteract to</l> +<l>some extent this public nuisance; for through our paper,</l> +<l>at the price at which we shall issue it, we shall be able</l> +<l>to reach many homes with healing, purifying thought.</l> +<l>A great work already has been done, and a greater work [25]</l> +<l>yet remains to be done. Oftentimes we are denied the</l> +<l>results of our labors because people do not understand</l> +<l>the nature and power of metaphysics, and they think</l> +<l>that health and strength would have returned natu-</l> +<l>rally without any assistance. This is not so much from [30]</l> +<l>a lack of justice, as it is that the +<foreign rend='italic'>mens populi</foreign> is not suffi-</l> +<l>ciently enlightened on this great subject. More thought</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='008'/><anchor id='Pg008'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 8.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>is given to material illusions than to spiritual facts. If [1]</l> +<l>we can aid in abating suffering and diminishing sin,</l> +<l>we shall have accomplished much; but if we can bring</l> +<l>to the general thought this great fact that drugs do not,</l> +<l>cannot, produce health and harmony, since <q rend='pre'>in Him</q> [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>[Mind] we live, and move, and have our being,</q> we shall</l> +<l><q rend='post'>have done more.</q></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Love Your Enemies.</head> + +<lg> +<l>Who is thine enemy that thou shouldst love him? Is</l> +<l>it a creature or a thing outside thine own creation? [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Can you see an enemy, except you first formulate this</l> +<l>enemy and then look upon the object of your own conception?</l> +<l>What is it that harms you? Can height, or</l> +<l>depth, or any other creature separate you from the</l> +<l>Love that is omnipresent good,—that blesses infinitely [15]</l> +<l>one and all?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Simply count your enemy to be that which defiles,</l> +<l>defaces, and dethrones the Christ-image that you should</l> +<l>reflect. Whatever purifies, sanctifies, and consecrates</l> +<l>human life, is not an enemy, however much we suffer in [20]</l> +<l>the process. Shakespeare writes: <q rend='pre'>Sweet are the uses</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of adversity.</q> Jesus said: <q rend='pre'>Blessed are ye, when +men</q></l> +<l>shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all</l> +<l>manner of evil against you <emph>falsely</emph>, for my sake; ... for</l> +<l>so persecuted they the prophets which were before [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>you.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Hebrew law with its <q>Thou shalt not,</q> its de-</l> +<l>mand and sentence, can only be fulfilled through the</l> +<l>gospel's benediction. Then, <q>Blessed are ye,</q> inso-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='009'/><anchor id='Pg009'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 9.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>much as the consciousness of good, grace, and peace, [1]</l> +<l>comes through affliction rightly understood, as sanctified</l> +<l>by the purification it brings to the flesh,—to pride, self-</l> +<l>ignorance, self-will, self-love, self-justification. Sweet,</l> +<l>indeed, are these uses of His rod! Well is it that the [5]</l> +<l>Shepherd of Israel passes all His flock under His rod</l> +<l>into His fold; thereby numbering them, and giving them</l> +<l>refuge at last from the elements of earth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Love thine enemies</q> is identical with <q rend='pre'>Thou hast</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>no enemies.</q> Wherein is this conclusion relative to [10]</l> +<l>those who have hated thee without a cause? Simply, in</l> +<l>that those unfortunate individuals are virtually thy best</l> +<l>friends. Primarily and ultimately, they are doing thee</l> +<l>good far beyond the present sense which thou canst entertain</l> +<l>of good. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whom we call friends seem to sweeten life's cup and</l> +<l>to fill it with the nectar of the gods. We lift this cup</l> +<l>to our lips; but it slips from our grasp, to fall in frag-</l> +<l>ments before our eyes. Perchance, having tasted its</l> +<l>tempting wine, we become intoxicated; become lethar- [20]</l> +<l>gic, dreamy objects of self-satisfaction; else, the con-</l> +<l>tents of this cup of selfish human enjoyment having lost</l> +<l>its flavor, we voluntarily set it aside as tasteless and</l> +<l>unworthy of human aims.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And wherefore our failure longer to relish this fleet- [25]</l> +<l>ing sense, with its delicious forms of friendship,</l> +<l>wherewith mortals become educated to gratification in</l> +<l>personal pleasure and trained in treacherous peace?</l> +<l>Because it is the great and only danger in the path</l> +<l>that winds upward. A false sense of what consti- [30]</l> +<l>tutes happiness is more disastrous to human progress</l> +<l>than all that an enemy or enmity can obtrude upon</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='010'/><anchor id='Pg010'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 10.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the mind or engraft upon its purposes and achievements [1]</l> +<l>wherewith to obstruct life's joys and enhance its sor-</l> +<l>rows.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We have no enemies. Whatever envy, hatred, revenge</l> +<l>—the most remorseless motives that govern mortal mind [5]</l> +<l>—whatever these try to do, shall <q rend='pre'>work together for good</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to them that love God.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Why?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Because He has called His own, armed them, equipped</l> +<l>them, and furnished them defenses impregnable. Their [10]</l> +<l>God will not let them be lost; and if they fall they shall</l> +<l>rise again, stronger than before the stumble. The good</l> +<l>cannot lose their God, their help in times of trouble.</l> +<l>If they mistake the divine command, they will recover</l> +<l>it, countermand their order, retrace their steps, and [15]</l> +<l>reinstate His orders, more assured to press on safely.</l> +<l>The best lesson of their lives is gained by crossing</l> +<l>swords with temptation, with fear and the besetments</l> +<l>of evil; insomuch as they thereby have tried their</l> +<l>strength and proven it; insomuch as they have found [20]</l> +<l>their strength made perfect in weakness, and their fear</l> +<l>is self-immolated.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This destruction is a moral chemicalization, wherein</l> +<l>old things pass away and all things become new. The</l> +<l>worldly or material tendencies of human affections and [25]</l> +<l>pursuits are thus annihilated; and this is the advent of</l> +<l>spiritualization. Heaven comes down to earth, and</l> +<l>mortals learn at last the lesson, <q>I have no enemies.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Even in belief you have but one (that, not in reality),</l> +<l>and this one enemy is yourself—your erroneous belief [30]</l> +<l>that you have enemies; that evil is real; that aught but</l> +<l>good exists in Science. Soon or late, your enemy will</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='011'/><anchor id='Pg011'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 11.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>wake from his delusion to suffer for his evil intent; to [1]</l> +<l>find that, though thwarted, its punishment is tenfold.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Love is the fulfilling of the law: it is grace, mercy,</l> +<l>and justice. I used to think it sufficiently just to abide</l> +<l>by our State statutes; that if a man should aim a ball at [5]</l> +<l>my heart, and I by firing first could kill him and save</l> +<l>my own life, that this was right. I thought, also, that</l> +<l>if I taught indigent students gratuitously, afterwards</l> +<l>assisting them pecuniarily, and did not cease teachi</l> +<l>ing the wayward ones at close of the class term, but [10]</l> +<l>followed them with precept upon precept; that if my</l> +<l>instructions had healed them and shown them the sure way</l> +<l>of salvation,—I had done my whole duty to students.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Love metes not out human justice, but divine mercy.</l> +<l>If one's life were attacked, and one could save it only [15]</l> +<l>in accordance with common law, by taking another's,</l> +<l>would one sooner give up his own? We must love our</l> +<l>enemies in all the manifestations wherein and whereby</l> +<l>we love our friends; must even try not to expose their</l> +<l>faults, but to do them good whenever opportunity [20]</l> +<l>occurs. To mete out human justice to those who per-</l> +<l>secure and despitefully use one, is not leaving all retribu-</l> +<l>tion to God and returning blessing for cursing. If special</l> +<l>opportunity for doing good to one's enemies occur not,</l> +<l>one can include them in his general effort to benefit the [25]</l> +<l>race. Because I can do much general good to such as</l> +<l>hate me, I do it with earnest, special care—since they</l> +<l>permit me no other way, though with tears have I striven</l> +<l>for it. When smitten on one cheek, I have turned the</l> +<l>other: I have but two to present. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I would enjoy taking by the hand all who love me not,</l> +<l>and saying to them, <q rend='pre'><emph>I</emph> love <emph>you</emph>, +and would not know-</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='012'/><anchor id='Pg012'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 12.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>ingly harm you.</q> <emph>Because</emph> I thus feel, +I say to others: [1]</l> +<l>Hate no one; for hatred is a plague-spot that spreads</l> +<l>its virus and kills at last. If indulged, it masters us;</l> +<l>brings suffering upon suffering to its possessor, through-</l> +<l>out time and beyond the grave. If you have been badly [5]</l> +<l>wronged, forgive and forget: God will recompense this</l> +<l>wrong, and punish, more severely than you could, him</l> +<l>who has striven to injure you. Never return evil for evil;</l> +<l>and, above all, do not fancy that you have been wronged</l> +<l>when you have not been. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The present is ours; the future, big with events.</l> +<l>Every man and woman should be to-day a law to him-</l> +<l>self, herself,—a law of loyalty to Jesus' Sermon on the</l> +<l>Mount. The means for sinning unseen and unpunished</l> +<l>have so increased that, unless one be watchful and stead- [15]</l> +<l>fast in Love, one's temptations to sin are increased a</l> +<l>hundredfold. Mortal mind at this period mutely works</l> +<l>in the interest of both good and evil in a manner least</l> +<l>understood; hence the need of watching, and the danger</l> +<l>of yielding to temptation from causes that at former [20]</l> +<l>periods in human history were not existent. The action</l> +<l>and effects of this so-called human mind in its silent argu-</l> +<l>ments, are yet to be uncovered and summarily dealt with</l> +<l>by divine justice.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In Christian Science, the law of Love rejoices the heart; [25]</l> +<l>and Love is Life and Truth. Whatever manifests aught</l> +<l>else in its effects upon mankind, demonstrably is not Love.</l> +<l>We should measure our love for God by our love for man;</l> +<l>and our sense of Science will be measured by our obedience</l> +<l>to God,—fulfilling the law of Love, doing good to all; [30]</l> +<l>imparting, so far as we reflect them, Truth, Life, and Love</l> +<l>to all within the radius of our atmosphere of thought.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='013'/><anchor id='Pg013'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 13.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The only justice of which I feel at present capable, [1]</l> +<l>is mercy and charity toward every one,—just so far as</l> +<l>one and all permit me to exercise these sentiments toward</l> +<l>them,—taking special care to mind my own business.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The falsehood, ingratitude, misjudgment, and sharp [5]</l> +<l>return of evil for good—yea, the real wrongs (if wrong</l> +<l>can be real) which I have long endured at the hands of</l> +<l>others—have most happily wrought out for me the law</l> +<l>of loving mine enemies. This law I now urge upon the</l> +<l>solemn consideration of all Christian Scientists. Jesus [10]</l> +<l>said, <q rend='pre'>If ye love them which love you, what thank have</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>ye? for sinners also love those that love them.</q></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Christian Theism.</head> + +<lg> +<l>Scholastic theology elaborates the proposition that</l> +<l>evil is a factor of good, and that to believe in the reality [15]</l> +<l>of evil is essential to a rounded sense of the existence of</l> +<l>good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This frail hypothesis is founded upon the basis of mate-</l> +<l>rial and mortal evidence—only upon what the shifting</l> +<l>mortal senses confirm and frail human reason accepts. [20]</l> +<l>The Science of Soul reverses this proposition, overturns</l> +<l>the testimony of the five erring senses, and reveals in</l> +<l>clearer divinity the existence of good only; that is, of</l> +<l>God and His idea.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This postulate of divine Science only needs to be con- [25]</l> +<l>ceded, to afford opportunity for proof of its correctness</l> +<l>and the clearer discernment of good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Seek the Anglo-Saxon term for God, and you will</l> +<l>find it to be good; then define good as God, and you</l> +<l>will find that good is omnipotence, has all power; it fills [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='014'/><anchor id='Pg014'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 14.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>all space, being omnipresent; hence, there is neither place [1]</l> +<l>nor power left for evil. Divest your thought, then, of</l> +<l>the mortal and material view which contradicts the ever-</l> +<l>presence and all-power of good; take in only the immor-</l> +<l>tal facts which include these, and where will you see or [5]</l> +<l>feel evil, or find its existence necessary either to the origin</l> +<l>or ultimate of good?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is urged that, from his original state of perfec-</l> +<l>tion, man has fallen into the imperfection that requires</l> +<l>evil through which to develop good. Were we to [10]</l> +<l>admit this vague proposition, the Science of man could</l> +<l>never be learned; for in order to learn Science, we</l> +<l>begin with the correct statement, with harmony and</l> +<l>its Principle; and if man has lost his Principle and</l> +<l>its harmony, from evidences before him he is inca- [15]</l> +<l>pable of knowing the facts of existence and its con-</l> +<l>comitants: therefore to him evil is as real and eternal</l> +<l>as good, God! This awful deception is evil's umpire</l> +<l>and empire, that good, God, understood, forcibly</l> +<l>destroys. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What appears to mortals from their standpoint to be</l> +<l>the necessity for evil, is proven by the law of opposites</l> +<l>to be without necessity. Good is the primitive Princi-</l> +<l>ple of man; and evil, good's opposite, has no Principle,</l> +<l>and is not, and cannot be, the derivative of good. [25]</l> +<l>Thus evil is neither a primitive nor a derivative, but</l> +<l>is suppositional; in other words, a lie that is incapable</l> +<l>of proof—therefore, wholly problematical.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Science of Truth annihilates error, deprives evil</l> +<l>of all power, and thereby destroys all error, sin, sickness, [30]</l> +<l>disease, and death. But the sinner is not sheltered from</l> +<l>suffering from sin: he makes a great reality of evil, iden-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='015'/><anchor id='Pg015'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 15.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>tifies himself with it, fancies he finds pleasure in it, and [1]</l> +<l>will reap what he sows; hence the sinner must endure</l> +<l>the effects of his delusion until he awakes from it.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>The New Birth.</head> + +<lg> +<l>St. Paul speaks of the new birth as <q rend='pre'>waiting for the</q> [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.</q> The</l> +<l>great Nazarene Prophet said, <q rend='pre'>Blessed are the pure in</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>heart: for they shall see God.</q> Nothing aside from the</l> +<l>spiritualization—yea, the highest Christianization—of</l> +<l>thought and desire, can give the true perception of God [10]</l> +<l>and divine Science, that results in health, happiness, and</l> +<l>holiness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The new birth is not the work of a moment. It begins</l> +<l>with moments, and goes on with years; moments of sur-</l> +<l>render to God, of childlike trust and joyful adoption [15]</l> +<l>of good; moments of self-abnegation, self-consecration,</l> +<l>heaven-born hope, and spiritual love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Time may commence, but it cannot complete, the</l> +<l>new birth: eternity does this; for progress is the law</l> +<l>of infinity. Only through the sore travail of mortal mind [20]</l> +<l>shall soul as sense be satisfied, and man awake in His</l> +<l>likeness. What a faith-lighted thought is this! that</l> +<l>mortals can lay off the <q>old man,</q> until man is found</l> +<l>to be the image of the infinite good that we name God,</l> +<l>and the fulness of the stature of man in Christ appears. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In mortal and material man, goodness seems in em-</l> +<l>bryo. By suffering for sin, and the gradual fading out</l> +<l>of the mortal and material sense of man, thought is de-</l> +<l>veloped into an infant Christianity; and, feeding at first</l> +<l>on the milk of the Word, it drinks in the sweet revealings [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='016'/><anchor id='Pg016'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 16.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of a new and more spiritual Life and Love. These nourish [1]</l> +<l>the hungry hope, satisfy more the cravings for immor-</l> +<l>tality, and so comfort, cheer, and bless one, that he saith:</l> +<l>In mine infancy, this is enough of heaven to come down</l> +<l>to earth. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But, as one grows into the manhood or womanhood</l> +<l>of Christianity, one finds so much lacking, and so very</l> +<l>much requisite to become wholly Christlike, that one</l> +<l>saith: The Principle of Christianity is infinite: it is</l> +<l>indeed God; and this infinite Principle hath infinite [10]</l> +<l>claims on man, and these claims are divine, not human;</l> +<l>and man's ability to meet them is from God; for, being</l> +<l>His likeness and image, man must reflect the full</l> +<l>dominion of Spirit—even its supremacy over sin, sick-</l> +<l>ness, and death. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Here, then, is the awakening from the dream of life</l> +<l>in matter, to the great fact that <emph>God is the only Life</emph>;</l> +<l>that, therefore, we must entertain a higher sense of both</l> +<l>God and man. We must learn that God is infinitely</l> +<l>more than a person, or finite form, can contain; that [20]</l> +<l>God is a divine <emph>Whole</emph>, and <emph>All</emph>, an all-pervading in-</l> +<l>telligence and Love, a divine, infinite Principle; and</l> +<l>that Christianity is a divine Science. This newly</l> +<l>awakened consciousness is wholly spiritual; it emanates</l> +<l>from Soul instead of body, and is the new birth begun [25]</l> +<l>in Christian Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Now, dear reader, pause for a moment with me, earn-</l> +<l>estly to contemplate this new-born spiritual altitude; for</l> +<l>this statement demands demonstration.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Here you stand face to face with the laws of infinite [30]</l> +<l>Spirit, and behold for the first time the irresistible con-</l> +<l>flict between the flesh and Spirit. You stand before the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='017'/><anchor id='Pg017'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 17.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>awful detonations of Sinai. You hear and record the [1]</l> +<l>thunderings of the spiritual law of Life, as opposed to</l> +<l>the material law of death; the spiritual law of Love, as</l> +<l>opposed to the material sense of love; the law of om-</l> +<l>nipotent harmony and good, as opposed to any supposi- [5]</l> +<l>titious law of sin, sickness, or death. And, before the</l> +<l>flames have died away on this mount of revelation, like</l> +<l>the patriarch of old, you take off your shoes—lay aside</l> +<l>your material appendages, human opinions and doc-</l> +<l>trines, give up your more material religion with its rites [10]</l> +<l>and ceremonies, put off your <foreign rend='italic'>materia medica</foreign> and +hygiene</l> +<l>as worse than useless—to sit at the feet of Jesus. Then,</l> +<l>you meekly bow before the Christ, the spiritual idea</l> +<l>that our great Master gave of the power of God to heal</l> +<l>and to save. Then it is that you behold for the first [15]</l> +<l>time the divine Principle that redeems man from under</l> +<l>the curse of materialism,—sin, disease, and death.</l> +<l>This spiritual birth opens to the enraptured understand-</l> +<l>ing a much higher and holier conception of the supremacy</l> +<l>of Spirit, and of man as His likeness, whereby man reflects [20]</l> +<l>the divine power to heal the sick.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A material or human birth is the appearing of a mor-</l> +<l>tal, not the immortal man. This birth is more or less</l> +<l>prolonged and painful, according to the timely or un-</l> +<l>timely circumstances, the normal or abnormal material [25]</l> +<l>conditions attending it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With the spiritual birth, man's primitive, sinless,</l> +<l>spiritual existence dawns on human thought,—through</l> +<l>the travail of mortal mind, hope deferred, the perishing</l> +<l>pleasure and accumulating pains of sense,—by which [30]</l> +<l>one loses himself as matter, and gains a truer sense of</l> +<l>Spirit and spiritual man.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='018'/><anchor id='Pg018'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 18.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The purification or baptismals that come from Spirit, [1]</l> +<l>develop, step by step, the original likeness of perfect man,</l> +<l>and efface the mark of the beast. <q rend='pre'>Whom the Lord</q></l> +<l>loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom</l> +<l><q rend='post'>He receiveth;</q> therefore rejoice in tribulation, and wel- [5]</l> +<l>come these spiritual signs of the new birth under the law</l> +<l>and gospel of Christ, Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The prominent laws which forward birth in the divine</l> +<l>order of Science, are these: <q rend='pre'>Thou shalt have no other</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>gods before me;</q> <q>Love thy neighbor as thyself,</q> [10]</l> +<l>These commands of infinite wisdom, translated into</l> +<l>the new tongue, their spiritual meaning, signify: Thou</l> +<l>shalt love Spirit only, not its opposite, in every God-</l> +<l>quality, even in substance; thou shalt recognize thy-</l> +<l>self as God's spiritual child only, and the true man [15]</l> +<l>and true woman, the all-harmonious <q>male and female,</q></l> +<l>as of spiritual origin, God's reflection,—thus as chil-</l> +<l>dren of one common Parent,—wherein and whereby</l> +<l>Father, Mother, and child are the divine Principle and</l> +<l>divine idea, even the divine <q>Us</q>—one in good, and [20]</l> +<l>good in One.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With this recognition man could never separate him-</l> +<l>self from good, God; and he would necessarily entertain</l> +<l>habitual love for his fellow-man. Only by admitting</l> +<l>evil as a reality, and entering into a state of evil [25]</l> +<l>thoughts, can we in belief separate one man's interests</l> +<l>from those of the whole human family, or thus attempt</l> +<l>to separate Life from God. This is the mistake that</l> +<l>causes much that must be repented of and overcome.</l> +<l>Not to know what is blessing you, but to believe that [30]</l> +<l>aught that God sends is unjust,—or that those whom</l> +<l>He commissions bring to you at His demand that which</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='019'/><anchor id='Pg019'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 19.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>is unjust,—is wrong and cruel. Envy, evil thinking, [1]</l> +<l>evil speaking, covetousness, lust, hatred, malice, are</l> +<l>always wrong, and will break the rule of Christian</l> +<l>Science and prevent its demonstration; but the rod of</l> +<l>God, and the obedience demanded of His servants in [5]</l> +<l>carrying out what He teaches them,—these are never</l> +<l>unmerciful, never unwise.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The task of healing the sick is far lighter than that</l> +<l>of so teaching the divine Principle and rules of Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science as to lift the affections and motives of men [10]</l> +<l>to adopt them and bring them out in human lives. He</l> +<l>who has named the name of Christ, who has virtually</l> +<l>accepted the divine claims of Truth and Love in divine</l> +<l>Science, is daily departing from evil; and all the wicked</l> +<l>endeavors of suppositional demons can never change the [15]</l> +<l>current of that life from steadfastly flowing on to God,</l> +<l>its divine source.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But, taking the livery of heaven wherewith to cover</l> +<l>iniquity, is the most fearful sin that mortals can commit.</l> +<l>I should have more faith in an honest drugging-doctor, [20]</l> +<l>one who abides by his statements and works upon as</l> +<l>high a basis as he understands, healing me, than I could</l> +<l>or would have in a smooth-tongued hypocrite or mental</l> +<l>malpractitioner.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Between the centripetal and centrifugal mental forces [25]</l> +<l>of material and spiritual gravitations, we go into or we</l> +<l>go out of materialism or sin, and choose our course and</l> +<l>its results. Which, then, shall be our choice,—the sin-</l> +<l>ful, material, and perishable, or the spiritual, joy-giving,</l> +<l>and eternal? [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The spiritual sense of Life and its grand pursuits is</l> +<l>of itself a bliss, health-giving and joy-inspiring. This</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='020'/><anchor id='Pg020'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 20.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>sense of Life illumes our pathway with the radiance of [1]</l> +<l>divine Love; heals man spontaneously, morally and</l> +<l>physically,—exhaling the aroma of Jesus' own words,</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and I will give you rest.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +</div> + +<pb n='021'/><anchor id='Pg021'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter II. One Cause And Effect.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 21.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science begins with the First Com- [1]</l> +<l>mandment of the Hebrew Decalogue, <q rend='pre'>Thou</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>shalt have no other gods before me.</q> It goes on in</l> +<l>perfect unity with Christ's Sermon on the Mount, and</l> +<l>in that age culminates in the Revelation of St. John, [5]</l> +<l>who, while on earth and in the flesh, like ourselves,</l> +<l>beheld <q>a new heaven and a new earth,</q>—the spiritual</l> +<l>universe, whereof Christian Science now bears testimony.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our Master said, <q rend='pre'>The works that I do shall ye do</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>also;</q> and, <q>The kingdom of God is within you.</q> This [10]</l> +<l>makes practical all his words and works. As the ages</l> +<l>advance in spirituality, Christian Science will be seen</l> +<l>to depart from the trend of other Christian denomina-</l> +<l>tions in no wise except by increase of spirituality.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My first plank in the platform of Christian Science [15]</l> +<l>is as follows: <q rend='pre'>There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor</q></l> +<l>substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite</l> +<l>manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal</l> +<l>Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and</l> +<l>eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is [20]</l> +<l>God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man</l> +<l><q rend='post'>is not material; he is spiritual.</q><note place='foot'>The +order of this sentence has been conformed to the text of +the 1908 edition of Science and Health. [24]</note></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='022'/><anchor id='Pg022'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 22.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>I am strictly a theist—believe in one God, one Christ [1]</l> +<l>or Messiah.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science is neither a law of matter nor of man. It is</l> +<l>the unerring manifesto of Mind, the law of God, its</l> +<l>divine Principle. Who dare say that matter or [5]</l> +<l>mortals can evolve Science? Whence, then, is it, if not</l> +<l>from the divine source, and what, but the contempor-</l> +<l>ary of Christianity, so far in advance of human knowl-</l> +<l>edge that mortals must work for the discovery of even a</l> +<l>portion of it? Christian Science translates Mind, God, [10]</l> +<l>to mortals. It is the infinite calculus defining the line,</l> +<l>plane, space, and fourth dimension of Spirit. It abso-</l> +<l>lutely refutes the amalgamation, transmigration, absorp-</l> +<l>tion, or annihilation of individuality. It shows the</l> +<l>impossibility of transmitting human ills, or evil, from one [15]</l> +<l>individual to another; that all true thoughts revolve</l> +<l>in God's orbits: they come from God and return to</l> +<l>Him,—and untruths belong not to His creation, there-</l> +<l>fore these are null and void. It hath no peer, no comp-</l> +<l>petitor, for it dwelleth in Him besides whom <q rend='pre'>there is</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>none other.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That Christian Science is Christian, those who have</l> +<l>demonstrated it, according to the rules of its divine</l> +<l>Principle,—together with the sick, the lame, the deaf, and</l> +<l>the blind, healed by it,—have proven to a waiting world. [25]</l> +<l>He who has not tested it, is incompetent to condemn it;</l> +<l>and he who is a willing sinner, cannot demonstrate it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A falling apple suggested to Newton more than the</l> +<l>simple fact cognized by the senses, to which it seemed</l> +<l>to fall by reason of its own ponderosity; but the primal [30]</l> +<l>cause, or Mind-force, invisible to material sense, lay</l> +<l>concealed in the treasure-troves of Science. True,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='023'/><anchor id='Pg023'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 23.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Newton named it gravitation, having learned so much; [1]</l> +<l>but Science, demanding more, pushes the question:</l> +<l>Whence or what is the power back of gravitation,—the</l> +<l>intelligence that manifests power? Is pantheism true?</l> +<l>Does mind <q rend='pre'>sleep in the mineral, or dream in the</q> [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>animal, and wake in man</q>? Christianity answers this</l> +<l>question. The prophets, Jesus, and the apostles, demon-</l> +<l>strated a divine intelligence that subordinates so-called</l> +<l>material laws; and disease, death, winds, and waves,</l> +<l>obey this intelligence. Was it Mind or matter that spake [10]</l> +<l>in creation, <q>and it was done</q>? The answer is self-</l> +<l>evident, and the command remains, <q rend='pre'>Thou shalt have</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>no other gods before me.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is plain that the Me spoken of in the First Com-</l> +<l>mandment, must be Mind; for matter is not the Chris- [15]</l> +<l>tian's God, and is not intelligent. Matter cannot even</l> +<l>talk; and the serpent, Satan, the first talker in its behalf,</l> +<l>lied. Reason and revelation declare that God is both</l> +<l>noumenon and phenomena,—the first and only cause.</l> +<l>The universe, including man, is not a result of atomic [20]</l> +<l>action, material force or energy; it is not organized dust.</l> +<l>God, Spirit, Mind, are terms synonymous for the one</l> +<l>God, whose reflection is creation, and man is His image</l> +<l>and likeness. Few there are who comprehend what Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science means by the word <hi rend='italic'>reflection</hi>. God is seen [25]</l> +<l>only in that which reflects good, Life, Truth, Love—</l> +<l>yea, which manifests all His attributes and power, even</l> +<l>as the human likeness thrown upon the mirror repeats</l> +<l>precisely the looks and actions of the object in front of it.</l> +<l>All must be Mind and Mind's ideas; since, according to [30]</l> +<l>natural science, God, Spirit, could not change its species</l> +<l>and evolve matter.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='024'/><anchor id='Pg024'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 24.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>These facts enjoin the First Commandment; and [1]</l> +<l>knowledge of them makes man spiritually minded. St.</l> +<l>Paul writes: <q rend='pre'>For to be carnally minded is death; but to</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>be spiritually minded is life and peace.</q> This knowl-</l> +<l>edge came to me in an hour of great need; and I give it [5]</l> +<l>to you as death-bed testimony to the daystar that dawned</l> +<l>on the night of material sense. This knowledge is</l> +<l>practical, for it wrought my immediate recovery from</l> +<l>an injury caused by an accident, and pronounced fatal</l> +<l>by the physicians. On the third day thereafter, I called [10]</l> +<l>for my Bible, and opened it at Matthew ix. 2. As I</l> +<l>read, the healing Truth dawned upon my sense; and</l> +<l>the result was that I rose, dressed myself, and ever after</l> +<l>was in better health than I had before enjoyed. That</l> +<l>short experience included a glimpse of the great fact [15]</l> +<l>that I have since tried to make plain to others, namely,</l> +<l>Life in and of Spirit; this Life being the sole reality of</l> +<l>existence. I learned that mortal thought evolves a sub-</l> +<l>jective state which it names matter, thereby shutting</l> +<l>out the true sense of Spirit. <hi rend='italic'>Per contra</hi>, Mind and man [20]</l> +<l>are immortal; and knowledge gained from mortal sense</l> +<l>is illusion, error, the opposite of Truth; therefore it</l> +<l>cannot be true. A knowledge of both good and evil</l> +<l>(when good is God, and God is All) is impossible. Speak-</l> +<l>ing of the origin of evil, the Master said: <q rend='pre'>When he</q> [25]</l> +<l>speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar,</l> +<l><q rend='post'>and the father of it.</q> God warned man not to believe</l> +<l>the talking serpent, or rather the allegory describing</l> +<l>it. The Nazarene Prophet declared that his followers</l> +<l>should handle serpents; that is, put down all subtle falsi- [30]</l> +<l>ties or illusions, and thus destroy any supposed effect</l> +<l>arising from false claims exercising their supposed power</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='025'/><anchor id='Pg025'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 25.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>on the mind and body of man against his holiness and [1]</l> +<l>health.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That there is but one God or Life, one cause and</l> +<l>one effect, is the <foreign lang='la' rend='italic'>multum in parvo</foreign> +of Christian Science;</l> +<l>and to my understanding it is the heart of Christianity, [5]</l> +<l>the religion that Jesus taught and demonstrated. In</l> +<l>divine Science it is found that matter is a phase of</l> +<l>error, and that neither one really exists, since God is</l> +<l>Truth, and All-in-all. Christ's Sermon on the Mount,</l> +<l>in its direct application to human needs, confirms this [10]</l> +<l>conclusion.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science, understood, translates matter into Mind,</l> +<l>rejects all other theories of causation, restores the spir-</l> +<l>itual and original meaning of the Scriptures, and ex-</l> +<l>plains the teachings and life of our Lord. It is religion's [15]</l> +<l><q>new tongue,</q> with <q>signs following,</q> spoken of by</l> +<l>St. Mark. It gives God's infinite meaning to mankind,</l> +<l>healing the sick, casting out evil, and raising the spirit-</l> +<l>ually dead. Christianity is Christlike only as it re-</l> +<l>iterates the word, repeats the works, and manifests the [20]</l> +<l>spirit of Christ.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus' only medicine was omnipotent and omniscient</l> +<l>Mind. As <hi rend='italic'>omni</hi> +is from the Latin word meaning <hi rend='italic'>all</hi>,</l> +<l>this medicine is all-power; and omniscience means as</l> +<l>well, all-science. The sick are more deplorably situated [25]</l> +<l>than the sinful, if the sick cannot trust God for help and</l> +<l>the sinful can. If God created drugs good, they cannot be</l> +<l>harmful; if He could create them otherwise, then they</l> +<l>are bad and unfit for man; and if He created drugs for</l> +<l>healing the sick, why did not Jesus employ them and [30]</l> +<l>recommend them for that purpose?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No human hypotheses, whether in philosophy, medi-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='026'/><anchor id='Pg026'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 26.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>cine, or religion, can survive the wreck of time; but [1]</l> +<l>whatever is of God, hath life abiding in it, and ulti-</l> +<l>mately will be known as self-evident truth, as demonstra-</l> +<l>ble as mathematics. Each successive period of progress</l> +<l>is a period more humane and spiritual. The only logical [5]</l> +<l>conclusion is that all is Mind and its manifestation, from</l> +<l>the rolling of worlds, in the most subtle ether, to a potato-</l> +<l>patch.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The agriculturist ponders the history of a seed, and</l> +<l>believes that his crops come from the seedling and the [10]</l> +<l>loam; even while the Scripture declares He made <q rend='pre'>every</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>plant of the field before it was in the earth.</q> The Scien-</l> +<l>tist asks, Whence came the first seed, and what made</l> +<l>the soil? Was it molecules, or material atoms? Whence</l> +<l>came the infinitesimals,—from infinite Mind, or from [15]</l> +<l>matter? If from matter, how did matter originate? Was</l> +<l>it self-existent? Matter is not intelligent, and thus able</l> +<l>to evolve or create itself: it is the very opposite of Spirit,</l> +<l>intelligent, self-creative, and infinite Mind. The belief</l> +<l>of mind in matter is pantheism. Natural history shows [20]</l> +<l>that neither a genus nor a species produces its opposite.</l> +<l>God is All, in all. What can be more than All? Noth-</l> +<l>ing: and this is just what I call matter, <emph>nothing</emph>. Spirit,</l> +<l>God, has no antecedent; and God's consequent is the</l> +<l>spiritual cosmos. The phrase, <q>express image,</q> in the [25]</l> +<l>common version of Hebrews i. 3, is, in the Greek Tes-</l> +<l>tament, <emph>character</emph>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptures name God as good, and the Saxon</l> +<l>term for God is also good. From this premise comes</l> +<l>the logical conclusion that God is naturally and divinely [30]</l> +<l>infinite good. How, then, can this conclusion change,</l> +<l>or be changed, to mean that good is evil, or the creator</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='027'/><anchor id='Pg027'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 27.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of evil? What can there be besides infinity? Nothing! [1]</l> +<l>Therefore the Science of good calls evil <emph>nothing</emph>. In</l> +<l>divine Science the terms God and good, as Spirit, are</l> +<l>synonymous. That God, good, creates evil, or aught</l> +<l>that can result in evil,—or that Spirit creates its oppo- [5]</l> +<l>site, named matter,—are conclusions that destroy their</l> +<l>premise and prove themselves invalid. Here is where</l> +<l>Christian Science sticks to its text, and other systems</l> +<l>of religion abandon their own logic. Here also is found</l> +<l>the pith of the basal statement, the cardinal point in [10]</l> +<l>Christian Science, that matter and evil (including all</l> +<l>inharmony, sin, disease, death) are <emph>unreal</emph>. Mortals</l> +<l>accept natural science, wherein no species ever pro-</l> +<l>duces its opposite. Then why not accept divine Sci-</l> +<l>ence on this ground? since the Scriptures maintain [15]</l> +<l>this fact by parable and proof, asking, <q rend='pre'>Do men</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?</q> +<q rend='pre'>Doth a</q></l> +<l>fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and</l> +<l><q rend='post'>bitter?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>According to reason and revelation, evil and matter [20]</l> +<l>are negation: for evil signifies the absence of good, God,</l> +<l>though God is ever present; and matter claims some-</l> +<l>thing besides God, when God is really <emph>All</emph>. Creation,</l> +<l>evolution, or manifestation,—being in and of Spirit,</l> +<l>Mind, and all that really is,—must be spiritual and [25]</l> +<l>mental. This is Science, and is susceptible of proof.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But, say you, is a stone spiritual?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To erring material sense, No! but to unerring spiritual</l> +<l>sense, it is a small manifestation of Mind, a type of spirit-</l> +<l>ual substance, <q>the substance of things hoped for.</q> [30]</l> +<l>Mortals can know a stone as substance, only by first ad-</l> +<l>mitting that it is substantial. Take away the mortal sense</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='028'/><anchor id='Pg028'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 28.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of substance, and the stone itself would disappear, only [1]</l> +<l>to reappear in the spiritual sense thereof. Matter can</l> +<l>neither see, hear, feel, taste, nor smell; having no sen-</l> +<l>sation of its own. Perception by the five personal senses</l> +<l>is mental, and dependent on the beliefs that mortals [5]</l> +<l>entertain. Destroy the belief that you can walk, and</l> +<l>volition ceases; for muscles cannot move without mind.</l> +<l>Matter takes no cognizance of matter. In dreams, things</l> +<l>are only what mortal mind makes them; and the phe-</l> +<l>nomena of mortal life are as dreams; and this so-called [10]</l> +<l>life is a dream soon told. In proportion as mortals turn</l> +<l>from this mortal and material dream, to the true sense</l> +<l>of reality, everlasting Life will be found to be the only</l> +<l>Life. That death does not destroy the beliefs of the flesh,</l> +<l>our Master proved to his doubting disciple, Thomas. Also, [15]</l> +<l>he demonstrated that divine Science alone can overbear</l> +<l>materiality and mortality; and this great truth was shown</l> +<l>is by his ascension after death, whereby he arose above</l> +<l>the illusion of matter.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The First Commandment, <q rend='pre'>Thou shalt have no other</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>gods before me,</q> suggests the inquiry, What meaneth</l> +<l>this Me,—Spirit, or matter? It certainly does not</l> +<l>signify a graven idol, and must mean Spirit. Then</l> +<l>the commandment means, Thou shalt recognize no</l> +<l>intelligence nor life in matter; and find neither pleasure [25]</l> +<l>nor pain therein. The Master's practical knowledge</l> +<l>of this grand verity, together with his divine Love,</l> +<l>healed the sick and raised the dead. He literally</l> +<l>annulled the claims of physique and of physical law,</l> +<l>by the superiority of the higher law; hence his decla- [30]</l> +<l>ration, <q rend='pre'>These signs shall follow them that believe;...</q></l> +<l>if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='029'/><anchor id='Pg029'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 29.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.</q> [1]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Do you believe his words? I do, and that his prom-</l> +<l>ise is perpetual. Had it been applicable only to his</l> +<l>immediate disciples, the pronoun would be <emph>you</emph>, not +<emph>them</emph>. [5]</l> +<l>The purpose of his life-work touches universal human-</l> +<l>ity. At another time he prayed, not for the twelve</l> +<l>only, but <q rend='pre'>for them also which shall believe on me through</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>their word.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Christ-healing was practised even before the Christ- [10]</l> +<l>ian era; <q rend='pre'>the Word was with God, and the Word was</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>God.</q> There is, however, no analogy between Christian</l> +<l>Science and spiritualism, or between it and any specu-</l> +<l>lative theory.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In 1867, I taught the first student in Christian Science. [15]</l> +<l>Since that date I have known of but fourteen deaths</l> +<l>in the ranks of my about five thousand students. The</l> +<l>census since 1875 (the date of the first publication of</l> +<l>my work, <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>tures</q>) shows that longevity has <emph>increased</emph>. +Daily letters [20]</l> +<l>inform me that a perusal of my volume is healing the</l> +<l>writers of chronic and acute diseases that had defied medi-</l> +<l>cal skill.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Surely the people of the Occident know that esoteric</l> +<l>magic and Oriental barbarisms will neither flavor Chris- [25]</l> +<l>tianity nor advance health and length of days.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Miracles are no infraction of God's laws; on the</l> +<l>contrary, they fulfil His laws; for they are the signs fol-</l> +<l>lowing Christianity, whereby matter is proven power-</l> +<l>less and subordinate to Mind. Christians, like students [30]</l> +<l>in mathematics, should be working up to those higher</l> +<l>rules of Life which Jesus taught and proved. Do we</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='030'/><anchor id='Pg030'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 30.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>really understand the divine Principle of Christianity [1]</l> +<l>before we prove it, in at least some feeble demonstra-</l> +<l>tion thereof, according to Jesus' example in healing the</l> +<l>sick? Should we adopt the <q>simple addition</q> in Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science and doubt its higher rules, or despair of [5]</l> +<l>ultimately reaching them, even though failing at first to</l> +<l>demonstrate all the possibilities of Christianity?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>St. John spiritually discerned and revealed the sum</l> +<l>total of transcendentalism. He saw the real earth and</l> +<l>heaven. They were spiritual, not material; and they [10]</l> +<l>were without pain, sin, or death. Death was not the</l> +<l>door to this heaven. The gates thereof he declared were</l> +<l>inlaid with pearl,—likening them to the priceless under-</l> +<l>standing of man's real existence, to be recognized here</l> +<l>and now. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The great Way-shower illustrated Life unconfined, un-</l> +<l>contaminated, untrammelled, by matter. He proved the</l> +<l>superiority of Mind over the flesh, opened the door to</l> +<l>the captive, and enabled man to demonstrate the law of</l> +<l>Life, which St. Paul declares <q rend='pre'>hath made me free from</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the law of sin and death.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The stale saying that Christian Science <q rend='pre'>is neither</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Christian nor science!</q> is to-day the fossil of wisdom-</l> +<l>less wit, weakness, and superstition. <q rend='pre'>The fool hath</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>said in his heart, There is no God.</q> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Take courage, dear reader, for any seeming mysti-</l> +<l>cism surrounding realism is explained in the Scripture,</l> +<l><q>There went up a mist from the earth [matter];</q> and</l> +<l>the mist of materialism will vanish as we approach spirit-</l> +<l>uality, the realm of reality; cleanse our lives in Christ's [30]</l> +<l>righteousness; bathe in the baptism of Spirit, and awake</l> +<l>in His likeness.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<pb n='031'/><anchor id='Pg031'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter III. Questions And Answers.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 31.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>What do you consider to be mental malpractice? [1]</hi> +</p> + +<lg> +<l>Mental malpractice is a bland denial of Truth,</l> +<l>and is the antipode of Christian Science. To</l> +<l>mentally argue in a manner that can disastrously</l> +<l>affect the happiness of a fellow-being—harm him [5]</l> +<l>morally, physically, or spiritually—breaks the Golden</l> +<l>Rule and subverts the scientific laws of being. This,</l> +<l>therefore, is not the use but the abuse of mental treat-</l> +<l>ment, and is mental malpractice. It is needless to</l> +<l>say that such a subversion of right is not scientific. Its [10]</l> +<l>claim to power is in proportion to the faith in evil, and</l> +<l>consequently to the lack of faith in good. Such false</l> +<l>faith finds no place in, and receives no aid from, the</l> +<l>Principle or the rules of Christian Science; for it denies</l> +<l>the grand verity of this Science, namely, that God, good, [15]</l> +<l>has <emph>all</emph> power.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This leaves the individual no alternative but to re-</l> +<l>linquish his faith in evil, or to argue against his own</l> +<l>convictions of good and so destroy his power to be or</l> +<l>to do good, because he has no faith in the <emph>omnipotence</emph> [20]</l> +<l>of God, good. He parts with his understanding of good,</l> +<l>in order to retain his faith in evil and so succeed with his</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='032'/><anchor id='Pg032'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 32.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>wrong argument,—if indeed he desires success in this [1]</l> +<l>broad road to destruction.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>How shall we demean ourselves towards the students</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>of disloyal students? And what about that clergyman's</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>remarks on <q>Christ and Christmas</q>?</hi> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>From this question, I infer that some of my students</l> +<l>seem not to know in what manner they should act towards</l> +<l>the students of false teachers, or such as have strayed</l> +<l>from the rules and divine Principle of Christian Science.</l> +<l>The query is abnormal, when <q rend='pre'>precept upon precept;</q> [10]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>line upon line</q> are to be found in the Scriptures, and in</l> +<l>my books, on this very subject.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In Mark, ninth chapter, commencing at the thirty-</l> +<l>third verse, you will find my views on this subject; love</l> +<l>alone is admissible towards friend and foe. My sym- [15]</l> +<l>pathies extend to the above-named class of students more</l> +<l>than to many others. If I had the time to talk with all</l> +<l>students of Christian Science, and correspond with them,</l> +<l>I would gladly do my best towards helping those un-</l> +<l>fortunate seekers after Truth whose teacher is straying [20]</l> +<l>from the straight and narrow path. But I have not mo-</l> +<l>ments enough in which to give to my own flock all the</l> +<l>time and attention that they need,—and charity must</l> +<l>begin at home.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Distinct denominational and social organizations and [25]</l> +<l>societies are at present necessary for the individual,</l> +<l>and for our Cause. But all people can and should be</l> +<l>just, merciful; they should never envy, elbow, slander,</l> +<l>hate, or try to injure, but always should try to bless their</l> +<l>fellow-mortals. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To the query in regard to some clergyman's com-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='033'/><anchor id='Pg033'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 33.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ments on my illustrated poem, I will say: It is the righteous [1]</l> +<l>prayer that avails with God. Whatever is wrong will</l> +<l>receive its own reward. The high priests of old caused</l> +<l>the crucifixion of even the great Master; and thereby</l> +<l>they lost, and he won, heaven. I love all ministers and [5]</l> +<l>ministries of Christ, Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All clergymen may not understand the illustrations</l> +<l>in <q>Christ and Christmas;</q> or that these refer not to</l> +<l>personality, but present the type and shadow of Truth's</l> +<l>appearing in the womanhood as well as in the manhood [10]</l> +<l>of God, our divine Father and Mother.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Must I have faith in Christian Science in order to be</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>healed by it?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This is a question that is being asked every day. It</l> +<l>has not proved impossible to heal those who, when they [15]</l> +<l>began treatment, had no faith whatever in the Science,</l> +<l>—other than to place themselves under my care, and</l> +<l>follow the directions given. Patients naturally gain con-</l> +<l>fidence in Christian Science as they recognize the help</l> +<l>they derive therefrom. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What are the advantages of your system of healing, over</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the ordinary methods of healing disease?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Healing by Christian Science has the following advantages:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>First</hi>: It does away with all material medicines, and [25]</l> +<l>recognizes the fact that, as mortal mind is the cause of</l> +<l>all <q>the ills that flesh is heir to,</q> the antidote for sickness,</l> +<l>as well as for sin, may and must be found in mortal mind's</l> +<l>opposite,—the divine Mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Second</hi>: It is more effectual than drugs; curing where [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='034'/><anchor id='Pg034'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 34.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>these fail, and leaving none of the harmful <q>after effects</q> [1]</l> +<l>of these in the system; thus proving that metaphysics</l> +<l>is above physics.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Third:</hi> One who has been healed by Christian Sci-</l> +<l>ence is not only healed of the disease, but is improved [5]</l> +<l>morally. The body is governed by mind; and mortal</l> +<l>mind must be improved, before the body is renewed</l> +<l>and harmonious,—since the physique is simply thought</l> +<l>made manifest.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is spiritualism or mesmerism included in Christian</hi> [10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Science?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>They are wholly apart from it. Christian Science is</l> +<l>based on divine Principle; whereas spiritualism, so far</l> +<l>as I understand it, is a mere speculative opinion and</l> +<l>human belief. If the departed were to communicate [15]</l> +<l>with us, we should see them as they were before death,</l> +<l>and have them with us; after death, they can no more</l> +<l>come to those they have left, than we, in our present state</l> +<l>of existence, can go to the departed or the adult can re-</l> +<l>turn to his boyhood. We may pass on to their state [20]</l> +<l>of existence, but they cannot return to ours. Man is</l> +<l><emph>im</emph>-mortal, and there is not a moment when he ceases to</l> +<l>exist. All that are called <q>communications from spirits,</q></l> +<l>lie within the realm of mortal thought on this present plane</l> +<l>of existence, and are the antipodes of Christian Science; [25]</l> +<l>the immortal and mortal are as direct opposites as light</l> +<l>and darkness.</l> +</lg> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Who is the Founder of mental healing?</hi> +</p> + +<lg> +<l>The author of <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key to the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Scriptures,</q> who discovered the Science of healing em- [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='035'/><anchor id='Pg035'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 35.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>bodied in her works. Years of practical proof, through [1]</l> +<l>homœopathy, revealed to her the fact that Mind, in-</l> +<l>stead of matter, is the Principle of pathology; and</l> +<l>subsequently her recovery, through the supremacy of</l> +<l>Mind over matter, from a severe casualty pronounced [5]</l> +<l>by the physicians incurable, sealed that proof with the</l> +<l>signet of Christian Science. In 1883, a million of peo-</l> +<l>ple acknowledge and attest the blessings of this mental</l> +<l>system of treating disease. Perhaps the following</l> +<l>words of her husband, the late Dr. Asa G. Eddy, [10]</l> +<l>afford the most concise, yet complete, summary of the</l> +<l>matter:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Mrs, Eddy's works are the outgrowths of her life.</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>I never knew so unselfish an individual.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Will the book Science and Health, that you offer for sale</hi> +[15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>at three dollars, teach its readers to heal the sick,—or +is</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>one obliged to become a student under your personal in-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>struction? And if one is obliged to study under you, of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>what benefit is your book?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Why do we read the Bible, and then go to church to [20]</l> +<l>hear it expounded? Only because both are important.</l> +<l>Why do we read moral science, and then study it at</l> +<l>college?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>You are benefited by reading Science and Health, but</l> +<l>it is greatly to your advantage to be taught its Science [25]</l> +<l>by the author of that work, who explains it in detail.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What is immortal Mind?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In reply, we refer you to <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Key to the Scriptures,</q><note place='foot'>Quoted +from the sixth edition. [30]</note> Vol. I. page 14: <q rend='pre'>That which</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='036'/><anchor id='Pg036'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 36.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>is erring, sinful, sick, and dying, termed material or [1]</l> +<l>mortal man, is neither God's man nor Mind; but to be</l> +<l>understood, we shall classify evil and error as mortal</l> +<l>mind, in contradistinction to good and Truth, or the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Mind which is immortal.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Do animals and beasts have a mind?</hi> +</p> + +<lg> +<l>Beasts, as well as men, express Mind as their origin;</l> +<l>but they manifest less of Mind. The first and only</l> +<l>cause is the eternal Mind, which is God, and there is</l> +<l>but one God. The ferocious mind seen in the beast is [10]</l> +<l>mortal mind, which is harmful and proceeds not from</l> +<l>God; for His beast is the lion that lieth down with</l> +<l>the lamb. Appetites, passions, anger, revenge, subtlety,</l> +<l>are the animal qualities of sinning mortals; and the</l> +<l>beasts that have these propensities express the lower [15]</l> +<l>qualities of the so-called animal man; in other words,</l> +<l>the nature and quality of mortal mind,—not immortal</l> +<l>Mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What is the distinction between mortal mind and immortal</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Mind?</hi> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mortal mind includes all evil, disease, and death;</l> +<l>also, all beliefs relative to the so-called material laws,</l> +<l>and all material objects, and the law of sin and death.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scripture says, <q rend='pre'>The carnal mind [in other words,</q></l> +<l>mortal mind] is enmity against God; for it is not sub- [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>ject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.</q> Mortal</l> +<l>mind is an illusion; as much in our waking moments</l> +<l>as in the dreams of sleep. The belief that intelligence,</l> +<l>Truth, and Love, are in matter and separate from God,</l> +<l>is an error; for there is no intelligent evil, and no power [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='037'/><anchor id='Pg037'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 37.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>besides God, good. God would not be omnipotent if [1]</l> +<l>there were in reality another mind creating or governing</l> +<l>man or the universe.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Immortal Mind is God; and this Mind is made</l> +<l>manifest in all thoughts and desires that draw man- [5]</l> +<l>kind toward purity, health, holiness, and the spiritual</l> +<l>facts of being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus recognized this relation so clearly that he said,</l> +<l><q>I and my Father are one.</q> In proportion as we oppose</l> +<l>the belief in material sense, in sickness, sin, and death, [10]</l> +<l>and recognize ourselves under the control of God,</l> +<l>spiritual and immortal Mind, shall we go on to leave the</l> +<l>animal for the spiritual, and learn the meaning of those</l> +<l>words of Jesus, <q rend='pre'>Go ye into all the world ... heal the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>sick.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can your Science cure intemperance?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science lays the axe at the root of the tree.</l> +<l>Its antidote for all ills is God, the perfect Mind, which</l> +<l>corrects mortal thought, whence cometh all evil. God</l> +<l>can and does destroy the thought that leads to moral [20]</l> +<l>or physical death. Intemperance, impurity, sin of every</l> +<l>sort, is destroyed by Truth. The appetite for alcohol</l> +<l>yields to Science as directly and surely as do sickness</l> +<l>and sin.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Does Mrs. Eddy take patients?</hi> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>She now does not. Her time is wholly devoted to in-</l> +<l>struction, leaving to her students the work of healing;</l> +<l>which, at this hour, is in reality the least difficult of the</l> +<l>labor that Christian Science demands.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='038'/><anchor id='Pg038'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 38.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Why do you charge for teaching Christian Science, when</hi> [1]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>all the good we can do must be done freely?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When teaching imparts the ability to gain and main-</l> +<l>tain health, to heal and elevate man in every line of</l> +<l>life,—as this teaching certainly does,—is it un- [5]</l> +<l>reasonable to expect in return something to support</l> +<l>one's self and a Cause? If so, our whole system</l> +<l>of education, secular and religious, is at fault, and the</l> +<l>instructors and philanthropists in our land should ex-</l> +<l>pect no compensation. <q rend='pre'>If we have sown unto you</q> [10]</l> +<l>spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your</l> +<l><q rend='post'>carnal things?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>How happened you to establish a college to instruct in</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>metaphysics, when other institutions find little interest in</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>such a dry and abstract subject?</hi> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Metaphysics, as taught by me at the Massachusetts</l> +<l>Metaphysical College, is far from dry and abstract. It</l> +<l>is a Science that has the animus of Truth. Its practical</l> +<l>application to benefit the race, heal the sick, enlighten</l> +<l>and reform the sinner, makes divine metaphysics need- [20]</l> +<l>ful, indispensable. Teaching metaphysics at other col-</l> +<l>leges means, mainly, elaborating a man-made theory,</l> +<l>or some speculative view too vapory and hypothetical</l> +<l>for questions of practical import.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is it necessary to study your Science in order to be healed</hi> +[25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>by it and keep well?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is not necessary to make each patient a student</l> +<l>in order to cure his present disease, if this is what</l> +<l>you mean. Were it so, the Science would be of less</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='039'/><anchor id='Pg039'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 39.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>practical value. Many who apply for help are not [1]</l> +<l>prepared to take a course of instruction in Christian</l> +<l>Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To avoid being <emph>subject</emph> to disease, would require the</l> +<l>understanding of how you are healed. In 1885, this [5]</l> +<l>knowledge can be obtained in its genuineness at the</l> +<l>Massachusetts Metaphysical College. There are abroad</l> +<l>at this early date some grossly incorrect and false</l> +<l>teachers of what they term Christian Science; of such</l> +<l>beware. They have risen up in a day to make this claim; [10]</l> +<l>whereas the Founder of genuine Christian Science has</l> +<l>been all her years in giving it birth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can you take care of yourself?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God giveth to every one this <emph>puissance</emph>; and I have</l> +<l>faith in His promise, <q>Lo, I am with you alway</q>— [15]</l> +<l><emph>all the way</emph>. Unlike the M. D.'s, Christian Scientists</l> +<l>are not afraid to take their own medicine, for this</l> +<l>medicine is divine Mind; and from this saving, ex-</l> +<l>haustless source they intend to fill the human mind with</l> +<l>enough of the leaven of Truth to leaven the whole lump. [20]</l> +<l>There may be exceptional cases, where one Christian</l> +<l>Scientist who has more to meet than others needs support</l> +<l>at times; then, it is right to bear <q rend='pre'>one another's burdens,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and so fulfil the law of Christ.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>In what way is a Christian Scientist an instrument by</hi> [25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>which God reaches others to heal them, and what most</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>obstructs the way?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A Christian, or a Christian Scientist, assumes no more</l> +<l>when claiming to work with God in healing the sick,</l> +<l>than in converting the sinner. Divine help is as neces-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='040'/><anchor id='Pg040'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 40.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>sary in the one case as in the other. The scientific Prin- [1]</l> +<l>ciple of healing demands such cooperation; but this</l> +<l>unison and its power would be arrested if one were to</l> +<l>mix material methods with the spiritual,—were to min-</l> +<l>gle hygienic rules, drugs, and prayers in the same pro- [5]</l> +<l>cess,—and thus serve <q>other gods.</q> Truth is as</l> +<l>effectual in destroying sickness as in the destruction</l> +<l>of sin.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is often asked, <q rend='pre'>If Christian Science is the same</q></l> +<l>method of healing that Jesus and the apostles used, [10]</l> +<l>why do not its students perform as instantaneous cures</l> +<l><q rend='post'>as did those in the first century of the Christian era?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In some instances the students of Christian Science</l> +<l>equal the ancient prophets as healers. All true healing</l> +<l>is governed by, and demonstrated on, the same Princi- [15]</l> +<l>ple as theirs; namely, the action of the divine Spirit,</l> +<l>through the power of Truth to destroy error, discord</l> +<l>of whatever sort. The reason that the same results fol-</l> +<l>low not in every ease, is that the student does not in</l> +<l>every case possess sufficiently the Christ-spirit and its [20]</l> +<l>power to cast out the disease. The Founder of Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science teaches her students that they must possess</l> +<l>the spirit of Truth and Love, must gain the power</l> +<l>over sin in themselves, or they cannot be instantaneous</l> +<l>healers. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In this Christian warfare the student or practitioner</l> +<l>has to master those elements of evil too common to other</l> +<l>minds. If it is hate that is holding the purpose to kill</l> +<l>his patient by mental means, it requires more divine</l> +<l>understanding to conquer this sin than to nullify either [30]</l> +<l>the disease itself or the ignorance by which one unin-</l> +<l>tentionally harms himself or another. An element of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='041'/><anchor id='Pg041'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 41.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>brute-force that only the cruel and evil can send forth, is [1]</l> +<l>given vent in the diabolical practice of one who, having</l> +<l>learned the power of liberated thought to do good, per-</l> +<l>verts it, and uses it to accomplish an evil purpose. This</l> +<l>mental malpractice would disgrace Mind-healing, were it [5]</l> +<l>not that God overrules it, and causes <q>the wrath of man</q></l> +<l>to praise Him. It deprives those who practise it of the</l> +<l>power to heal, and destroys their own possibility of</l> +<l>progressing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The honest student of Christian Science is purged [10]</l> +<l>through Christ, Truth, and thus is ready for victory in</l> +<l>the ennobling strife. The good fight must be fought by</l> +<l>those who keep the faith and finish their course. Mental</l> +<l>purgation must go on: it promotes spiritual growth,</l> +<l>scales the mountain of human endeavor, and gains the [15]</l> +<l>summit in Science that otherwise could not be reached,</l> +<l>—where the struggle with sin is forever done.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can all classes of disease be healed by your method?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We answer, Yes. Mind is the architect that builds</l> +<l>its own idea, and produces all harmony that appears. [20]</l> +<l>There is no other healer in the case. If mortal mind,</l> +<l>through the action of fear, manifests inflammation and a</l> +<l>belief of chronic or acute disease, by removing the cause</l> +<l>in that so-called mind the effect or disease will disappear</l> +<l>and health will be restored; for health, <emph>alias</emph> harmony, [25]</l> +<l>is the normal manifestation of man in Science. The</l> +<l>divine Principle which governs the universe, including</l> +<l>man, if demonstrated, is sufficient for all emergencies.</l> +<l>But the practitioner may not always prove equal to</l> +<l>bringing out the result of the Principle that he knows to [30]</l> +<l>be true.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='042'/><anchor id='Pg042'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 42.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>After the change called death takes place, do we meet</hi> [1]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>those gone before?—or does life continue in thought +only</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>as in a dream?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man is not annihilated, nor does he lose his identity,</l> +<l>by passing through the belief called death. After the [5]</l> +<l>momentary belief of dying passes from mortal mind, this</l> +<l>mind is still in a conscious state of existence; and the in-</l> +<l>dividual has but passed through a moment of extreme</l> +<l>mortal fear, to awaken with thoughts, and being, as</l> +<l>material as before. Science and Health clearly states [10]</l> +<l>that spiritualization of thought is not attained by the death</l> +<l>of the body, but by a conscious union with God. When</l> +<l>we shall have passed the ordeal called death, or destroyed</l> +<l>this last enemy, and shall have come upon the same plane</l> +<l>of conscious existence with those gone before, then we [15]</l> +<l>shall be able to communicate with and to recognize them.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If, before the change whereby we meet the dear de-</l> +<l>parted, our life-work proves to have been well done, we</l> +<l>shall not have to repeat it; but our joys and means of ad-</l> +<l>vancing will be proportionately increased. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The difference between a belief of material existence</l> +<l>and the spiritual fact of Life is, that the former is a dream</l> +<l>and unreal, while the latter is real and eternal. Only</l> +<l>as we understand God, and learn that good, not evil,</l> +<l>lives and is immortal, that immortality exists only in [25]</l> +<l>spiritual perfection, shall we drop our false sense of Life</l> +<l>in sin or sense material, and recognize a better state of</l> +<l>existence.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can I be treated without being present during treatment?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mind is not confined to limits; and nothing but our [30]</l> +<l>own false admissions prevent us from demonstrating this</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='043'/><anchor id='Pg043'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 43.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>great fact. Christian Science, recognizing the capabili- [1]</l> +<l>ties of Mind to act of itself, and independent of matter,</l> +<l>enables one to heal cases without even having seen the</l> +<l>individual,—or simply after having been made ac-</l> +<l>quainted with the mental condition of the patient. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Do all who at present claim to be teaching Christian</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Science, teach it correctly?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>By no means: Christian Science is not sufficiently un-</l> +<l>derstood for that. The student of this Science who under-</l> +<l>stands it best, is the one least likely to pour into other [10]</l> +<l>minds a trifling sense of it as being adequate to make safe</l> +<l>and successful practitioners. The simple sense one gains</l> +<l>of this Science through careful, unbiased, contemplative</l> +<l>reading of my books, is far more advantageous to the</l> +<l>sick and to the learner than is or can be the spurious [15]</l> +<l>teaching of those who are spiritually unqualified. The</l> +<l>sad fact at this early writing is, that the letter is gained</l> +<l>sooner than the spirit of Christian Science: time is re-</l> +<l>quired thoroughly to qualify students for the great ordeal</l> +<l>of this century. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If one student tries to undermine another, such sinister</l> +<l>rivalry does a vast amount of injury to the Cause. To</l> +<l>fill one's pocket at the expense of his conscience, or to</l> +<l>build on the downfall of others, incapacitates one to</l> +<l>practise or teach Christian Science. The occasional tem- [25]</l> +<l>porary success of such an one is owing, in part, to the im-</l> +<l>possibility for those unacquainted with the mighty Truth</l> +<l>of <emph>Christian</emph> Science to recognize, as such, the barefaced</l> +<l>errors that are taught—and the damaging effects these</l> +<l>leave on the practice of the learner, on the Cause, and [30]</l> +<l>on the health of the community.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='044'/><anchor id='Pg044'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 44.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Honest students speak the truth <q rend='pre'>according to the</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>pattern showed to thee in the mount,</q> and live it: these</l> +<l>are not working for emoluments, and may profitably</l> +<l>teach people, who are ready to investigate this subject,</l> +<l>the rudiments of Christian Science. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can Christian Science cure acute cases where there is</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>necessity for immediate relief, as in membranous croup?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The remedial power of Christian Science is positive,</l> +<l>and its application direct. It cannot fail to heal in</l> +<l>every case of disease, when conducted by one who un- [10]</l> +<l>derstands this Science sufficiently to demonstrate its</l> +<l>highest possibilities.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If I have the toothache, and nothing stops it until I</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>have the tooth extracted, and then the pain ceases, has</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the mind, or extracting, or both, caused the pain to</hi> [15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>cease?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What you thought was pain in the bone or nerve, could</l> +<l>only have been a belief of pain in matter; for matter</l> +<l>has no sensation. It was a state of mortal thought made</l> +<l>manifest in the flesh. You call this body matter, when [20]</l> +<l>awake, or when asleep in a dream. That matter can re-</l> +<l>report pain, or that mind is <emph>in</emph> matter, reporting sensa-</l> +<l>tions, is but a dream at all times. You believed that if</l> +<l>the tooth were extracted, the pain would cease: this de-</l> +<l>mand of mortal thought once met, your belief assumed [25]</l> +<l>a new form, and said, There is no more pain. When</l> +<l>your belief in pain ceases, the pain stops; for matter</l> +<l>has no intelligence of its own. By applying this men-</l> +<l>tal remedy or antidote directly to your belief, you scien-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='045'/><anchor id='Pg045'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 45.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>tifically prove the fact that Mind is supreme. This is not [1]</l> +<l>done by will-power, for that is not Science but mesmerism.</l> +<l>The full understanding that God is Mind, and that mat-</l> +<l>ter is but a belief, enables you to control pain. Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science, by means of its Principle of metaphysical [5]</l> +<l>healing, is able to do more than to heal a toothache;</l> +<l>although its power to allay fear, prevent inflammation,</l> +<l>and destroy the necessity for ether—thereby avoiding</l> +<l>the fatal results that frequently follow the use of that</l> +<l>drug—render this Science invaluable in the practice [10]</l> +<l>of dentistry.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can an atheist or a profane man be cured by metaphysics,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>or Christian Science?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The moral status of the man demands the remedy of</l> +<l>Truth more in this than in most cases; therefore, under [15]</l> +<l>the deific law that supply invariably meets demand, this</l> +<l>Science is effectual in treating moral ailments. Sin is</l> +<l>not the master of divine Science, but <hi rend='italic'>vice versa</hi>; and</l> +<l>when Science in a single instance decides the conflict,</l> +<l>the patient is better both morally and physically. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If God made all that was made, and it was good, where</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>did evil originate?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It never originated or existed as an entity. It is but a</l> +<l>false belief; even the belief that God is not what the</l> +<l>Scriptures imply Him to be, All-in-all, but that there [25]</l> +<l>is an opposite intelligence or mind termed evil. This</l> +<l>error of belief is idolatry, having <q>other gods before me.</q></l> +<l>In John i. 3 we read, <q rend='pre'>All things were made by Him;</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and without Him was not anything made that was made.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='046'/><anchor id='Pg046'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 46.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The admission of the reality of evil perpetuates the belief [1]</l> +<l>or faith in evil. The Scriptures declare, <q rend='pre'>To whom ye</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.</q></l> +<l>The leading self-evident proposition of Christian Science</l> +<l>is: good being real, evil, good's opposite, is unreal. This [5]</l> +<l>truism needs only to be tested scientifically to be found</l> +<l>true, and adapted to destroy the appearance of evil to an</l> +<l>extent beyond the power of any doctrine previously</l> +<l>entertained.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Do you teach that you are equal with God?</hi> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A reader of my writings would not present this ques-</l> +<l>tion. There are no such indications in the premises or</l> +<l>conclusions of Christian Science, and such a misconcep-</l> +<l>tion of Truth is not scientific. Man is not equal with</l> +<l>his Maker; that which is formed is not cause, but effect, [15]</l> +<l>and has no power underived from its creator. It is pos-</l> +<l>sible, and it is man's duty, so to throw the weight of his</l> +<l>thoughts and acts on the side of Truth, that he be ever</l> +<l>found in the scale <emph>with</emph> his creator; not weighing</l> +<l>equally with Him, but comprehending at every point, in [20]</l> +<l>divine Science, the full significance of what the apostle</l> +<l>meant by the declaration, <q rend='pre'>The Spirit itself beareth wit-</q></l> +<l>ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and</l> +<l>if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Christ.</q> In Science, man represents his divine Prin- [25]</l> +<l>ciple,—the Life and Love that are God,—even as the</l> +<l>idea of sound, in tones, represents harmony; but thought</l> +<l>has not yet wholly attained unto the Science of being,</l> +<l>wherein man is perfect even as the Father, his divine</l> +<l>Principle, is perfect. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='047'/><anchor id='Pg047'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 47.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>How can I believe that there is no such thing as matter,</hi> [1]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>when I weigh over two hundred pounds and carry about</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>this weight daily?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>By learning that matter is but manifest mortal mind.</l> +<l>You entertain an adipose belief of yourself as substance; [5]</l> +<l>whereas, substance means more than matter: it is the</l> +<l>glory and permanence of Spirit: it is that which is</l> +<l>hoped for but unseen, that which the material senses</l> +<l>cannot take in. Have you never been so preoccupied in</l> +<l>thought when moving your body, that you did this with- [10]</l> +<l>out consciousness of its weight? If never in your waking</l> +<l>hours, you have been in your night-dreams; and these</l> +<l>tend to elucidate your day-dream, or the mythical nature</l> +<l>of matter, and the possibilities of mind when let loose</l> +<l>from its own beliefs. In sleep, a sense of the body ac- [15]</l> +<l>companies thought with less impediment than when</l> +<l>awake, which is the truer sense of being. In Science,</l> +<l>body is the servant of Mind, not its master: Mind is</l> +<l>supreme. Science reverses the evidence of material</l> +<l>sense with the spiritual sense that God, Spirit, is the only [20]</l> +<l>substance; and that man, His image and likeness, is</l> +<l>spiritual, not material. This great Truth does not de-</l> +<l>stroy but substantiates man's identity,—together with</l> +<l>his immortality and preexistence, or his spiritual co-</l> +<l>existence with his Maker. That which has a beginning [25]</l> +<l>must have an ending.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What should one conclude as to Professor Carpenter's</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>exhibitions of mesmerism?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That largely depends upon what one accepts as either</l> +<l>useful or true. I have no knowledge of mesmerism, [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='048'/><anchor id='Pg048'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 48.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>practically or theoretically, save as I measure its demon- [1]</l> +<l>strations as a false belief, and avoid all that works ill. If</l> +<l>mesmerism has the power attributed to it by the gentle-</l> +<l>man referred to, it should neither be taught nor practised,</l> +<l>but should be conscientiously condemned. One thing [5]</l> +<l>is quite apparent; namely, that its so-called power is</l> +<l>despotic, and Mr. Carpenter deserves praise for his public</l> +<l>exposure of it. If such be its power, I am opposed to it,</l> +<l>as to every form of error,—whether of ignorance or</l> +<l>fanaticism, prompted by money-making or malice. It [10]</l> +<l>is enough for me to know that animal magnetism is neither</l> +<l>of God nor Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is alleged that at one of his recent lectures in Bos-</l> +<l>ton Mr. Carpenter made a man drunk on water, and</l> +<l>then informed his audience that he could produce the [15]</l> +<l>effect of alcohol, or of any drug, on the human system,</l> +<l>through the action of mind alone. This honest declara-</l> +<l>tion as to the animus of animal magnetism and the pos-</l> +<l>sible purpose to which it can be devoted, has, we trust,</l> +<l>been made in season to open the eyes of the people to the [20]</l> +<l>hidden nature of some tragic events and sudden deaths</l> +<l>at this period.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Was ever a person made insane by studying meta-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>physics?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Such an occurrence would be impossible, for the [25]</l> +<l>proper study of Mind-healing would cure the insane.</l> +<l>That persons have gone away from the Massachusetts</l> +<l>Metaphysical College <q rend='pre'>made insane by Mrs. Eddy's</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>teachings,</q> like a hundred other stories, is a baseless</l> +<l>fabrication offered solely to injure her or her school. [30]</l> +<l>The enemy is trying to make capital out of the follow-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='049'/><anchor id='Pg049'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 49.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ing case. A young lady entered the College class who, [1]</l> +<l>I quickly saw, had a tendency to monomania, and re-</l> +<l>quested her to withdraw before its close. We are cred-</l> +<l>ibly informed that, before entering the College, this</l> +<l>young lady had manifested some mental unsoundness, [5]</l> +<l>and have no doubt she could have been restored by</l> +<l>Christian Science treatment. Her friends employed a</l> +<l>homœopathist, who had the skill and honor to state, as his</l> +<l>opinion given to her friends, that <q rend='pre'>Mrs. Eddy's teach-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>ings had not produced insanity.</q> This is the only case [10]</l> +<l>that could be distorted into the claim of insanity ever</l> +<l>having occurred in a class of Mrs. Eddy's; while ac-</l> +<l>knowledged and notable cases of insanity have been</l> +<l>cured in her class.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If all that is mortal is a dream or error, is not</hi> [15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>our capacity for formulating a dream, real; is it not</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>God-made; and if God-made, can it be wrong, sinful, or</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>an error?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The spirit of Truth leads into all truth, and enables</l> +<l>man to discern between the real and the unreal. Enter- [20]</l> +<l>taining the common belief in the opposite of goodness,</l> +<l>and that evil is as real as good, opposes the leadings of</l> +<l>the divine Spirit that are helping man Godward: it pre-</l> +<l>vents a recognition of the nothingness of the dream, or</l> +<l>belief, that Mind is in matter, intelligence in non-intel- [25]</l> +<l>ligence, sin, and death. This belief presupposes not</l> +<l>only a power opposed to God, and that God is not All-</l> +<l>in-all, as the Scriptures imply Him to be, but that the</l> +<l>capacity to err proceeds from God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That God is Truth, the Scriptures aver; that Truth [30]</l> +<l>never created error, or such a capacity, is self-evident;</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='050'/><anchor id='Pg050'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 50.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>that God made all that was made, is again Scriptural; [1]</l> +<l>therefore your answer is, that error is an illusion of</l> +<l>mortals; that God is not its author, and it cannot be</l> +<l>real.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Does <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q></hi> +[5]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>explain the entire method of metaphysical healing, or is</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>there a secret back of what is contained in that book, as</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>some say?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q></l> +<l>is a complete textbook of Christian Science; and its [10]</l> +<l>metaphysical method of healing is as lucid in presenta-</l> +<l>tion as can be possible, under the necessity to express</l> +<l>the metaphysical in physical terms. There is absolutely</l> +<l>no additional secret outside of its teachings, or that gives</l> +<l>one the power to heal; but it is essential that the student [15]</l> +<l>gain the spiritual understanding of the contents of this</l> +<l>book, in order to heal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Do you believe in change of heart?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We do believe, and understand—which is more—</l> +<l>that there must be a change from human affections, de- [20]</l> +<l>sires, and aims, to the divine standard, <q rend='pre'>Be ye therefore</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>perfect;</q> also, that there must be a change from the be-</l> +<l>lief that the heart is matter and sustains life, to the</l> +<l>understanding that God is our Life, that we exist in</l> +<l>Mind, live thereby, and have being. This change of [25]</l> +<l>heart would deliver man from heart-disease, and ad-</l> +<l>vance Christianity a hundredfold. The human affections</l> +<l>need to be changed from self to benevolence and love</l> +<l>for God and man; changed to having but <emph>one</emph> God and</l> +<l>loving Him supremely, and helping our brother man. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='051'/><anchor id='Pg051'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 51.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>This change of heart is essential to Christianity, and [1]</l> +<l>will have its effect physically as well as spiritually,</l> +<l>healing disease. Burnt offerings and drugs, God does</l> +<l>not require.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is a belief of nervousness, accompanied by great mental</hi> [5]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>depression, mesmerism?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All mesmerism is of one of three kinds; namely, the</l> +<l>ignorant, the fraudulent, or the malicious workings of</l> +<l>error or mortal mind. We have not the particulars of</l> +<l>the case to which you may refer, and for this reason can- [10]</l> +<l>not answer your question professionally.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>How can I govern a child metaphysically? Doesn't the</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>use of the rod teach him life in matter?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The use of the rod is virtually a declaration to the</l> +<l>child's mind that sensation belongs to matter. Motives [15]</l> +<l>govern acts, and Mind governs man. If you make clear</l> +<l>to the child's thought the right motives for action, and</l> +<l>cause him to love them, they will lead him aright: if you</l> +<l>educate him to love God, good, and obey the Golden</l> +<l>Rule, he will love and obey you without your having to [20]</l> +<l>resort to corporeal punishment.</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>"When from the lips of Truth one mighty breath</q></l> +<l>Shall, like a whirlwind, scatter in its breeze</l> +<l>The whole dark pile of human mockeries;</l> +<l>Then shall the reign of Mind commence on earth, [25]</l> +<l>And starting fresh, as from a second birth,</l> +<l>Man in the sunshine of the world's new spring,</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Shall walk transparent like some holy thing.</q></l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Are both prayer and drugs necessary to heal?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The apostle James said, <q rend='pre'>Ye ask, and receive not,</q> [30]</l> +<l>because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='052'/><anchor id='Pg052'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 52.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>lusts.</q> This text may refer to such as seek the material [1]</l> +<l>to aid the spiritual, and take drugs to support God's</l> +<l>power to heal them. It is difficult to say how much</l> +<l>one can do for himself, whose faith is divided be-</l> +<l>tween catnip and Christ; but not so difficult to know [5]</l> +<l>that if he were to serve one master, he could do vastly</l> +<l>more. Whosoever understands the power of Spirit, has</l> +<l>no doubt of God's power,—even the might of Truth,—</l> +<l>to heal, through divine Science, beyond all human means</l> +<l>and methods. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What do you think of marriage?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That it is often convenient, sometimes pleasant, and</l> +<l>occasionally a love affair. Marriage is susceptible of</l> +<l>many definitions. It sometimes presents the most</l> +<l>wretched condition of human existence. To be normal, [15]</l> +<l>it must be a union of the affections that tends to lift</l> +<l>mortals higher.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If this life is a dream not dispelled, but only changed,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>by death,—if one gets tired of it, why not commit</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>suicide?</hi> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man's existence is a problem to be wrought in divine</l> +<l>Science. What progress would a student of science</l> +<l>make, if, when tired of mathematics or failing to dem-</l> +<l>onstrate one rule readily, he should attempt to work</l> +<l>out a rule farther on and more difficult—and this, [25]</l> +<l>because the first rule was not easily demonstrated? In</l> +<l>that case he would be obliged to turn back and work</l> +<l>out the previous example, before solving the advanced</l> +<l>problem. Mortals have the sum of being to work out,</l> +<l>and up, to its spiritual standpoint. They must work [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='053'/><anchor id='Pg053'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 53.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>out of this dream or false claim of sensation and life [1]</l> +<l>in matter, and up to the spiritual realities of existence,</l> +<l>before this false claim can be wholly dispelled. Com-</l> +<l>mitting suicide to dodge the question is not working</l> +<l>it out. The error of supposed life and intelligence in [5]</l> +<l>matter, is dissolved only as we master error with Truth.</l> +<l>Not through sin or suicide, but by <emph>overcoming</emph> tempta-</l> +<l>tion and sin, shall we escape the weariness and wicked-</l> +<l>ness of mortal existence, and gain heaven, the harmony</l> +<l>of being. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Do you sometimes find it advisable to use medicine to</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>assist in producing a cure, when it is difficult to start +the</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>patient's recovery?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>You only weaken your power to heal through Mind,</l> +<l>by any compromise with matter; which is virtually ac- [15]</l> +<l>knowledging that under difficulties the former is not equal</l> +<l>to the latter. He that resorts to physics, seeks what is</l> +<l>below instead of above the standard of metaphysics;</l> +<l>showing his ignorance of the meaning of the term and</l> +<l>of Christian Science. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If Christian Science is the same as Jesus taught, why is</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>it not more simple, so that all can readily understand it?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The teachings of Jesus were simple; and yet he found</l> +<l>it difficult to make the rulers understand, because of</l> +<l>their great lack of spirituality. Christian Science is [25]</l> +<l>simple, and readily understood by the children; only</l> +<l>the thought educated away from it finds it abstract or</l> +<l>difficult to perceive. Its seeming abstraction is the</l> +<l>mystery of godliness; and godliness is simple to the</l> +<l>godly; but to the unspiritual, the ungodly, it is dark [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='054'/><anchor id='Pg054'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 54.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and difficult. The carnal mind cannot discern spiritual [1]</l> +<l>things.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Has Mrs. Eddy lost her power to heal?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Has the sun forgotten to shine, and the planets to</l> +<l>revolve around it? Who is it that discovered, dem- [5]</l> +<l>onstrated, and teaches Christian Science? That one,</l> +<l>whoever it be, does understand something of what can-</l> +<l>not be lost. Thousands in the field of metaphysical</l> +<l>healing, whose lives are worthy testimonials, are her</l> +<l>students, and they bear witness to this fact. Instead [10]</l> +<l>of losing her power to heal, she is demonstrating the</l> +<l>power of Christian Science over all obstacles that envy</l> +<l>and malice would fling in her path. The reading of her</l> +<l>book, <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q></l> +<l>is curing hundreds at this very time; and the sick, un- [15]</l> +<l>asked, are testifying thereto.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Must I study your Science in order to keep well all my</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>life? I was healed of a chronic trouble after one month's</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>treatment by one of your students.</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When once you are healed by Science, there is no rea- [20]</l> +<l>son why you should be liable to a return of the disease</l> +<l>that you were healed of. But not to be subject again to</l> +<l>any disease whatsoever, would require an understanding</l> +<l>of the Science by which you were healed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Because none of your students have been able to perform</hi> [25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>as great miracles in healing as Jesus and his disciples did,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>does it not suggest the possibility that they do not heal on</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the same basis?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>You would not ask the pupil in simple equations to</l> +<l>solve a problem involving logarithms; and then, because [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='055'/><anchor id='Pg055'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 55.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>he failed to get the right answer, condemn the pupil [1]</l> +<l>and the science of numbers. The simplest problem</l> +<l>in Christian Science is healing the sick, and the least</l> +<l>understanding and demonstration thereof prove all its</l> +<l>possibilities. The ability to demonstrate to the extent [5]</l> +<l>that Jesus did, will come when the student possesses as</l> +<l>much of the divine Spirit as he shared, and utilizes its</l> +<l>power to overcome sin.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Opposite to good, is the universal claim of evil that</l> +<l>seeks the proportions of good. There may be those [10]</l> +<l>who, having learned the power of the unspoken thought,</l> +<l>use it to harm rather than to heal, and who are using</l> +<l>that power against Christian Scientists. This giant sin</l> +<l>is the sin against the Holy Ghost spoken of in Matt.</l> +<l>xii. 31, 32. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is Christian Science based on the facts of both Spirit</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>and matter?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science is based on the facts of Spirit and</l> +<l>its forms and representations, but these facts are the</l> +<l>direct antipodes of the so-called facts of matter; and [20]</l> +<l>the eternal verities of Spirit assert themselves over their</l> +<l>opposite, or matter, in the final destruction of all that</l> +<l>is unlike Spirit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man knows that he can have one God only, when</l> +<l>he regards God as the only Mind, Life, and substance. [25]</l> +<l>If God is Spirit, as the Scriptures declare, and All-in-</l> +<l>all, matter is mythology, and its laws are mortal</l> +<l>beliefs.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If Mind is in matter and beneath a skull bone, it is</l> +<l>in something unlike Him; hence it is either a godless and [30]</l> +<l>material Mind, or it is God in matter,—which are theo-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='056'/><anchor id='Pg056'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 56.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ries of agnosticism and pantheism, the very antipodes [1]</l> +<l>of Christian Science</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What is organic life?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Life is inorganic, infinite Spirit; if Life, or Spirit,</l> +<l>were organic, disorganization would destroy Spirit and [5]</l> +<l>annihilate man.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If Mind is not substance, form, and tangibility, God</l> +<l>is substanceless; for the substance of Spirit is divine</l> +<l>Mind. Life is God, the only creator, and Life is im-</l> +<l>mortal Mind, not matter. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Every indication of matter's constituting life is mortal,</l> +<l>the direct opposite of immortal Life, and infringes the</l> +<l>rights of Spirit. Then, to conclude that Spirit consti-</l> +<l>tutes or ever has constituted laws to that effect, is a mor-</l> +<l>tal error, a human conception opposed to the divine [15]</l> +<l>government. Mind and matter mingling in perpetual</l> +<l>warfare is a kingdom divided against itself, that shall be</l> +<l>brought to desolation. The final destruction of this</l> +<l>false belief in matter will appear at the full revelation</l> +<l>of Spirit,—one God, and the brotherhood of man. [20]</l> +<l>Organic life is an error of statement that Truth destroys.</l> +<l>The Science of Life needs only to be understood; its dem-</l> +<l>onstration proves the correctness of my statements, and</l> +<l>brings blessings infinite.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Why did God command, <q rend='pre'>Be fruitful, and +multiply,</q></hi> [25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='post'>and replenish the earth,</q> +if all minds (men) have existed</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>from the beginning, and have had successive stages of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>existence to the present time?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Your question implies that Spirit, which first spirit-</l> +<l>ually created the universe, including man, created man [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='057'/><anchor id='Pg057'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 57.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>over again materially; and, by the aid of mankind, all [1]</l> +<l>was later made which <emph>He had made</emph>. If the first record</l> +<l>is true, what evidence have you—apart from the evi-</l> +<l>dence of that which you admit cannot discern spiritual</l> +<l>things—of any other creation? The creative <q>Us</q> [5]</l> +<l>made all, and Mind was the creator. Man originated</l> +<l>not from dust, materially, but from Spirit, spiritually.</l> +<l>This work had been done; the true creation was finished,</l> +<l>and its spiritual Science is alluded to in the first chapter</l> +<l>of Genesis. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus said of error, <q>That thou doest, do quickly.</q></l> +<l>By the law of opposites, after the truth of man had been</l> +<l>demonstrated, the postulate of error must appear. That</l> +<l>this addendum was untrue, is seen when Truth, God,</l> +<l>denounced it, and said: <q rend='pre'>I will greatly multiply thy</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>sorrow.</q> <q rend='pre'>In the day that +thou eatest thereof thou shalt</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>surely die.</q> The opposite error said, <q>I am true,</q> and</l> +<l>declared, <q rend='pre'>God doth know ... that your eyes shall be</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>opened, and ye shall be as gods,</q> creators. This was false;</l> +<l>and the Lord God never said it. This history of a falsity [20]</l> +<l>must be told in the name of Truth, or it would have no</l> +<l>seeming. The Science of creation is the universe with man</l> +<l>created spiritually. The false sense and error of creation</l> +<l>is the sense of man and the universe created materially.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Why does the record make man a creation of the sixth</hi> [25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>and last day, if he was coexistent with God?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In its genesis, the Science of creation is stated in mathe-</l> +<l>matical order, beginning with the lowest form and ascend-</l> +<l>ing the scale of being up to man. But all that really is,</l> +<l>always was and forever is; for it existed in and of the Mind [30]</l> +<l>that is God, wherein man is foremost.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='058'/><anchor id='Pg058'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 58.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If one has died of consumption, and he has no remem-</hi> [1]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>brance of that disease or dream, does that disease have any</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>more power over him?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Waking from a dream, one learns its <emph>unreality</emph>; then</l> +<l>it has no power over one. Waking from the dream of [5]</l> +<l>death, proves to him who thought he died that it was a</l> +<l>dream, and that he did not die; then he learns that con-</l> +<l>sumption did not kill him. When the belief in the power</l> +<l>of disease is destroyed, disease cannot return.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>How does Mrs. Eddy know that she has read and studied</hi> [10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>correctly, if one must deny the evidences of the senses?</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>She had to use her eyes to read.</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus said, <q>Having eyes, see ye not?</q> I read the in-</l> +<l>spired page through a higher than mortal sense. As</l> +<l>matter, the eye cannot see; and as mortal mind, it is a [15]</l> +<l>belief that sees. I may read the Scriptures through a</l> +<l>belief of eyesight; but I must spiritually understand</l> +<l>them to interpret their Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Does the theology of Christian Science aid its heal-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ing?</hi> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Without its theology there is no mental science, no</l> +<l>order that proceeds from God. All Science is divine,</l> +<l>not human, in origin and demonstration. If God does</l> +<l>not govern the action of man, it is inharmonious: if He</l> +<l>does govern it, the action is Science. Take away the [25]</l> +<l>theology of mental healing and you take away its science,</l> +<l>leaving it a human <q>mind-cure,</q> nothing more nor less,</l> +<l>—even one human mind governing another; by which,</l> +<l>if you agree that God is Mind, you admit that there is</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='059'/><anchor id='Pg059'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 59.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>more than one government and God. Having no true [1]</l> +<l>sense of the healing theology of Mind, you can neither</l> +<l>understand nor demonstrate its Science, and will prac-</l> +<l>tise your belief of it in the name of Truth. This is the</l> +<l>mortal <q>mind-cure</q> that produces the effect of mes- [5]</l> +<l>merism. It is using the power of human will, instead</l> +<l>of the divine power understood, as in Christian Science;</l> +<l>and without this Science there had better be no <q rend='pre'>mind-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>cure,</q>—in which the last state of patients is worse than</l> +<l>the first. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is it wrong to pray for the recovery of the sick?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Not if we pray Scripturally, with the understanding</l> +<l>that God <emph>has</emph> given all things to those who love Him;</l> +<l>but pleading with infinite Love to love us, or to restore</l> +<l>health and harmony, and then to admit that it has been [15]</l> +<l>lost under His government, is the prayer of doubt and</l> +<l>mortal belief that is unavailing in divine Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is not all argument mind over mind?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptures refer to God as saying, <q rend='pre'>Come now, and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>let us reason together.</q> There is but one right Mind, and [20]</l> +<l>that one should and does govern man. Any copartnership</l> +<l>with that Mind is impossible; and the only benefit in</l> +<l>speaking often one to another, arises from the success that</l> +<l>one individual has with another in leading his thoughts</l> +<l>away from the human mind or body, and guiding them [25]</l> +<l>with Truth. That individual is the best healer who as-</l> +<l>serts himself the least, and thus becomes a transparency</l> +<l>for the divine Mind, who is the only physician; the divine</l> +<l>Mind is the scientific healer.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='060'/><anchor id='Pg060'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 60.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>How can you believe there is no sin, and that God does</hi> [1]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>not recognize any, when He sent His Son to save from</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>sin, and the Bible is addressed to sinners? How can you</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>believe there is no sickness, when Jesus came healing the</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>sick? [5]</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To regard sin, disease, and death with less deference,</l> +<l>and only as the woeful unrealities of being, is the only</l> +<l>way to destroy them; Christian Science is proving this by</l> +<l>healing cases of disease and sin after all other means have</l> +<l>failed. The Nazarene Prophet could make the unreality [10]</l> +<l>of both apparent in a moment.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Does it not limit the power of Mind to deny the possi-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>bility of communion with departed friends—dead only in</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>belief?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Does it limit the power of Mind to say that addition [15]</l> +<l>is not subtraction in mathematics? The Science of Mind</l> +<l>reveals the impossibility of two individual sleepers, in</l> +<l>different phases of thought, communicating, even if touch-</l> +<l>ing each other corporeally; or for one who sleeps to</l> +<l>communicate with another who is awake. Mind's possi- [20]</l> +<l>bilities are not lessened by being confined and conformed</l> +<l>to the Science of being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If mortal mind and body are myths, what is the con-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>nection between them and real identity, and why are there</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>as many identities as mortal bodies?</hi> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Evil in the beginning claimed the power, wisdom, and</l> +<l>utility of good; and every creation or idea of Spirit has</l> +<l>its counterfeit in some matter belief. Every material be-</l> +<l>lief hints the existence of spiritual reality; and if mortals</l> +<l>are instructed in spiritual things, it will be seen that ma- [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='061'/><anchor id='Pg061'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 61.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>terial belief, in all its manifestations, reversed, will be [1]</l> +<l>found the type and representative of verities priceless,</l> +<l>eternal, and just at hand.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The education of the future will be instruction, in spir-</l> +<l>itual Science, against the material symbolic counterfeit [5]</l> +<l>sciences. All the knowledge and vain strivings of mortal</l> +<l>mind, that lead to death,—even when aping the wisdom</l> +<l>and magnitude of immortal Mind,—will be swallowed</l> +<l>up by the reality and omnipotence of Truth over error,</l> +<l>and of Life over death. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'><hi rend='italic'>Dear Mrs. Eddy</hi>:—In the October +<hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> I read</q></l> +<l>the following: <q rend='pre'>But the real man, who was created in the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>image of God, does not commit sin.</q> +<hi rend='italic'>What then does sin?</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What commits theft? Or who does murder?</hi> For instance,</l> +<l>the man is held responsible for the crime; for I went once [15]</l> +<l>to a place where a man was said to be <q rend='pre'>hanged for mur-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>der</q>—and certainly I saw him, or his effigy, dangling</l> +<l>at the end of a rope. This <q>man</q> was held responsible</l> +<l><q rend='post'>for the <q>sin.</q></q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What sins?</hi> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>According to the Word, man is the image and likeness</l> +<l>of God. Does God's essential likeness sin, or dangle at</l> +<l>the end of a rope? If not, what does? A culprit, a sinner,</l> +<l>—anything but a man! Then, what is a sinner? A</l> +<l>mortal; but man is <emph>immortal</emph>. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Again: mortals are the embodiments (or bodies, if</l> +<l>you please) of error, not of Truth; of sickness, sin, and</l> +<l>death. Naming these His embodiment, can neither make</l> +<l>them so nor overthrow the logic that man is God's like-</l> +<l>ness. Mortals seem very material; man in the likeness [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='062'/><anchor id='Pg062'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 62.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of Spirit is spiritual. Holding the <emph>right</emph> idea of man in my [1]</l> +<l>mind, I can improve my own, and other people's individ-</l> +<l>uality, health, and morals; whereas, the opposite image</l> +<l>of man, a sinner, kept constantly in mind, can no more</l> +<l>improve health or morals, than holding in thought the [5]</l> +<l>form of a boa-constrictor can aid an artist in painting a</l> +<l>landscape.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man is seen only in the true likeness of his Maker.</l> +<l>Believing a lie veils the truth from our vision; even as</l> +<l>in mathematics, in summing up positive and negative [10]</l> +<l>quantities, the negative quantity offsets an equal positive</l> +<l>quantity, making the aggregate positive, or true quantity,</l> +<l>by that much, less available.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Why do Christian Scientists hold that their theology is</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>essential to heal the sick, when +the mind-cure claims to heal</hi> [15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>without it?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The theology of Christian Science is Truth; opposed</l> +<l>to which is the error of sickness, sin, and death, that</l> +<l>Truth destroys.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A <q>mind-cure</q> is a matter-cure. An adherent to this [20]</l> +<l>method honestly acknowledges this fact in her work</l> +<l>entitled <q>Mind-cure on a Material Basis.</q> In that</l> +<l>work the author grapples with Christian Science, attempts</l> +<l>to solve its divine Principle by the rule of human mind,</l> +<l>fails, and ends in a parody on this Science which is amus- [25]</l> +<l>ing to astute readers,—especially when she tells them</l> +<l>that she is practising this Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The theology of Christian Science is based on the action</l> +<l>of the divine Mind over the human mind and body;</l> +<l>whereas, <q>mind-cure</q> rests on the notion that the human [30]</l> +<l>mind can cure its own disease, or that which it causes,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='063'/><anchor id='Pg063'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 63.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and the <emph>sickness of matter</emph>,—which is infidel in the one [1]</l> +<l>case, and anomalous in the other. It was said of old by</l> +<l>Truth-traducers, that Jesus healed through Beelzebub;</l> +<l>but the claim that one erring mind cures another one was</l> +<l>at first gotten up to hinder his benign influence and to hide [5]</l> +<l>his divine power.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our Master understood that Life, Truth, Love are the</l> +<l>triune Principle of all pure theology; also, that this divine</l> +<l>trinity is one infinite remedy for the opposite triad, sick-</l> +<l>ness, sin, and death. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If there is no sin, why did Jesus come to save sinners?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If there is no reality in sickness, why does a Chris-</l> +<l>tian Scientist go to the bedside and address himself to</l> +<l>the healing of disease, on the basis of its unreality?</l> +<l>Jesus came to seek and to save such as believe in the [15]</l> +<l>reality of the unreal; to save them from <emph>this false belief</emph>;</l> +<l>that they might lay hold of eternal Life, the great reality</l> +<l>that concerns man, and understand the final fact,—that</l> +<l>God is omnipotent and omnipresent; yea, <q rend='pre'>that the Lord</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>He is God; there is none else beside Him,</q> as the Scrip- [20]</l> +<l>tures declare.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If Christ was God, why did Jesus cry out, +<q rend='pre'>My God,</q></hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='post'>why hast Thou forsaken me?</q></hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Even as the struggling heart, reaching toward a higher</l> +<l>goal, appeals to its hope and faith, Why failest thou [25]</l> +<l>me? Jesus as the son of man was human: Christ as</l> +<l>the Son of God was divine. This divinity was reaching</l> +<l>humanity through the crucifixion of the human,—that</l> +<l>momentous demonstration of God, in which Spirit proved</l> +<l>its supremacy over matter. Jesus assumed for mortals the [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='064'/><anchor id='Pg064'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 64.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>weakness of flesh, that Spirit might be found <q>All-in-all.</q> [1]</l> +<l>Hence, the human cry which voiced that struggle;</l> +<l>thence, the way he made for mortals' escape. Our</l> +<l>Master bore the cross to show his power over death;</l> +<l>then relinquished his earth-task of teaching and dem- [5]</l> +<l>onstrating the nothingness of sickness, sin, and death,</l> +<l>and rose to his native estate, man's indestructible eternal</l> +<l>life in God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What can prospective students of the College take for</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>preliminary studies? Do you regard the study of litera-</hi> [10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ture and languages as objectionable?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Persons contemplating a course at the Massachusetts</l> +<l>Metaphysical College, can prepare for it through no</l> +<l>books except the Bible, and <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Key to the Scriptures.</q> Man-made theories are nar- [15]</l> +<l>row, else extravagant, and are always materialistic.</l> +<l>The ethics which guide thought spiritually must bene-</l> +<l>fit every one; for the only philosophy and religion that</l> +<l>afford instruction are those which deal with facts and</l> +<l>resist speculative opinions and fables. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Works on science are profitable; for science is not</l> +<l>human. It is spiritual, and not material. Literature</l> +<l>and languages, to a limited extent, are aids to a student</l> +<l>of the Bible and of Christian Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is it possible to know why we are put into this condition</hi> +[25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>of mortality?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is quite as possible to know wherefore man is thus</l> +<l>conditioned, as to be certain that he <emph>is</emph> in a state of</l> +<l>mortality. The only evidence of the existence of a mor-</l> +<l>tal man, or of a material state and universe, is gathered [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='065'/><anchor id='Pg065'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 65.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>from the five personal senses. This delusive evidence, [1]</l> +<l>Science has dethroned by repeated proofs of its falsity.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We have no more proof of human discord,—sin,</l> +<l>sickness, disease, or death,—than we have that the</l> +<l>earth's surface is flat, and her motions imaginary. If [5]</l> +<l>man's <foreign rend='italic'>ipse dixit</foreign> as to the stellar system is +correct, this</l> +<l>is because Science is true, and the evidence of the senses</l> +<l>is false. Then why not submit to the affirmations of</l> +<l>Science concerning the greater subject of human weal</l> +<l>and woe? Every question between Truth and error, [10]</l> +<l>Science must and will decide. Left to the decision of</l> +<l>Science, your query concerns a negative which the posi-</l> +<l>tive Truth destroys; for God's universe and man are</l> +<l>immortal. We must not consider the false side of exist-</l> +<l>ence in order to gain the true solution of Life and its [15]</l> +<l>great realities.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Have you changed your instructions as to the right way</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>of treating disease?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I have not; and this important fact must be, and al-</l> +<l>ready is, apprehended by those who understand my in- [20]</l> +<l>structions on this question. Christian Science demands</l> +<l>both law and gospel, in order to demonstrate healing,</l> +<l>and I have taught them both in its demonstration, and</l> +<l>with signs following. They are a unit in restoring the</l> +<l>equipoise of mind and body, and balancing man's ac- [25]</l> +<l>count with his Maker. The sequence proves that strict</l> +<l>adherence to one is inadequate to compensate for the</l> +<l>absence of the other, since both constitute the divine law</l> +<l>of healing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Jewish religion demands that <q rend='pre'>whoso sheddeth</q> [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed.</q> But this</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='066'/><anchor id='Pg066'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 66.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>law is not infallible in wisdom; and obedience thereto [1]</l> +<l>may be found faulty, since false testimony or mistaken</l> +<l>evidence may cause the innocent to suffer for the guilty.</l> +<l>Hence the gospel that fulfils the law in righteousness,</l> +<l>the genius whereof is displayed in the surprising wisdom [5]</l> +<l>of these words of the New Testament: <q rend='pre'>Whatsoever</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>a man soweth, that shall he also reap.</q> No possible</l> +<l>injustice lurks in this mandate, and no human mis-</l> +<l>judgment can pervert it; for the offender alone suffers,</l> +<l>and always according to divine decree. This sacred, [10]</l> +<l>solid precept is verified in all directions in Mind-</l> +<l>healing, and is supported in the Scripture by parallel</l> +<l>proof.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The law and gospel of Truth and Love teach, through</l> +<l>divine Science, that sin is identical with suffering, and [15]</l> +<l>that suffering is the lighter affliction. To reach the sum-</l> +<l>mit of Science, whence to discern God's perfect ways</l> +<l>and means, the material sense must be controlled by</l> +<l>the higher spiritual sense, and Truth be enthroned,</l> +<l>while <q rend='pre'>we look not at the things which are seen, but at</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the things which are not seen.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Cynical critics misjudge my meaning as to the sci-</l> +<l>entific treatment of the sick. Disease that is superin-</l> +<l>duced by sin is not healed like the more physical</l> +<l>ailment. The beginner in sin-healing must know this, or [25]</l> +<l>he never can reach the Science of Mind-healing, and</l> +<l>so <q>overcome evil with good.</q> Error in premise is met</l> +<l>with error in practice; yea, it is <q rend='pre'>the blind leading the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>blind.</q> Ignorance of the cause of disease can neither</l> +<l>remove that cause nor its effect. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I endeavor to accommodate my instructions to the</l> +<l>present capability of the learner, and to support the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='067'/><anchor id='Pg067'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 67.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>liberated thought until its altitude reaches beyond the [1]</l> +<l>mere alphabet of Mind-healing. Above physical wants,</l> +<l>lie the higher claims of the law and gospel of healing.</l> +<l>First is the law, which saith:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Thou shalt not commit adultery;</q> in other words, [5]</l> +<l>thou shalt not adulterate Life, Truth, or Love,—men-</l> +<l>tally, morally, or physically. <q>Thou shalt not steal;</q></l> +<l>that is, thou shalt not rob man of money, which is but</l> +<l>trash, compared with his rights of mind and character.</l> +<l><q>Thou shalt not kill;</q> that is, thou shalt not strike at the [10]</l> +<l>eternal sense of Life with a malicious aim, but shalt</l> +<l>know that by doing thus thine own sense of Life shall be</l> +<l>forfeited. <q>Thou shalt not bear false witness;</q> that is,</l> +<l>thou shalt not utter a lie, either mentally or audibly, nor</l> +<l>cause it to be thought. Obedience to these command- [15]</l> +<l>ments is indispensable to health, happiness, and length</l> +<l>of days.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The gospel of healing demonstrates the law of Love.</l> +<l>Justice uncovers sin of every sort; and mercy demands</l> +<l>that if you see the danger menacing others, you shall, [20]</l> +<l><foreign rend='italic'>Deo volente</foreign>, inform them thereof. +Only thus is the right</l> +<l>practice of Mind-healing achieved, and the wrong prac-</l> +<l>tice discerned, disarmed, and destroyed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Do you believe in translation?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If your question refers to language, whereby one ex- [25]</l> +<l>presses the sense of words in one language by equiva-</l> +<l>lent words in another, I do. If you refer to the removal</l> +<l>of a person to heaven, without his subjection to death,</l> +<l>I modify my affirmative answer. I believe in this</l> +<l>removal being possible after all the footsteps requisite [30]</l> +<l>have been taken up to the very throne, up to the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='068'/><anchor id='Pg068'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 68.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>spiritual sense and fact of divine substance, intelligence, [1]</l> +<l>Life, and Love. This translation is not the work of mo-</l> +<l>ments; it requires both time and eternity. It means more</l> +<l>than mere disappearance to the human sense; it must</l> +<l>include also man's changed appearance and diviner form [5]</l> +<l>visible to those beholding him here.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>The Rev. —— said in a sermon: A true Christian</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>would protest against metaphysical healing being called</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Christian Science. He also maintained that pain and</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>disease are not illusions but realities; and that it is not</hi> +[10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Christian to believe they are illusions. Is this so?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is unchristian to believe that pain and sickness are</l> +<l>anything <emph>but</emph> illusions. My proof of this is, that the</l> +<l>penalty for believing in their reality is the very pain and</l> +<l>disease. Jesus cast out a devil, and the dumb spake; [15]</l> +<l>hence it is right to know that the works of Satan are the</l> +<l>illusion and error which Truth casts out.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Does the gentleman above mentioned know the</l> +<l>meaning of divine metaphysics, or of metaphysical</l> +<l>theology? [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>According to Webster, metaphysics is defined thus:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>The science of the conceptions and relations which are</q></l> +<l>necessary to thought and knowledge; science of the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>mind.</q> Worcester defines it as <q rend='pre'>the philosophy of +mind,</q></l> +<l>as distinguished from that of matter; a science of which [25]</l> +<l>the object is to explain the principles and causes of</l> +<l><q rend='post'>all things existing,</q> Brande calls metaphysics +<q rend='pre'>the</q></l> +<l>science which regards the ultimate grounds of being, as</l> +<l><q rend='post'>distinguished from its phenomenal modifications.</q> +<q rend='pre'>A</q></l> +<l>speculative science, which soars beyond the bounds of [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>experience,</q> is a further definition.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='069'/><anchor id='Pg069'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 69.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Divine metaphysics is that which treats of the exist- [1]</l> +<l>ence of God, His essence, relations, and attributes. A</l> +<l>sneer at metaphysics is a scoff at Deity; at His goodness,</l> +<l>mercy, and might.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science is the unfolding of true metaphysics; [5]</l> +<l>that is, of Mind, or God, and His attributes. Science rests</l> +<l>on Principle and demonstration. The Principle of Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science is divine. Its rule is, that man shall utilize</l> +<l>the divine power.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In Genesis i. 26, we read: <q rend='pre'>Let us make man in</q> [10]</l> +<l>our image, after our likeness: and let them have</l> +<l>dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the air.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I was once called to visit a sick man to whom the</l> +<l>regular physicians had given three doses of Croton [15]</l> +<l>oil, and then had left him to die. Upon my arrival I</l> +<l>found him barely alive, and in terrible agony. In one</l> +<l>hour he was well, and the next day he attended to his</l> +<l>business. I removed the stoppage, healed him of en-</l> +<l>teritis, and neutralized the bad effects of the poison- [20]</l> +<l>ous oil. His physicians had failed even to move his</l> +<l>bowels,—though the wonder was, with the means</l> +<l>used in their effort to accomplish this result, that</l> +<l>they had not quite killed him. According to their</l> +<l>diagnosis, the exciting cause of the inflammation and [25]</l> +<l>stoppage was—eating smoked herring. The man is</l> +<l>living yet; and I will send his address to any one</l> +<l>who may wish to apply to him for information about</l> +<l>his case.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Now comes the question: Had that sick man dominion [30]</l> +<l>over the fish in his stomach?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>His want of control over <q>the fish of the sea</q> must</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='070'/><anchor id='Pg070'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 70.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>have been an illusion, or else the Scriptures misstate [1]</l> +<l>man's power. That the Bible is true I believe, not</l> +<l>only, but I <emph>demonstrated</emph> its truth when I exercised</l> +<l>my power over the fish, cast out the sick man's illu-</l> +<l>sion, and healed him. Thus it was shown that the [5]</l> +<l>healing action of Mind upon the body has its only ex-</l> +<l>planation in divine metaphysics. As a man <q rend='pre'>thinketh</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>in his heart, so is he.</q> When the mortal thought, or be-</l> +<l>lief, was removed, the man was well.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What did Jesus mean when he said to the dying thief,</hi> [10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q>To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise</q>?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Paradisaical rest from physical agony would come to</l> +<l>the criminal, if the dream of dying should startle him</l> +<l>from the dream of suffering. The paradise of Spirit</l> +<l>would come to Jesus, in a spiritual sense of Life and [15]</l> +<l>power. Christ Jesus lived and reappeared. He was too</l> +<l>good to die; for goodness is immortal. The thief was</l> +<l>not equal to the demands of the hour; but sin was de-</l> +<l>stroying itself, and had already begun to die,—as</l> +<l>the poor thief's prayer for help indicated. The dy- [20]</l> +<l>ing malefactor and our Lord were inevitably sepa-</l> +<l>rated through Mind. The thief's body, as matter,</l> +<l>must dissolve into its native nothingness; whereas the</l> +<l>body of the holy Spirit of Jesus was eternal. That</l> +<l>day the thief would be with Jesus only in a finite [25]</l> +<l>and material sense of relief; while our Lord would</l> +<l>soon be rising to the supremacy of Spirit, working</l> +<l>out, even in the silent tomb, those wonderful demon-</l> +<l>strations of divine power, in which none could equal his</l> +<l>glory. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='071'/><anchor id='Pg071'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 71.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is it right for me to treat others, when I am not entirely</hi> +[1]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>well myself?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The late John B. Gough is said to have suffered from</l> +<l>an appetite for alcoholic drink until his death; yet he</l> +<l>saved many a drunkard from this fatal appetite. Paul [5]</l> +<l>had a thorn in the flesh: one writer thinks that he was</l> +<l>troubled with rheumatism, and another that he had sore</l> +<l>eyes; but this is certain, that he healed others who were</l> +<l>sick. It is unquestionably right to do right; and heal-</l> +<l>ing the sick is a very right thing to do. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Does Christian Science set aside the law of transmission,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>prenatal desires, and good or bad influences on the unborn</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>child?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science never averts law, but supports it. All actual</l> +<l>causation must interpret omnipotence, the all-knowing [15]</l> +<l>Mind. Law brings out Truth, not error; unfolds divine</l> +<l>Principle,—but neither human hypothesis nor matter.</l> +<l>Errors are based on a mortal or material formation; they</l> +<l>are suppositional modes, not the factors of divine presence</l> +<l>and power. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whatever is humanly conceived is a departure from</l> +<l>divine law; hence its mythical origin and certain end.</l> +<l>According to the Scriptures,—St. Paul declares astutely,</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>things,</q>—man is incapable of originating; nothing can [25]</l> +<l>be formed apart from God, good, the all-knowing Mind.</l> +<l>What seems to be of human origin is the counterfeit</l> +<l>of the divine,—even human concepts, mortal shadows</l> +<l>flitting across the dial of time.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whatever is real is right and eternal; hence the im- [30]</l> +<l>mutable and just law of Science, that God is good only,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='072'/><anchor id='Pg072'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 72.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and can transmit to man and the universe nothing evil, [1]</l> +<l>or unlike Himself. For the innocent babe to be born a</l> +<l>lifelong sufferer because of his parents' mistakes or sins,</l> +<l>were sore injustice. Science sets aside man as a creator,</l> +<l>and unfolds the eternal harmonies of the only living and [5]</l> +<l>true origin, God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>According to the beliefs of the flesh, both good and</l> +<l>bad traits of the parents are transmitted to their help-</l> +<l>less offspring, and God is supposed to impart to man</l> +<l>this fatal power. It is cause for rejoicing that this belief [10]</l> +<l>is as false as it is remorseless. The immutable Word</l> +<l>saith, through the prophet Ezekiel, <q rend='pre'>What mean ye, that</q></l> +<l>ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying,</l> +<l>The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's</l> +<l>teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord God, [15]</l> +<l>ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb</l> +<l><q rend='post'>in Israel.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Are material things real when they are harmonious, and</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>do they disappear only to the natural sense? Does this</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Scripture, <q rend='pre'>Your heavenly Father knoweth +that ye have</q></hi> [20]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='post'>need of all these things</q> +imply that Spirit takes note of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>matter?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Science of Mind, as well as the material unii</l> +<l>verse, shows that nothing which is material is in</l> +<l>perpetual harmony. Matter is manifest mortal mind, [35]</l> +<l>and it exists only to material sense. Real sensation</l> +<l>is not material; it is, and must be, mental: and Mind</l> +<l>is not mortal, it is immortal. Being is God, infinite</l> +<l>Spirit; therefore it cannot cognize aught material, or</l> +<l>outside of infinity. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptural passage quoted affords no evidence of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='073'/><anchor id='Pg073'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 73.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the reality of matter, or that God is conscious of it. [1]</l> +<l>The so-called material body is said to suffer, but this</l> +<l>supposition is proven erroneous when Mind casts out</l> +<l>the suffering. The Scripture saith, <q rend='pre'>Whom the Lord</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>loveth He chasteneth;</q> and again, <q rend='pre'>He doth not</q> +[5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>afflict willingly.</q> Interpreted materially, these pas-</l> +<l>sages conflict; they mingle the testimony of immor-</l> +<l>tal Science with mortal sense; but once discern their</l> +<l>spiritual meaning, and it separates the false sense from</l> +<l>the true, and establishes the reality of what is spiritual, [10]</l> +<l>and the unreality of materiality.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Law is never material: it is always mental and moral,</l> +<l>and a commandment to the wise. The foolish disobey</l> +<l>moral law, and are punished. Human wisdom therefore</l> +<l>can get no farther than to say, He knoweth that we have [15]</l> +<l>need of experience. Belief fulfils the conditions of a be-</l> +<l>lief, and these conditions destroy the belief. Hence the</l> +<l>verdict of experience: We have need of <emph>these</emph> things; we</l> +<l>have need to know that the so-called pleasures and pains</l> +<l>of matter—yea, that all subjective states of false sensa- [20]</l> +<l>tion—are <emph>unreal</emph>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='pre'>And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto +you,</q></hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the</hi> [25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='post'>twelve tribes of Israel.</q></hi> +(Matt. xix. 28.) <hi rend='italic'>What is meant</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>by regeneration?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is the appearing of divine law to human under-</l> +<l>standing; the spiritualization that comes from spiritual</l> +<l>sense in contradistinction to the testimony of the so- [30]</l> +<l>called material senses. The phenomena of Spirit in</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='074'/><anchor id='Pg074'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 74.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science, and the divine correspondence of [1]</l> +<l>noumenon and phenomenon understood, are here signi-</l> +<l>fied. This new-born sense subdues not only the false</l> +<l>sense of generation, but the human will, and the un-</l> +<l>natural enmity of mortal man toward God. It quickly [5]</l> +<l>imparts a new apprehension of the true basis of being,</l> +<l>and the spiritual foundation for the affections which en-</l> +<l>throne the Son of man in the glory of his Father; and</l> +<l>judges, through the stern mandate of Science, all human</l> +<l>systems of etiology and teleology. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If God does not recognize matter, how did Jesus, who was</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q>the way, the truth, and the life,</q> cognize it?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christ Jesus' sense of matter was the opposite of that</l> +<l>which mortals entertain: his nativity was a spiritual and</l> +<l>immortal sense of the ideal world. His earthly mission [15]</l> +<l>was to translate substance into its original meaning,</l> +<l>Mind. He walked upon the waves; he turned the water</l> +<l>into wine; he healed the sick and the sinner; he raised</l> +<l>the dead, and rolled away the stone from the door of his</l> +<l>own tomb. His demonstration of Spirit virtually van- [20]</l> +<l>quished matter and its supposed laws. Walking the</l> +<l>wave, he proved the fallacy of the theory that matter is</l> +<l>substance; healing through Mind, he removed any sup-</l> +<l>position that matter is intelligent, or can recognize or</l> +<l>express pain and pleasure. His triumph over the grave [25]</l> +<l>was an everlasting victory for Life; it demonstrated the</l> +<l>lifelessness of matter, and the power and permanence</l> +<l>of Spirit. He met and conquered the resistance of the</l> +<l>world.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If you will admit, with me, that matter is neither [30]</l> +<l>substance, intelligence, nor Life, you may have all that</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='075'/><anchor id='Pg075'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 75.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>is left of it; and you will have touched the hem of the [1]</l> +<l>garment of Jesus' idea of matter, Christ was <q>the way;</q></l> +<l>since Life and Truth were the way that gave us, through</l> +<l>a human person, a spiritual revelation of man's possible</l> +<l>earthly development. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Why do you insist that there is but one Soul, and that</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Soul is not in the body?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>First:</hi> I urge this fundamental fact and grand verity</l> +<l>of Christian Science, because it includes a rule that must</l> +<l>be understood, or it is impossible to demonstrate the Sci- [10]</l> +<l>ence. Soul is a synonym of Spirit, and God is Spirit.</l> +<l>There is but one God, and the infinite is not within the</l> +<l>finite; hence Soul is one, and is God; and God is not in</l> +<l>matter or the mortal body.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Second:</hi> Because Soul is a term for Deity, and this [15]</l> +<l>term should seldom be employed except where the word</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>God</hi> can be used and make complete sense. The word</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Soul</hi> may sometimes be used metaphorically; but if this</l> +<l>term is warped to signify human quality, a substitution</l> +<l>of <hi rend='italic'>sense</hi> for <hi rend='italic'>soul</hi> +clears the meaning, and assists one to [20]</l> +<l>understand Christian Science. Mary's exclamation,</l> +<l><q>"My <emph>soul</emph> doth magnify the Lord,</q> is rendered in Sci-</l> +<l>ence, <q>My <emph>spiritual sense</emph> doth magnify the Lord;</q></l> +<l>for the name of Deity used in that place does not bring</l> +<l>out the meaning of the passage. It was evidently an [25]</l> +<l>illuminated sense through which she discovered the</l> +<l>spiritual origin of man. <q rend='pre'>The soul that sinneth, it shall</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>die,</q> means, that mortal man +(<hi rend='italic'>alias</hi> material sense) that</l> +<l>sinneth, shall die; and the commonly accepted view is</l> +<l>that <hi rend='italic'>soul</hi> is deathless. Soul is the divine Mind,—for +[30]</l> +<l>Soul cannot be formed or brought forth by human</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='076'/><anchor id='Pg076'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 76.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>thought,—and must proceed from God; hence it must [1]</l> +<l>be sinless, and destitute of self-created or derived capacity</l> +<l>to sin.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Third:</hi> Jesus said, <q rend='pre'>If a man keep my saying, +he</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>shall never see death.</q> This statement of our Master [5]</l> +<l>is true, and remains to be demonstrated; for it is the</l> +<l>ultimatum of Christian Science; but this immortal saying</l> +<l>can never be tested or proven true upon a false premise,</l> +<l>such as the mortal belief that soul is in body, and life</l> +<l>and intelligence are in matter. That doctrine is not [10]</l> +<l>theism, but pantheism. According to human belief the</l> +<l>bodies of mortals are mortal, but they contain immortal</l> +<l>souls! hence these bodies must die for these souls to</l> +<l>escape and be immortal. The theory that death must</l> +<l>occur, to set a human soul free from its environments, [15]</l> +<l>is rendered void by Jesus' divine declaration, who spake</l> +<l>as never man spake,—and no man can rationally reject</l> +<l>his authority on this subject and accept it on other topics</l> +<l>less important.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Now, exchange the term <emph>soul</emph> for <emph>sense</emph> whenever this [20]</l> +<l>word means the so-called soul in the body, and you will</l> +<l>find the right meaning indicated. The misnamed human</l> +<l>soul is material sense, which sinneth and shall die; for</l> +<l>it is an error or false sense of mentality in matter, and</l> +<l>matter has no sense. You will admit that Soul is the [25]</l> +<l>Life of man. Now if Soul sinned, it would die; for <q rend='pre'>the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>wages of sin is death.</q> The Scripture saith, +<q rend='pre'>When</q></l> +<l>Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also</l> +<l><q rend='post'>appear with him in glory.</q> The Science of Soul, Spirit,</l> +<l>involves this appearing, and is essential to the fulfilment [30]</l> +<l>of this glorious prophecy of the master Metaphysician,</l> +<l>who overcame the last enemy, death.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='077'/><anchor id='Pg077'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 77.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Did the salvation of the eunuch depend merely on his</hi> [1]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>believing that Jesus Christ was the Son of God?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It did; but this believing was more than faith in the</l> +<l>fact that Jesus was the Messiah. Here the verb <emph>believe</emph></l> +<l>took its original meaning, namely, to be <emph>firm</emph>,—yea, to [5]</l> +<l><emph>understand</emph> those great truths asserted of the Messiah:</l> +<l>it meant to discern and consent to that infinite demand</l> +<l>made upon the eunuch in those few words of the apostle.</l> +<l>Philip's requirement was, that he should not only ac-</l> +<l>knowledge the incarnation,—God made manifest through [10]</l> +<l>man,—but even the eternal unity of man and God, as</l> +<l>the divine Principle and spiritual idea; which is the in-</l> +<l>dissoluble bond of union, the power and presence, in</l> +<l>divine Science, of Life, Truth, and Love, to support their</l> +<l>ideal man. This is the Father's great Love that He [15]</l> +<l>hath bestowed upon us, and it holds man in endless</l> +<l>Life and one eternal round of harmonious being. It</l> +<l>guides him by Truth that knows no error, and with</l> +<l>supersensual, impartial, and unquenchable Love. To</l> +<l><emph>believe</emph> is to <emph>be firm</emph>. In adopting all this vast idea of +[20]</l> +<l>Christ Jesus, the eunuch was to <emph>know</emph> in whom he be-</l> +<l>lieved. To <emph>believe</emph> thus was to enter the spiritual sanctuary</l> +<l>of Truth, and there learn, in divine Science, somewhat</l> +<l>of the All-Father-Mother God. It was to understand</l> +<l>God and man: it was sternly to rebuke the mortal [25]</l> +<l>belief that man has fallen away from his first estate; that</l> +<l>man, made in God's own likeness, and reflecting Truth,</l> +<l>could fall into mortal error; or, that man is the father</l> +<l>of man. It was to enter unshod the Holy of Holies, where</l> +<l>the miracle of grace appears, and where the miracles of [30]</l> +<l>Jesus had their birth,—healing the sick, casting out</l> +<l>evils, and resurrecting the human <emph>sense</emph> to the belief</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='078'/><anchor id='Pg078'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 78.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>that Life, God, is not buried in matter. This is the spirit- [1]</l> +<l>ual dawn of the Messiah, and the overture of the</l> +<l>angels. This is when God is made manifest in the</l> +<l>flesh, and thus it destroys all sense of sin, sickness, and</l> +<l>death,—when the brightness of His glory encompasseth [5]</l> +<l>all being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can Christian Science Mind-healing be taught to those</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>who are absent?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Science of Mind-healing can no more be taught</l> +<l>thus, than can science in any other direction. I know [10]</l> +<l>not how to teach either Euclid or the Science of Mind</l> +<l>silently; and never dreamed that either of these partook</l> +<l>of the nature of occultism, magic, alchemy, or necro-</l> +<l>mancy. These <q>ways that are vain</q> are the inventions</l> +<l>of animal magnetism, which would deceive, if possible, [15]</l> +<l>the very elect. We will charitably hope, however, that</l> +<l>some people employ the <hi rend='italic'>et cetera</hi> +of ignorance and self-</l> +<l>conceit unconsciously, in their witless ventilation of false</l> +<l>statements and claims. Misguiding the public mind and</l> +<l>taking its money in exchange for this abuse, has become [20]</l> +<l>too common: we will hope it is the froth of error passing</l> +<l>off; and that Christian Science will some time appear all</l> +<l>the clearer for the purification of the public thought con-</l> +<l>cerning it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Has man fallen from a state of perfection?</hi> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If God is the Principle of man (and He is), man is the</l> +<l>idea of God; and this idea cannot fail to express the ex-</l> +<l>act nature of its Principle,—any more than goodness,</l> +<l>to present the quality of good. Human hypotheses are</l> +<l>always human vagaries, formulated views antagonistic [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='079'/><anchor id='Pg079'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 79.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>to the divine order and the nature of Deity. All these [1]</l> +<l>mortal beliefs will be purged and dissolved in the cru-</l> +<l>cible of Truth, and the places once knowing them will</l> +<l>know them no more forever, having been swept clean</l> +<l>by the winds of history. The grand verities of Science [5]</l> +<l>will sift the chaff from the wheat, until it is clear to hu-</l> +<l>man comprehension that man was, and is, God's perfect</l> +<l>likeness, that reflects all whereby we can know God. In</l> +<l>Him we live, move, and have being. Man's origin and</l> +<l>existence being in Him, man is the ultimatum of per- [10]</l> +<l>fection, and by no means the medium of imperfection.</l> +<l>Immortal man is the eternal idea of Truth, that cannot</l> +<l>lapse into a mortal belief or error concerning himself</l> +<l>and his origin: he cannot get out of the focal distance of</l> +<l>infinity. If God is upright and eternal, man as His like- [15]</l> +<l>ness is erect in goodness and perpetual in Life, Truth,</l> +<l>and Love. If the great cause is perfect, its effect is per-</l> +<l>fect also; and cause and effect in Science are immutable</l> +<l>and immortal. A mortal who is sinning, sick, and dying,</l> +<l>is not immortal man; and never was, and never can be, [20]</l> +<l>God's image and likeness, the true ideal of immortal</l> +<l>man's divine Principle. The spiritual man is that per-</l> +<l>fect and unfallen likeness, coexistent and coeternal with</l> +<l>God. <q rend='pre'>As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>made alive.</q> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>What course should Christian Scientists take in regard</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>to aiding persons brought before the courts for violation of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>medical statutes?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Beware of joining any medical league which in any</l> +<l>way obligates you to assist—because they chance to be [30]</l> +<l>under arrest—vendors of patent pills, mesmerists,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='080'/><anchor id='Pg080'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 80.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>occultists, sellers of impure literature, and authors of [1]</l> +<l>spurious works on mental healing. By rendering error</l> +<l>such a service, you lose much more than can be gained</l> +<l>by mere unity on the single issue of opposition to unjust</l> +<l>medical laws. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A league which obligates its members to give money</l> +<l>and influence in support and defense of medical char-</l> +<l>latans in general, and possibly to aid individual rights</l> +<l>in a wrong direction—which Christian Science eschews</l> +<l>—should be avoided. Anybody and everybody, who [10]</l> +<l>will fight the medical faculty, can join this league. It is</l> +<l>better to be friendly with cultured and conscientious</l> +<l>medical men, who leave Christian Science to rise or fall</l> +<l>on its own merit or demerit, than to affiliate with a wrong</l> +<l>class of people. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Unconstitutional and unjust coercive legislation and</l> +<l>laws, infringing individual rights, must be <q rend='pre'>of few days,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and full of trouble.</q> The <foreign lang='la' rend='italic'>vox +populi</foreign>, through the provi-</l> +<l>dence of God, promotes and impels all true reform; and,</l> +<l>at the best time, will redress wrongs and rectify injus- [20]</l> +<l>tice. Tyranny can thrive but feebly under our Govern-</l> +<l>ment. God reigns, and will <q>turn and overturn</q> until</l> +<l>right is found supreme.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In a certain sense, we should commiserate the lot of</l> +<l>regular doctors, who, in successive generations for cen- [25]</l> +<l>turies, have planted and sown and reaped in the fields</l> +<l>of what they deem pathology, hygiene, and therapeutics,</l> +<l>but are now elbowed by a new school of practitioners,</l> +<l>outdoing the healing of the old. The old will not patronize</l> +<l>the new school, at least not until it shall come to understand [30]</l> +<l>the medical system of the new.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science Mind-healing rests demonstrably on</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='081'/><anchor id='Pg081'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 81.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the broad and sure foundation of Science; and this is [1]</l> +<l>not the basis of <foreign lang='la' rend='italic'>materia medica</foreign>, +as some of the most skil-</l> +<l>ful and scholarly physicians openly admit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To prevent all unpleasant and unchristian action—as</l> +<l>we drift, by right of God's dear love, into more spiritual [5]</l> +<l>lines of life—let each society of practitioners, the matter-</l> +<l>physicians and the metaphysicians, agree to disagree, and</l> +<l>then patiently wait on God to decide, as surely He will,</l> +<l>which is the true system of medicine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Do we not see in the commonly accepted teachings of the</hi> [10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>day, the Christ-idea mingled with the teachings of John</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the Baptist? or, rather, Are not the last eighteen centuries</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>but the footsteps of Truth being baptized of John, and com-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ing up straightway out of the ceremonial (or ritualistic)</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>waters to receive the benediction of an honored Father, and</hi> +[15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>afterwards to go up into the wilderness, in order to over-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>come mortal sense, before it shall go forth into all the +cities</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>and towns of Judea, or see many of the people from beyond</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Jordan? Now, if all this be a fair or correct view of this</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>question, why does not John hear this voice, or see the</hi> [20]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>dove,—or has not Truth yet reached the shore?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Every individual character, like the individual John</l> +<l>the Baptist, at some date must cry in the desert of</l> +<l>earthly joy; and his voice be heard divinely and</l> +<l>humanly. In the desolation of human understanding, [25]</l> +<l>divine Love hears and answers the human call for help;</l> +<l>and the voice of Truth utters the divine verities of being</l> +<l>which deliver mortals out of the depths of ignorance</l> +<l>and vice. This <emph>is</emph> the Father's benediction. It gives</l> +<l>lessons to human life, guides the understanding, peoples [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='082'/><anchor id='Pg082'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 82.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the mind with spiritual ideas, reconstructs the Judean [1]</l> +<l>religion, and reveals God and man as the Principle and</l> +<l>idea of all good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Understanding this fact in Christian Science, brings</l> +<l>the peace symbolized by a dove; and this peace floweth [5]</l> +<l>as a river into a shoreless eternity. He who knew the</l> +<l>foretelling Truth, beheld the forthcoming Truth, as it</l> +<l>came up out of the baptism of Spirit, to enlighten and</l> +<l>redeem mortals. Such Christians as John cognize the</l> +<l>symbols of God, reach the sure foundations of time, stand [10]</l> +<l>upon the shore of eternity, and grasp and gather—in all</l> +<l>glory—what eye hath not seen.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is there infinite progression with man after the destruc-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>tion of mortal mind?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man is the offspring and idea of the Supreme Being, [15]</l> +<l>whose law is perfect and infinite. In obedience to this</l> +<l>law, man is forever unfolding the endless beatitudes of</l> +<l>Being; for he is the image and likeness of infinite Life,</l> +<l>Truth, and Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Infinite progression is concrete being, which finite [20]</l> +<l>mortals see and comprehend only as abstract glory. As</l> +<l>mortal mind, or the material sense of life, is put off,</l> +<l>the spiritual sense and Science of being is brought to</l> +<l>light.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mortal mind is a myth; the one Mind is immortal. [25]</l> +<l>A mythical or mortal sense of existence is consumed</l> +<l>as a moth, in the treacherous glare of its own flame—</l> +<l>the errors which devour it. Immortal Mind is God,</l> +<l>immortal good; in whom the Scripture saith <q rend='pre'>we live,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and move, and have our being.</q> This Mind, then, is not [30]</l> +<l>subject to growth, change, or diminution, but is the divine</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='083'/><anchor id='Pg083'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 83.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>intelligence, or Principle, of all real being; holding [1]</l> +<l>man forever in the rhythmic round of unfolding bliss,</l> +<l>as a living witness to and perpetual idea of inexhaustible</l> +<l>good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>In your book, Science and Health,<note place='foot'>Quoted +from the sixteenth edition.</note> page 181, you</hi> [5]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>say: <q rend='pre'>Every sin is the author of itself, and +every</q></hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='post'>invalid the cause of his own sufferings.</q> +On page</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>182 you say: <q rend='pre'>Sickness is a growth of illusion, +spring-</q></hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ing from a seed of thought,—either your own thought</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='post'>or another's.</q> +Will you please explain this seeming</hi> [10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>contradiction?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No person can accept another's belief, except it be</l> +<l>with the consent of his own belief. If the error which</l> +<l>knocks at the door of your own thought originated in</l> +<l>another's mind, you are a free moral agent to reject or [15]</l> +<l>to accept this error; hence, you are the arbiter of your</l> +<l>own fate, and sin is the author of sin. In the words</l> +<l>of our Master, you are <q rend='pre'>a liar, and the father of it</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>[the lie].</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Why did Jesus call himself <q>the Son of man</q>?</hi> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the life of our Lord, meekness was as conspicuous</l> +<l>as might. In John xvii. he declared his sonship with</l> +<l>God: <q rend='pre'>These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his</q></l> +<l>eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come;</l> +<l><q rend='post'>glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.</q> [25]</l> +<l>The hour had come for the avowal of this great truth,</l> +<l>and for the proof of his eternal Life and sonship. Jesus'</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='084'/><anchor id='Pg084'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 84.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>wisdom ofttimes was shown by his forbearing to speak, [1]</l> +<l>as well as by speaking, the whole truth. Haply he waited</l> +<l>for a preparation of the human heart to receive start-</l> +<l>ling announcements. This wisdom, which character-</l> +<l>ized his sayings, did not prophesy his death, and thereby [5]</l> +<l>hasten or permit it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The disciples and prophets thrust disputed points on</l> +<l>minds unprepared for them. This cost them their lives,</l> +<l>and the world's temporary esteem; but the prophecies</l> +<l>were fulfilled, and their motives were rewarded by [10]</l> +<l>growth and more spiritual understanding, which dawns</l> +<l>by degrees on mortals. The spiritual Christ was infal-</l> +<l>lible; Jesus, as material manhood, was not Christ. The</l> +<l><q>man of sorrows</q> knew that the man of joys, his spiritual</l> +<l>self, or Christ, was the Son of God; and that the mor- [15]</l> +<l>tal mind, not the immortal Mind, suffered. The human</l> +<l>manifestation of the Son of God was called the Son of</l> +<l>man, or Mary's son.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Please explain Paul's meaning in the text, <q rend='pre'>For to +me</q></hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'><q rend='post'>to live is Christ, and to die is gain.</q></hi> +[20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Science of Life, overshadowing Paul's sense of</l> +<l>life in matter, so far extinguished the latter as forever</l> +<l>to quench his love for it. The discipline of the flesh is</l> +<l>designed to turn one, like a weary traveller, to the home</l> +<l>of Love. To lose error thus, is to live in Christ, Truth. [25]</l> +<l>A true sense of the falsity of material joys and sorrows,</l> +<l>pleasures and pains, takes them away, and teaches Life's</l> +<l>lessons aright. The transition from our lower sense of</l> +<l>Life to a new and higher sense thereof, even though it be</l> +<l>through the door named death, yields a clearer and [30]</l> +<l>nearer sense of Life to those who have utilized the present,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='085'/><anchor id='Pg085'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 85.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and are ripe for the harvest-home. To the battle- [1]</l> +<l>worn and weary Christian hero, Life eternal brings</l> +<l>blessings.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is a Christian Scientist ever sick, and has he who is</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>sick been regenerated?</hi> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Christian Scientist learns spiritually all that he</l> +<l>knows of Life, and demonstrates what he understands.</l> +<l>God is recognized as the divine Principle of his being,</l> +<l>and of every thought and act leading to good. His pur-</l> +<l>pose must be right, though his power is temporarily lim- [10]</l> +<l>ited. Perfection, the goal of existence, is not won in a</l> +<l>moment; and regeneration leading thereto is gradual,</l> +<l>for it culminates in the fulfilment of this divine rule in</l> +<l>Science: <q rend='pre'>Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>which is in heaven is perfect.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The last degree of regeneration rises into the rest of</l> +<l>perpetual, spiritual, individual existence. The first</l> +<l>feeble fluttering of mortals Christward are infantile</l> +<l>and more or less imperfect. The new-born Christian</l> +<l>Scientist must mature, and work out his own salvation. [20]</l> +<l>Spirit and flesh antagonize. Temptation, that mist of</l> +<l>mortal mind which seems to be matter and the environ-</l> +<l>ment of mortals, suggests pleasure and pain in matter;</l> +<l>and, so long as this temptation lasts, the warfare is not</l> +<l>ended and the mortal is not regenerated. The pleas- [25]</l> +<l>ures—more than the pains—of sense, retard regenera-</l> +<l>tion; for pain compels human consciousness to escape</l> +<l>from sense into the immortality and harmony of Soul.</l> +<l>Disease in error, more than ease in it, tends to destroy</l> +<l>error: the sick often are thereby led to Christ, Truth, [30]</l> +<l>and to learn their way out of both sickness and sin.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='086'/><anchor id='Pg086'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 86.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The material and physical are imperfect. The in- [1]</l> +<l>dividual and spiritual are perfect; these have no fleshly</l> +<l>nature. This final degree of regeneration is saving, and</l> +<l>the Christian will, must, attain it; but it doth not yet</l> +<l>appear. Until this be attained, the Christian Scientist [5]</l> +<l>must continue to strive with sickness, sin, and death—</l> +<l>though in lessening degrees—and manifest growth at</l> +<l>every experience.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is it correct to say of material objects, that they are +noth-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ing and exist only in imagination?</hi> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><emph>Nothing</emph> and <emph>something</emph> are words which need correct</l> +<l>definition. They either mean formations of indefinite</l> +<l>and vague human opinions, or scientific classifications</l> +<l>of the unreal and the real. My sense of the beauty of</l> +<l>the universe is, that beauty typifies holiness, and is some- [15]</l> +<l>thing to be desired. Earth is more spiritually beautiful</l> +<l>to my gaze now than when it was more earthly to the</l> +<l>eyes of Eve. The pleasant sensations of human belief,</l> +<l>of form and color, must be spiritualized, until we gain the</l> +<l>glorified sense of substance as in the new heaven and [20]</l> +<l>earth, the harmony of body and Mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Even the human conception of beauty, grandeur, and</l> +<l>utility is something that defies a sneer. It is more than</l> +<l>imagination. It is next to divine beauty and the gran-</l> +<l>deur of Spirit. It lives with our earth-life, and is [25]</l> +<l>the subjective state of high thoughts. The atmos-</l> +<l>phere of mortal mind constitutes our mortal envi-</l> +<l>ronment. What mortals hear, see, feel, taste, smell,</l> +<l>constitutes their present earth and heaven: but we must</l> +<l>grow out of even this pleasing thraldom, and find wings [30]</l> +<l>to reach the glory of supersensible Life; then we shall</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='087'/><anchor id='Pg087'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 87.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>soar above, as the bird in the clear ether of the blue tem- [1]</l> +<l>poral sky.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To take all earth's beauty into one gulp of vacuity</l> +<l>and label beauty nothing, is ignorantly to caricature</l> +<l>God's creation, which is unjust to human sense and [5]</l> +<l>to the divine realism. In our immature sense of spirit-</l> +<l>ual things, let us say of the beauties of the sensuous</l> +<l>universe: <q rend='pre'>I love your promise; and shall know, some</q></l> +<l>time, the spiritual reality and substance of form, light,</l> +<l>and color, of what I now through you discern dimly; and [10]</l> +<l>knowing this, I shall be satisfied. Matter is a frail con-</l> +<l>ception of mortal mind; and mortal mind is a poorer</l> +<l>representative of the beauty, grandeur, and glory of the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>immortal Mind.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Please inform us through your Journal; if you sent</hi> [15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Mrs. —— to ——. She said that +you sent her there to look</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>after the students; and also, that no one there was working</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>in Science,—which is certainly a mistake.</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I never commission any one to teach students of mine.</l> +<l>After class teaching, he does best in the investigation of [20]</l> +<l>Christian Science who is most reliant on himself and</l> +<l>God. My students are taught the divine Principle and</l> +<l>rules of the Science of Mind-healing. What they need</l> +<l>thereafter is to study thoroughly the Scriptures and</l> +<l><q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> To [25]</l> +<l>watch and pray, to be honest, earnest, loving, and truth-</l> +<l>ful, is indispensable to the demonstration of the truth</l> +<l>they have been taught.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If they are haunted by obsequious helpers, who, un-</l> +<l>called for, imagine they can help anybody and steady [30]</l> +<l>God's altar—this interference prolongs the struggle</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='088'/><anchor id='Pg088'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 88.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and tends to blight the fruits of my students. A faith- [1]</l> +<l>ful student may even sometimes feel the need of</l> +<l>physical help, and occasionally receive it from others;</l> +<l>but the less this is required, the better it is for that</l> +<l>student. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Please give us, through your Journal, the name of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the author of that genuine critique in the September</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>number, <q>What Quibus Thinks.</q></hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I am pleased to inform this inquirer, that the author</l> +<l>of the article in question is a Boston gentleman whose [10]</l> +<l>thought is appreciated by many liberals. Patience, ob-</l> +<l>servation, intellectual culture, reading, writing, exten-</l> +<l>sive travel, and twenty years in the pulpit, have equipped</l> +<l>him as a critic who knows whereof he speaks. His allu-</l> +<l>sion to Christian Science in the following paragraph, [15]</l> +<l>glows in the shadow of darkling criticism like a mid-</l> +<l>night sun. Its manly honesty follows like a benediction</l> +<l>after prayer, and closes the task of talking to deaf ears</l> +<l>and dull debaters.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>We have always insisted that this Science is natural,</q> [20]</l> +<l>spiritually natural; that Jesus was the highest type of</l> +<l>real nature; that Christian healing is supernatural, or</l> +<l>extra-natural, only to those who do not enter into its</l> +<l>sublimity or understand its modes—as imported ice</l> +<l>was miraculous to the equatorial African, who had never [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>seen water freeze.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is it right for a Scientist to treat with a doctor?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This depends upon what kind of a doctor it is. Mind-</l> +<l>healing, and healing with drugs, are opposite modes of</l> +<l>medicine. As a rule, drop one of these doctors when you [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='089'/><anchor id='Pg089'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 89.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>employ the other. The Scripture saith, <q rend='pre'>No man can</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>serve two masters;</q> and, <q rend='pre'>Every kingdom divided</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>against itself is brought to desolation.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If Scientists are called upon to care for a member of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the family, or a friend in sickness, who is employing a</hi> [5]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>regular physician, would it be right to treat this patient</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>at all; and ought the patient to follow the doctor's</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>directions?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When patients are under material medical treatment,</l> +<l>it is advisable in most cases that Scientists do not treat [10]</l> +<l>them, or interfere with <foreign rend='italic'>materia medica</foreign>. +If the patient</l> +<l>is in peril, and you save him or alleviate his sufferings,</l> +<l>although the medical attendant and friends have no</l> +<l>faith in your method, it is humane, and not unchristian,</l> +<l>to do him all the good you can; but your good will gen- [15]</l> +<l>erally <q>be evil spoken of.</q> The hazard of casting <q rend='pre'>pearls</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>before swine</q> caused our Master to refuse help to some</l> +<l>who sought his aid; and he left this precaution for</l> +<l>others.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If mortal man is unreal, how can he be saved, and why</hi> [20]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>does he need to be saved? I ask for information, not for</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>controversy, for I am a seeker after Truth.</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>You will find the proper answer to this question in</l> +<l>my published works. Man is immortal. Mortal man</l> +<l>is a false concept that is not spared or prolonged by being [25]</l> +<l>saved from itself, from whatever is false. This salva-</l> +<l>tion means: saved from error, or error overcome. Im-</l> +<l>mortal man, in God's likeness, is safe in divine Science.</l> +<l>Mortal man is saved on this divine Principle, if he will</l> +<l>only avail himself of the efficacy of Truth, and recog- [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='090'/><anchor id='Pg090'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 90.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>nize his Saviour. He must know that God is omnipo- [1]</l> +<l>tent; hence, that sin is impotent. He must know that</l> +<l>the power of sin is the pleasure in sin. Take away this</l> +<l>pleasure, and you remove all reality from its power. Jesus</l> +<l>demonstrated sin and death to be powerless. This [5]</l> +<l>practical Truth saves from sin, and will save all who</l> +<l>understand it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Is it wrong for a wife to have a husband treated for</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>sin, when she knows he is sinning, or for drinking and</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>smoking?</hi> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is always right to act rightly; but sometimes, under</l> +<l>circumstances exceptional, it is inexpedient to attack</l> +<l>evil. This rule is forever golden: <q rend='pre'>As ye would that</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>men should do to you, do ye even so to them.</q> Do you</l> +<l>desire to be freed from sin? Then help others to be free; [15]</l> +<l>but in your measures, obey the Scriptures, <q rend='pre'>Be ye wise</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>as serpents.</q> Break the yoke of bondage in every wise</l> +<l>way. First, be sure that your means for doing good</l> +<l>are equal to your motives; then judge them by their</l> +<l>fruits. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>If not ordained, shall the pastor of the Church of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Christ, Scientist, administer the communion,—and</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>shall members of a church not organized receive the</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>communion?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our great Master administered to his disciples the [25]</l> +<l>Passover, or last supper, without this prerogative being</l> +<l>conferred by a visible organization and ordained priest-</l> +<l>hood. His spiritually prepared breakfast, after his</l> +<l>resurrection, and after his disciples had left their nets</l> +<l>to follow him, is the spiritual communion which Chris- [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='091'/><anchor id='Pg091'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 91.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>tian Scientists celebrate in commemoration of the Christ. [1]</l> +<l>This ordinance is significant as a type of the true worship,</l> +<l>and it should be observed at present in our churches.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is not indispensable to organize materially Christ's</l> +<l>church. It is not absolutely necessary to ordain pas- [5]</l> +<l>tors and to dedicate churches; but if this be done,</l> +<l>let it be in concession to the period, and not as a per-</l> +<l>petual or indispensable ceremonial of the church. If</l> +<l>our church is organized, it is to meet the demand,</l> +<l><q>Suffer it to be so now.</q> The real Christian compact [10]</l> +<l>is love for one another. This bond is wholly spiritual</l> +<l>and inviolate.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is imperative, at all times and under every cir-</l> +<l>cumstance, to perpetuate no ceremonials except as</l> +<l>types of these mental conditions,—remembrance and [15]</l> +<l>love; a real affection for Jesus' character and example.</l> +<l>Be it remembered, that all types employed in the ser-</l> +<l>vice of Christian Science should represent the most spir-</l> +<l>itual forms of thought and worship that can be made</l> +<l>visible. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Should not the teacher of Christian Science have our</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>textbook, <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures,</q></hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>in his schoolroom and teach from it?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I never dreamed, until informed thereof, that a loyal</l> +<l>student did not take his textbook with him into the class- [25]</l> +<l>room, ask questions from it, answer them according to</l> +<l>it, and, as occasion required, read from the book as au-</l> +<l>thority for what he taught. I supposed that students</l> +<l>had followed my example, and that of other teachers,</l> +<l>sufficiently to do this, and also to require their pupils to [30]</l> +<l>study the lessons before recitations.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='092'/><anchor id='Pg092'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 92.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>To omit these important points is anomalous, con- [1]</l> +<l>sidering the necessity for understanding Science, and</l> +<l>the present liability of deviating from Christian Science.</l> +<l>Centuries will intervene before the statement of the inex-</l> +<l>haustible topics of that book become sufficiently under- [5]</l> +<l>stood to be absolutely demonstrated. The teacher of</l> +<l>Christian Science needs continually to study this textbook.</l> +<l>His work is to replenish thought, and to spiritualize human</l> +<l>life, from this open fount of Truth and Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He who sees most clearly and enlightens other minds [10]</l> +<l>most readily, keeps his own lamp trimmed and burning.</l> +<l>He will take the textbook of Christian Science into his</l> +<l>class, repeat the questions in the chapter on Recapitula-</l> +<l>tion, and his students will answer them from the same</l> +<l>source. Throughout his entire explanations, the teacher [15]</l> +<l>should strictly adhere to the questions and answers con-</l> +<l>tained in that chapter of <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to the Scriptures.</q> It is important to point out the</l> +<l>lesson to the class, and to require the students thor-</l> +<l>oughly to study it before the recitations; for this spirit- [20]</l> +<l>ualizes their thoughts. When closing his class, the</l> +<l>teacher should require each member to own a copy of</l> +<l>the above-named book and to continue the study of this</l> +<l>textbook.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The opinions of men cannot be substituted for God's [25]</l> +<l>revelation. It must not be forgotten that in times past,</l> +<l>arrogant ignorance and pride, in attempting to steady</l> +<l>the ark of Truth, have dimmed the power and glory of</l> +<l>the Scriptures, to which this Christian Science textbook</l> +<l>is the Key. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That teacher does most for his students who most</l> +<l>divests himself of pride and self, spiritualizes his own</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='093'/><anchor id='Pg093'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 93.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>thought, and by reason thereof is able to empty his stu- [1]</l> +<l>dents' minds, that they may be filled with Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Beloved students, <emph>so</emph> teach that posterity shall call</l> +<l>you blessed, and the heart of history shall be made</l> +<l>glad! [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Can fear or sin bring back old beliefs of disease that have</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>been healed by Christian Science?</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptures plainly declare the allness and oneness</l> +<l>of God to be the premises of Truth, and that God is</l> +<l>good: in Him dwelleth no evil. Christian Science au- [10]</l> +<l>thorizes the logical conclusion drawn from the Scriptures,</l> +<l>that there is in reality none besides the eternal, infinite</l> +<l>God, good. Evil is temporal: it is the illusion of time</l> +<l>and mortality.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This being true, sin has no power; and fear, its coeval, [15]</l> +<l>is without divine authority. Science sanctions only what</l> +<l>is supported by the unerring Principle of being. Sin can</l> +<l>do nothing: all cause and effect are in God. Fear is a</l> +<l>belief of sensation in matter: this belief is neither main-</l> +<l>tained by Science nor supported by facts, and exists only [20]</l> +<l>as fable. Your answer is, that neither fear nor sin can</l> +<l>bring on disease or bring back disease, since there is in</l> +<l>reality no disease.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Bear in mind, however, that human consciousness does</l> +<l>not test sin and the fact of its nothingness, by believing [25]</l> +<l>that sin is pardoned without repentance and reforma-</l> +<l>tion. Sin punishes itself, because it cannot go unpun-</l> +<l>ished either here or hereafter. Nothing is more fatal than</l> +<l>to indulge a sinning sense or consciousness for even one</l> +<l>moment. Knowing this, obey Christ's Sermon on the [30]</l> +<l>Mount, even if you suffer for it in the first instance,—</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='094'/><anchor id='Pg094'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 94.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>are misjudged and maligned; in the second, you will [1]</l> +<l>reign with him.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I never knew a person who knowingly indulged evil,</l> +<l>to be grateful; to understand me, or himself. He must</l> +<l>first see himself and the hallucination of sin; then he [5]</l> +<l>must repent, and love good in order to understand God.</l> +<l>The sinner and the sin are the twain that are one flesh,—</l> +<l>but which God hath not joined together.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<pb n='095'/><anchor id='Pg095'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter IV. Addresses.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 95.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Christian Science In Tremont Temple.</head> + +<lg> +<l>From the platform of the Monday lectureship in [2]</l> +<l>Tremont Temple, on Monday, March 16, 1885, as</l> +<l>will be seen by what follows. Reverend Mary Baker G.</l> +<l>Eddy was presented to Mr. Cook's audience, and allowed [5]</l> +<l>ten minutes in which to reply to his public letter con-</l> +<l>demning her doctrines; which reply was taken in full by</l> +<l>a shorthand reporter who was present, and is transcribed</l> +<l>below.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mrs. Eddy responding, said:— [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As the time so kindly allotted me is insufficient for</l> +<l>even a synopsis of Christian Science, I shall confine my-</l> +<l>self to questions and answers.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Am I a spiritualist?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I am not, and never was. I understand the impossi- [15]</l> +<l>bility of intercommunion between the so-called dead and</l> +<l>living. There have always attended my life phenomena</l> +<l>of an uncommon order, which spiritualists have mis-</l> +<l>called mediumship; but I clearly understand that no</l> +<l>human agencies were employed,—that the divine Mind [20]</l> +<l>reveals itself to humanity through spiritual law. And</l> +<l>to such as are <q rend='pre'>waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of our body,</q> Christian Science reveals the in-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='096'/><anchor id='Pg096'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 96.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>finitude of divinity and the way of man's salvation from [1]</l> +<l>sickness and death, as wrought out by Jesus, who robbed</l> +<l>the grave of victory and death of its sting. I understand</l> +<l>that God is an ever-present help in all times of trouble,—</l> +<l>have found Him so; and would have no other gods, no [5]</l> +<l>remedies in drugs, no material medicine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Do I believe in a personal God?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I believe in God as the Supreme Being. I know not</l> +<l>what the person of omnipotence and omnipresence is,</l> +<l>or what the infinite includes; therefore, I worship that [10]</l> +<l>of which I can conceive, first, as a loving Father and</l> +<l>Mother; then, as thought ascends the scale of being to</l> +<l>diviner consciousness, God becomes to me, as to the</l> +<l>apostle who declared it, <q>God is Love,</q>—divine Prin-</l> +<l>ciple,—which I worship; and <q rend='pre'>after the manner of my</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>fathers, so worship I God.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Do I believe in the atonement of Christ?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I do; and this atonement becomes more to me since</l> +<l>it includes man's redemption from sickness as well as</l> +<l>from sin. I reverence and adore Christ as never before. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It brings to my sense, and to the sense of all who enter-</l> +<l>tain this understanding of the Science of God, a <emph>whole</emph></l> +<l>salvation.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>How is the healing done in Christian Science?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This answer includes too much to give you any con- [25]</l> +<l>clusive idea in a brief explanation. I can name some</l> +<l>means by which it is not done.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is not one mind acting upon another mind; it is</l> +<l>not the transference of human images of thought to</l> +<l>other minds; it is not supported by the evidence before [30]</l> +<l>the personal senses,—Science contradicts this evidence;</l> +<l>it is not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. It is Christ come</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='097'/><anchor id='Pg097'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 97.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>to destroy the power of the flesh; it is Truth over error; [1]</l> +<l>that understood, gives man ability to rise above the evi-</l> +<l>dence of the senses, take hold of the eternal energies of</l> +<l>Truth, and destroy mortal discord with immortal har-</l> +<l>mony,—the grand verities of being. It is not one mortal [5]</l> +<l>thought transmitted to another's thought from the human</l> +<l>mind that holds within itself all evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our Master said of one of his students, <q>He is a devil,</q></l> +<l>and repudiated the idea of casting out devils through</l> +<l>Beelzebub. Erring human mind is by no means a de- [10]</l> +<l>sirable or efficacious healer. Such suppositional healing</l> +<l>I deprecate. It is in no way allied to divine power. All</l> +<l>human control is animal magnetism, more despicable</l> +<l>than all other methods of treating disease.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science is not a remedy of faith alone, but [15]</l> +<l>combines faith with understanding, through which we</l> +<l>may touch the hem of His garment; and know that om-</l> +<l>nipotence has all power. <q rend='pre'>I am the Lord, and there is</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>none else, there is no God beside me.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is there a personal man? [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptures inform us that man was made in the</l> +<l>image and likeness of God. I commend the Icelandic</l> +<l>translation: <q rend='pre'>He created man in the image and likeness</q></l> +<l>of Mind, in the image and likeness of Mind created</l> +<l><q rend='post'>He him.</q> To my sense, we have not seen all of man; [25]</l> +<l>he is more than personal sense can cognize, who is the</l> +<l>image and likeness of the infinite. I have not seen a</l> +<l>perfect man in mind or body,—and such must be the</l> +<l>personality of him who is the true likeness: the lost</l> +<l>image is not this personality, and corporeal man is this [30]</l> +<l>lost image; hence, it doth not appear what is the real</l> +<l>personality of man. The only cause for making this</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='098'/><anchor id='Pg098'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 98.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>question of personality a point, or of any importance, is [1]</l> +<l>that man's perfect model should be held in mind, whereby</l> +<l>to improve his present condition; that his contemplation</l> +<l>regarding himself should turn away from inharmony, sick-</l> +<l>ness, and sin, to that which is the image of his Maker. [5]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Science And The Senses.</head> + +<lg> +<l>Substance of my Address at the National Convention in Chicago,</l> +<l>June 13, 1888</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The National Christian Scientist Association has</l> +<l>brought us together to minister and to be ministered [10]</l> +<l>unto; mutually to aid one another in finding ways and</l> +<l>means for helping the whole human family; to quicken</l> +<l>and extend the interest already felt in a higher mode of</l> +<l>medicine; to watch with eager joy the individual growth</l> +<l>of Christian Scientists, and the progress of our common [15]</l> +<l>Cause in Chicago,—the miracle of the Occident. We</l> +<l>come to strengthen and perpetuate our organizations</l> +<l>and institutions; and to find strength in union,—strength</l> +<l>to build up, through God's right hand, that pure and</l> +<l>undefiled religion whose Science demonstrates God and [20]</l> +<l>the perfectibility of man. This purpose is immense,</l> +<l>and it must begin with individual growth, a <q rend='pre'>consum-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>mation devoutly to be wished.</q> The lives of all re-</l> +<l>formers attest the authenticity of their mission, and call</l> +<l>the world to acknowledge its divine Principle. Truly [25]</l> +<l>is it written:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Thou must be true thyself, if thou the truth would'st teach;</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Thy heart must overflow, if thou another's heart would'st reach.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='099'/><anchor id='Pg099'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 99.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Science is absolute and final. It is revolutionary in [1]</l> +<l>its very nature; for it upsets all that is not upright.</l> +<l>It annuls false evidence, and saith to the five material</l> +<l>senses, <q rend='pre'>Having eyes ye see not, and ears ye hear not;</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>neither can you understand.</q> To weave one thread of [5]</l> +<l>Science through the looms of time, is a miracle in itself.</l> +<l>The risk is stupendous. It cost Galileo, what? This</l> +<l>awful price: the temporary loss of his self-respect. His</l> +<l>fear overcame his loyalty; the courage of his convictions</l> +<l>fell before it. Fear is the weapon in the hands of [10]</l> +<l>tyrants.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Men and women of the nineteenth century, are you</l> +<l>called to voice a higher order of Science? Then obey</l> +<l>this call. Go, if you must, to the dungeon or the scaf-</l> +<l>fold, but take not back the words of Truth. How many [15]</l> +<l>are there ready to suffer for a righteous cause, to stand</l> +<l>a long siege, take the front rank, face the foe, and be</l> +<l>in the battle every day?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In no other one thing seemed Jesus of Nazareth more</l> +<l>divine than in his faith in the immortality of his words. [20]</l> +<l>He said, <q rend='pre'>Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>words shall not pass away;</q> and they have not. The</l> +<l>winds of time sweep clean the centuries, but they can</l> +<l>never bear into oblivion his words. They still live, and</l> +<l>to-morrow speak louder than to-day. They are to-day [25]</l> +<l>as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, <q rend='pre'>Make</q></l> +<l>straight God's paths; make way for health, holiness,</l> +<l><q rend='post'>universal harmony, and come up hither.</q> The gran-</l> +<l>deur of the word, the power of Truth, is again casting</l> +<l>out evils and healing the sick; and it is whispered, <q rend='pre'>This</q> [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>is Science.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus taught by the wayside, in humble homes. He</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='100'/><anchor id='Pg100'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 100.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>spake of Truth and Love to artless listeners and dull [1]</l> +<l>disciples. His immortal words were articulated in a</l> +<l>decaying language, and then left to the providence of</l> +<l>God. Christian Science was to interpret them; and</l> +<l>woman, <q>last at the cross,</q> was to awaken the dull senses, [5]</l> +<l>intoxicated with pleasure or pain, to the infinite meaning</l> +<l>of those words.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Past, present, future, will show the word and might of</l> +<l>Truth—healing the sick and reclaiming the sinner—</l> +<l>so long as there remains a claim of error for Truth to [10]</l> +<l>deny or to destroy. Love's labors are not lost. The</l> +<l>five personal senses, that grasp neither the meaning nor</l> +<l>the magnitude of self-abnegation, may lose sight thereof;</l> +<l>but Science voices unselfish love, unfolds infinite good,</l> +<l>leads on irresistible forces, and will finally show the fruits [15]</l> +<l>of Love. Human reason is inaccurate; and the scope</l> +<l>of the senses is inadequate to grasp the word of Truth,</l> +<l>and teach the eternal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science speaks when the senses are silent, and then</l> +<l>the evermore of Truth is triumphant. The spiritual mon- [20]</l> +<l>itor understood is coincidence of the divine with the</l> +<l>human, the acme of Christian Science. Pure humanity,</l> +<l>friendship, home, the interchange of love, bring to earth</l> +<l>a foretaste of heaven. They unite terrestrial and celes-</l> +<l>tial joys, and crown them with blessings infinite. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Christian Scientist loves man more because he</l> +<l>loves God most. He understands this Principle,—Love.</l> +<l>Who is sufficient for these things? Who remembers that</l> +<l>patience, forgiveness, abiding faith, and affection, are</l> +<l>the symptoms by which our Father indicates the dif- [30]</l> +<l>ferent stages of man's recovery from sin and his en-</l> +<l>trance into Science? Who knows how the feeble lips</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='101'/><anchor id='Pg101'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 101.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>are made eloquent, how hearts are inspired, how heal- [1]</l> +<l>ing becomes spontaneous, and how the divine Mind is</l> +<l>understood and demonstrated? He alone knows these</l> +<l>wonders who is departing from the thraldom of the</l> +<l>senses and accepting spiritual truth,—that which blesses [5]</l> +<l>its adoption by the refinement of joy and the dismissal of</l> +<l>sorrow.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science and the senses are at war. It is a</l> +<l>revolutionary struggle. We already have had two in</l> +<l>this nation; and they began and ended in a contest for [10]</l> +<l>the true idea, for human liberty and rights. Now cometh</l> +<l>a third struggle; for the freedom of health, holiness, and</l> +<l>the attainment of heaven.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The scientific sense of being which establishes har-</l> +<l>mony, enters into no compromise with finiteness and [15]</l> +<l>feebleness. It undermines the foundations of mortality,</l> +<l>of physical law, breaks their chains, and sets the captive</l> +<l>free, opening the doors for them that are bound.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He who turns to the body for evidence, bases his con-</l> +<l>clusions on mortality, on imperfection; but Science saith</l> +<l>to man, <q>God hath all-power.</q> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Science of omnipotence demonstrates but one</l> +<l>power, and this power is good, not evil; not matter,</l> +<l>but Mind. This virtually destroys matter and evil, in-</l> +<l>cluding sin and disease. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If God is All, and God is good, it follows that all</l> +<l>must be good; and no other power, law, or intelligence</l> +<l>can exist. On this proof rest premise and conclusion in</l> +<l>Science, and the facts that disprove the evidence of the</l> +<l>senses. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is individual Mind. This one Mind and His</l> +<l>individuality comprise the elements of all forms and</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='102'/><anchor id='Pg102'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 102.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>individualities, and prophesy the nature and stature of [1]</l> +<l>Christ, the ideal man.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A corporeal God, as often defined by lexicographers</l> +<l>and scholastic theologians, is only an infinite finite being,</l> +<l>an unlimited man,—a theory to me inconceivable. If [5]</l> +<l>the unlimited and immortal Mind could originate in a</l> +<l>limited body, Mind would be chained to finity, and the</l> +<l>infinite forever finite.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In this limited and lower sense God is not personal.</l> +<l>His infinity precludes the possibility of corporeal person- [10]</l> +<l>ality. His being is individual, but not physical.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is like Himself and like nothing else. He is uni-</l> +<l>versal and primitive. His character admits of no degrees</l> +<l>of comparison. God is not part, but the whole. In His</l> +<l>individuality I recognize the loving, divine Father-Mother [15]</l> +<l>God. Infinite personality must be incorporeal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God's ways are not ours. His pity is expressed in</l> +<l>modes above the human. His chastisements are the</l> +<l>manifestations of Love. The sympathy of His eternal</l> +<l>Mind is fully expressed in divine Science, which blots [20]</l> +<l>out all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. Human</l> +<l>pity often brings pain.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science supports harmony, denies suffering, and de-</l> +<l>stroys it with the divinity of Truth. Whatever seems mate-</l> +<l>rial, seems thus only to the material senses, and is but the [25]</l> +<l>subjective state of mortal and material thought.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science has inaugurated the irrepressible conflict be-</l> +<l>tween sense and Soul. Mortal thought wars with this</l> +<l>sense as one that beateth the air, but Science outmasters</l> +<l>it, and ends the warfare. This proves daily that <q rend='pre'>one</q> [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>on God's side is a majority.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science defines <emph>omnipresence</emph> as universality, that which</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='103'/><anchor id='Pg103'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 103.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>precludes the presence of evil. This verity annuls the tes- [1]</l> +<l>timony of the senses, which say that sin is an evil power,</l> +<l>and substance is perishable. Intelligent Spirit, Soul, is</l> +<l>substance, far more impregnable and solid than matter; for</l> +<l>one is temporal, while the other is eternal, the ultimate [5]</l> +<l>and predicate of being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mortality, materiality, and destructive forces, such as</l> +<l>sin, disease, and death, mortals virtually name <emph>substance</emph>;</l> +<l>but these are the substance of things <hi rend='italic'>not</hi> hoped for. For</l> +<l>lack of knowing what substance is, the senses say vaguely: [10]</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>The substance of life is sorrow and mortality; for who</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>knoweth the substance of good?</q> In Science, form and</l> +<l>individuality are never lost, thoughts are outlined, indi-</l> +<l>vidualized ideas, which dwell forever in the divine Mind</l> +<l>as tangible, true substance, because eternally conscious. [15]</l> +<l>Unlike mortal mind, which must be ever in bondage,</l> +<l>the eternal Mind is free, unlimited, and knows not the</l> +<l>temporal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Neither does the temporal know the eternal. Mortal</l> +<l>man, as mind or matter, is neither the pattern nor Maker [20]</l> +<l>of immortal man. Any inference of the divine derived</l> +<l>from the human, either as mind or body, hides the actual</l> +<l>power, presence, and individuality of God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus' personality in the flesh, so far as material sense</l> +<l>could discern it, was like that of other men; but Science [25]</l> +<l>exchanges this human concept of Jesus for the divine</l> +<l>ideal, his spiritual individuality that reflected the Im-</l> +<l>manuel, or <q>God with us.</q> This God was not outlined.</l> +<l>He was too mighty for that. He was eternal Life, infinite</l> +<l>Truth and Love. The individuality is embraced in Mind, [30]</l> +<l>therefore is forever with the Father. Hence the Scrip-</l> +<l>ture, <q>I am a God at hand, saith the Lord.</q> Even while</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='104'/><anchor id='Pg104'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 104.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>his personality was on earth and in anguish, his individual [1]</l> +<l>being, the Christ, was at rest in the eternal harmony.</l> +<l>His unseen individuality, so superior to that which was</l> +<l>seen, was not subject to the temptations of the flesh, to</l> +<l>laws material, to death, or the grave. Formed and gov- [5]</l> +<l>erned by God, this individuality was safe in the substance</l> +<l>of Soul, the substance of Spirit,—yea, the substance of</l> +<l>God, the one inclusive good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In Science all being is individual; for individuality is</l> +<l>endless in the calculus of forms and numbers. Herein [10]</l> +<l>sin is miraculous and supernatural; for it is not in the</l> +<l>nature of God, and good is forever good. Accord-</l> +<l>ing to Christian Science, perfection is normal,—not</l> +<l>miraculous. Clothed, and in its right Mind, man's</l> +<l>individuality is sinless, deathless, harmonious, eternal. [15]</l> +<l>His materiality, clad in a false mentality, wages feeble</l> +<l>fight with his individuality,—his physical senses with</l> +<l>his spiritual senses. The latter move in God's grooves</l> +<l>of Science: the former revolve in their own orbits, and</l> +<l>must stand the friction of false selfhood until self- [20]</l> +<l>destroyed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In obedience to the divine nature, man's individuality</l> +<l>reflects the divine law and order of being. How shall</l> +<l>we reach our true selves? Through Love. The Prin-</l> +<l>ciple of Christian Science is Love, and its idea represents [25]</l> +<l>Love. This divine Principle and idea are demonstrated,</l> +<l>in healing, to be God and the real man.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who wants to be mortal, or would not gain the true</l> +<l>ideal of Life and recover his own individuality? I will</l> +<l>love, if another hates. I will gain a balance on the side of [30]</l> +<l>good, my true being. This alone gives me the forces of</l> +<l>God wherewith to overcome all error. On this rests the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='105'/><anchor id='Pg105'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 105.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>implicit faith engendered by Christian Science, which [1]</l> +<l>appeals intelligently to the facts of man's spirituality, in-</l> +<l>dividuality, to disdain the fears and destroy the discords</l> +<l>of this material personality.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>On our Master's individual demonstrations over sin, [5]</l> +<l>sickness, and death, rested the anathema of priesthood</l> +<l>and the senses; yet this demonstration is the foundation</l> +<l>of Christian Science. His physical sufferings, which</l> +<l>came from the testimony of the senses, were over when</l> +<l>he resumed his individual spiritual being, after showing [10]</l> +<l>us the way to escape from the material body.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science would have no conflict with Life or common</l> +<l>sense, if this sense were consistently sensible. Man's real</l> +<l>life or existence is in harmony with Life and its glorious</l> +<l>phenomena. It upholds being, and destroys the too [15]</l> +<l>common sense of its opposites—death, disease, and sin.</l> +<l>Christian Science is an everlasting victor, and vanquish-</l> +<l>ment is unknown to the omnipresent Truth. I must ever</l> +<l>follow this line of light and battle.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science is my only ideal; and the individual [20]</l> +<l>and his ideal can never be severed. If either is misunder-</l> +<l>stood or maligned, it eclipses the other with the shadow</l> +<l>cast by this error.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Truth destroys error. Nothing appears to the physi-</l> +<l>cal senses but their own subjective state of thought. The [25]</l> +<l>senses join issue with error, and pity what has no right</l> +<l>either to be pitied or to exist, and what does not exist in</l> +<l>Science. Destroy the thought of sin, sickness, death, and</l> +<l>you destroy their existence. <q rend='pre'>Whatsoever a man soweth,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>that shall he also reap.</q> [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Because God is Mind, and this Mind is good, all</l> +<l>is good and all is Mind. God is the sum total of the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='106'/><anchor id='Pg106'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 106.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>universe. Then what and where are sin, sickness, and [1]</l> +<l>death?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science and Christian Scientists will, <emph>must</emph>,</l> +<l>have a history; and if I could write the history in poor</l> +<l>parody on Tennyson's grand verse, it would read [5]</l> +<l>thus:—</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Traitors to right of them,</l> +<l>M. D.'s to left of them,</l> +<l>Priestcraft in front of them,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Volleyed and thundered! [10]</l> +<l>Into the jaws of hate,</l> +<l>Out through the door of Love,</l> +<l>On to the blest above,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Marched the one hundred.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Extract From My First Address In The Mother +Church, May 26, 1895</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Friends and Brethren</hi>:—Your Sunday Lesson, com-</l> +<l>posed of Scripture and its correlative in <q rend='pre'>Science and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> has fed you. In addi- [20]</l> +<l>tion, I can only bring crumbs fallen from this table of</l> +<l>Truth, and gather up the fragments.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It has long been a question of earnest import, How</l> +<l>shall mankind worship the most adorable, but most</l> +<l>unadored,—and where shall begin that praise that shall</l> +<l>never end? Beneath, above, beyond, methinks I hear [25]</l> +<l>the soft, sweet sigh of angels answering, <q rend='pre'>So live, that</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>your lives attest your sincerity and resound His praise.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Music is the harmony of being; but the music of Soul</l> +<l>affords the only strains that thrill the chords of feeling</l> +<l>and awaken the heart's harpstrings. Moved by mind, [30]</l> +<l>your many-throated organ, in imitative tones of many</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='107'/><anchor id='Pg107'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 107.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>instruments, praises Him; but even the sweetness and [1]</l> +<l>beauty in and of this temple that praise Him, are earth's</l> +<l>accents, and must not be mistaken for the oracles of God.</l> +<l>Art must not prevail over Science. Christianity is not</l> +<l>superfluous. Its redemptive power is seen in sore trials, [5]</l> +<l>self-denials, and crucifixions of the flesh. But these come</l> +<l>to the rescue of mortals, to admonish them, and plant</l> +<l>the feet steadfastly in Christ. As we rise above the seem-</l> +<l>ing mists of sense, we behold more clearly that all the</l> +<l>heart's homage belongs to God. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>More love is the great need of mankind. A pure af-</l> +<l>fection, concentric, forgetting self, forgiving wrongs and</l> +<l>forestalling them, should swell the lyre of human love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Three cardinal points must be gained before poor</l> +<l>humanity is regenerated and Christian Science is dem- [15]</l> +<l>onstrated: (1) A proper sense of sin; (2) repentance;</l> +<l>(3) the understanding of good. Evil is a negation: it</l> +<l>never started with time, and it cannot keep pace with</l> +<l>eternity. Mortals' false senses pass through three states</l> +<l>and stages of human consciousness before yielding error. [20]</l> +<l>The deluded sense must first be shown its falsity through</l> +<l>a knowledge of evil as evil, so-called. Without a sense</l> +<l>of one's oft-repeated violations of divine law, the in-</l> +<l>dividual may become morally blind, and this deplorable</l> +<l>mental state is moral idiocy. The lack of seeing one's [25]</l> +<l>deformed mentality, and of <emph>repentance</emph> therefor, deep,</l> +<l>never to be repented of, is retarding, and in certain mor-</l> +<l>bid instances stopping, the growth of Christian Scientists.</l> +<l>Without a knowledge of his sins, and repentance so severe</l> +<l>that it destroys them, no person is or can be a Christian [30]</l> +<l>Scientist.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mankind thinks either too much or too little of sin.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='108'/><anchor id='Pg108'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 108.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The sensitive, sorrowing saint thinks too much of it: the [1]</l> +<l>sordid sinner, or the so-called Christian asleep, thinks too</l> +<l>little of sin.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To allow sin of any sort is anomalous in Christian</l> +<l>Scientists, claiming, as they do, that good is infinite, All. [5]</l> +<l>Our Master, in his definition of Satan as a liar from the</l> +<l>beginning, attested the absolute powerlessness—yea,</l> +<l>nothingness—of evil: since a lie, being without founda-</l> +<l>tion in fact, is merely a falsity; spiritually, literally, it</l> +<l><emph>is nothing</emph>. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Not to know that a false claim is false, is to be in danger</l> +<l>of believing it; hence the utility of knowing evil aright,</l> +<l>then reducing its claim to its proper denominator,—</l> +<l>nobody and nothing. Sin should be conceived of only</l> +<l>as a delusion. This true conception would remove mortals' [15]</l> +<l>ignorance and its consequences, and advance the second</l> +<l>stage of human consciousness, repentance. The first</l> +<l>state, namely, the knowledge of one's self, the proper</l> +<l>knowledge of evil and its subtle workings wherein evil</l> +<l>seems as real as good, is indispensable; since that which [20]</l> +<l>is truly conceived of, we can handle; but the misconcep-</l> +<l>tion of what we need to know of evil,—or the concep-</l> +<l>tion of it at all as something real,—costs much. Sin</l> +<l>needs only to be known for what it is not; then we are</l> +<l>its master, not servant. Remember, and act on, Jesus' [25]</l> +<l>definition of sin as a <emph>lie</emph>. This cognomen makes it less</l> +<l>dangerous; for most of us would not be seen believing</l> +<l>in, or adhering to, that which we know to be untrue.</l> +<l>What would be thought of a Christian Scientist who be-</l> +<l>lieved in the use of drugs, while declaring that they have [30]</l> +<l>no intrinsic quality and that there is no matter? What</l> +<l>should be thought of an individual believing in that</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='109'/><anchor id='Pg109'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 109.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>which is untrue, and at the same time declaring the unity [1]</l> +<l>of Truth, and its allness? Beware of those who mis-</l> +<l>represent facts; or tacitly assent where they should dis-</l> +<l>sent; or who take me as authority for what I disapprove,</l> +<l>or mayhap never have thought of, and try to reverse, in- [5]</l> +<l>vert, or controvert, Truth; for this is a sure pretext of</l> +<l>moral defilement.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Examine yourselves, and see what, and how much, sin</l> +<l>claims of you; and how much of this claim you admit</l> +<l>as valid, or comply with. The knowledge of evil that [10]</l> +<l>brings on repentance is the most hopeful stage of mortal</l> +<l>mentality. Even a mild mistake must be seen as a mis-</l> +<l>take, in order to be corrected; how much more, then,</l> +<l>should one's sins be seen and repented of, before they</l> +<l>can be reduced to their native nothingness! [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Ignorance is only blest by reason of its nothingness;</l> +<l>for seeing the need of somethingness in its stead, blesses</l> +<l>mortals. Ignorance was the first condition of sin in the</l> +<l>allegory of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Their</l> +<l>mental state is not desirable, neither is a knowledge of [20]</l> +<l>sin and its consequences, repentance, <hi rend='italic'>per se</hi>; but, ad-</l> +<l>mitting the existence of both, mortals must hasten through</l> +<l>the second to the third stage,—the knowledge of good;</l> +<l>for without this the valuable sequence of knowledge</l> +<l>would be lacking,—even the power to escape from the [25]</l> +<l>false claims of sin. To understand good, one must discern</l> +<l>the nothingness of evil, and consecrate one's life anew.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Beloved brethren, Christ, Truth, saith unto you, <q rend='pre'>Be</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>not afraid!</q>—fear not sin, lest thereby it master you;</l> +<l>but only <emph>fear to sin</emph>. Watch and pray for self-knowledge; [30]</l> +<l>since then, and thus, cometh repentance,—and your</l> +<l>superiority to a delusion is won.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='110'/><anchor id='Pg110'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 110.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Repentance is better than sacrifice. The costly balm [1]</l> +<l>of Araby, poured on our Master's feet, had not the value</l> +<l>of a single <emph>tear</emph>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Beloved children, the world has need of you,—and</l> +<l>more as children than as men and women: it needs your [5]</l> +<l>innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontami-</l> +<l>nated lives. You need also to watch, and pray that you</l> +<l>preserve these virtues unstained, and lose them not through</l> +<l>contact with the world. What grander ambition is there</l> +<l>than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to [10]</l> +<l>know that your example, more than words, makes morals</l> +<l>for mankind!</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Address Before The Alumni Of The Massachusetts +Metaphysical College, 1895</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Beloved Students</hi>:—Weeks have passed into [15]</l> +<l>months, and months into years, since last we met; but</l> +<l>time and space, when encompassed by divine presence,</l> +<l>do not separate us. Our hearts have kept time together,</l> +<l>and our hands have wrought steadfastly at the same</l> +<l>object-lesson, while leagues have lain between us. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We may well unite in thanksgiving for the continued</l> +<l>progress and unprecedented prosperity of our Cause. It</l> +<l>is already obvious that the world's acceptance and the</l> +<l>momentum of Christian Science, increase rapidly as</l> +<l>years glide on. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As Christian Scientists, you have dared the perilous de-</l> +<l>fense of Truth, and have succeeded. You have learned</l> +<l>how fleeting is that which men call great; and how per-</l> +<l>manent that which God calls good.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='111'/><anchor id='Pg111'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 111.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>You have proven that the greatest piety is scarcely [1]</l> +<l>sufficient to demonstrate what you have adopted and</l> +<l>taught; that your work, well done, would dignify angels.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Faithfully, as meekly, you have toiled all night; and</l> +<l>at break of day caught much. At times, your net has [5]</l> +<l>been so full that it broke: human pride, creeping into</l> +<l>its meshes, extended it beyond safe expansion; then,</l> +<l>losing hold of divine Love, you lost your fishes, and pos-</l> +<l>sibly blamed others more than yourself. But those whom</l> +<l>God makes <q>fishers of men</q> will not pull for the shore; [10]</l> +<l>like Peter, they launch into the depths, cast their nets</l> +<l>on the right side, compensate loss, and gain a higher sense</l> +<l>of the true idea. Nothing is lost that God gives: had He</l> +<l>filled the net, it would not have broken.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Leaving the seed of Truth to its own vitality, it propa- [15]</l> +<l>gates: the tares cannot hinder it. Our Master said,</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>not pass away;</q> and Jesus' faith in Truth must not ex-</l> +<l>ceed that of Christian Scientists who prove its power to</l> +<l>be immortal. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Christianity that is merely of sects, the pulpit, and</l> +<l>fashionable society, is brief; but the Word of God abideth.</l> +<l>Plato was a pagan; but no greater difference existed be-</l> +<l>tween his doctrines and those of Jesus, than to-day exists</l> +<l>between the Catholic and Protestant sects. I love the [25]</l> +<l>orthodox church; and, in time, that church will love</l> +<l>Christian Science. Let me specially call the attention of</l> +<l>this Association to the following false beliefs inclining</l> +<l>mortal mind more deviously:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The belief in anti-Christ: that somebody in the flesh [30]</l> +<l>is the son of God, or is another Christ, or is a spiritually</l> +<l>adopted child, or is an incarnated babe, is the evil one—</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='112'/><anchor id='Pg112'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 112.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>in other words, the one evil—disporting itself with the [1]</l> +<l>subtleties of sin!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Even honest thinkers, not knowing whence they come,</l> +<l>may deem these delusions verities, before they know it,</l> +<l>or really look the illusions in the face. The ages are bur- [5]</l> +<l>dened with material modes. Hypnotism, microbes, X-rays,</l> +<l>and ex-common sense, occupy time and thought; and</l> +<l>error, given new opportunities, will improve them. The</l> +<l>most just man can neither defend the innocent nor detect</l> +<l>the guilty, unless he knows <emph>how</emph> to be just; and this knowl- [10]</l> +<l>edge demands our time and attention.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The mental stages of crime, which seem to belong to</l> +<l>the latter days, are strictly classified in metaphysics as</l> +<l>some of the many features and forms of what is properly</l> +<l>denominated, in extreme cases, moral idiocy. I visited [15]</l> +<l>in his cell the assassin of President Garfield, and found</l> +<l>him in the mental state called moral idiocy. He had no</l> +<l>sense of his crime; but regarded his act as one of simple</l> +<l>justice, and himself as the victim. My few words touched</l> +<l>him; he sank back in his chair, limp and pale; his flip- [20]</l> +<l>pancy had fled. The jailer thanked me, and said, <q rend='pre'>Other</q></l> +<l>visitors have brought to him bouquets, but you have</l> +<l><q rend='post'>brought what will do him good.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This mental disease at first shows itself in extreme</l> +<l>sensitiveness; then, in a loss of self-knowledge and of [25]</l> +<l>self-condemnation,—a shocking inability to see one's</l> +<l>own faults, but an exaggerating sense of other people's.</l> +<l>Unless this mental condition be overcome, it ends in a</l> +<l>total loss of moral, intellectual, and spiritual discernment,</l> +<l>and is characterized in this Scripture: <q rend='pre'>The fool hath</q> [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>said in his heart, There is no God.</q> This state of mind</l> +<l>is the exemplification of total depravity, and the result</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='113'/><anchor id='Pg113'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 113.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of sensuous mind in matter. Mind that is God is not in [1]</l> +<l>matter; and God's presence gives spiritual light, wherein</l> +<l>is no darkness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If, as is indisputably true, <q>God is Spirit,</q> and Spirit</l> +<l>is our Father and Mother, and that which it includes is [5]</l> +<l>all that is real and eternal, when evil seems to predomi-</l> +<l>nate and divine light to be obscured, free moral agency</l> +<l>is lost; and the Revelator's vision, that <q rend='pre'>no man might</q></l> +<l>buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>beast, or the number of his name,</q> is imminent. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whoever is mentally manipulating human mind, and</l> +<l>is not gaining a higher sense of Truth by it, is losing in</l> +<l>the scale of moral and spiritual being, and may be car-</l> +<l>ried to the depths of perdition by his own consent. He</l> +<l>who refuses to be influenced by any but the divine Mind, [15]</l> +<l>commits his way to God, and rises superior to sugges-</l> +<l>tions from an evil source. Christian Science shows that</l> +<l>there is a way of escape from the latter-day ultimatum</l> +<l>of evil, through scientific truth; so that all are without</l> +<l>excuse. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Already I clearly recognize that mental malpractice,</l> +<l>if persisted in, will end in insanity, dementia, or moral</l> +<l>idiocy. Thank God! this evil can be resisted by true</l> +<l>Christianity. Divine Love is our hope, strength, and</l> +<l>shield. We have nothing to fear when Love is at the [25]</l> +<l>helm of thought, but everything to enjoy on earth and</l> +<l>in heaven.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The systematized centres of Christian Science are life-</l> +<l>giving fountains of truth. Our churches, <hi rend='italic'>The Christian</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Science Journal</hi>, and the +<hi rend='italic'>Christian Science Quarterly</hi>, [30]</l> +<l>are prolific sources of spiritual power whose intellectual,</l> +<l>moral, and spiritual animus is felt throughout the land.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='114'/><anchor id='Pg114'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 114.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Our Publishing Society, and our Sunday Lessons, are [1]</l> +<l>of inestimable value to all seekers after Truth. The Com-</l> +<l>mittee on Sunday School Lessons cannot give too much</l> +<l>time and attention to their task, and should spare no</l> +<l>research in the preparation of the <hi rend='italic'>Quarterly</hi> as an +educa- [5]</l> +<l>tional branch.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The teachers of Christian Science need to watch inces-</l> +<l>santly the trend of their own thoughts; watch that these</l> +<l>be not secretly robbed, and themselves misguided, and</l> +<l>so made to misteach others. Teachers must conform [10]</l> +<l>strictly to the rules of divine Science announced in the</l> +<l>Bible and their textbook, <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to the Scriptures.</q> They must themselves practise, and</l> +<l>teach others to practise, the Hebrew Decalogue, the Ser-</l> +<l>mon on the Mount, and the understanding and enuncia- [15]</l> +<l>tion of these according to Christ.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>They must always have on armor, and resist the foe</l> +<l>within and without. They cannot arm too thoroughly</l> +<l>against original sin, appearing in its myriad forms: pass-</l> +<l>sion, appetites, hatred, revenge, and all the <hi rend='italic'>et cetera</hi> of +[20]</l> +<l>evil. Christian Scientists cannot watch too sedulously,</l> +<l>or bar their doors too closely, or pray to God too fer-</l> +<l>vently, for deliverance from the claims of evil. Thus</l> +<l>doing, Scientists will silence evil suggestions, uncover</l> +<l>their methods, and stop their hidden influence upon the [25]</l> +<l>lives of mortals. Rest assured that God in His wisdom</l> +<l>will test all mankind on all questions; and then, if found</l> +<l>faithful, He will deliver us from temptation and show us</l> +<l>the powerlessness of evil,—even its utter nothingness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The teacher in Christian Science who does not spe- [30]</l> +<l>cially instruct his pupils how to guard against evil and</l> +<l>its silent modes, and to be able, through Christ, the liv-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='115'/><anchor id='Pg115'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 115.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ing Truth, to protect themselves therefrom, is commit- [1]</l> +<l>ting an offense against God and humanity. With Science</l> +<l>and Health for their textbook, I am astounded at the</l> +<l>apathy of some students on the subject of sin and mental</l> +<l>malpractice, and their culpable ignorance of the work- [5]</l> +<l>ing of these—and even the teacher's own deficiency in</l> +<l>this department. I can account for this state of mind in</l> +<l>the teacher only as the result of sin; otherwise, his own</l> +<l>guilt as a mental malpractitioner, and fear of being found</l> +<l>out. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The helpless ignorance of the community on this sub-</l> +<l>ject is pitiable, and plain to be seen. May God enable</l> +<l>my students to take up the cross as I have done, and meet</l> +<l>the pressing need of a proper preparation of heart to prac-</l> +<l>tise, teach, and live Christian Science! Your means of [15]</l> +<l>protection and defense from sin are, constant watchful-</l> +<l>ness and prayer that you enter not into temptation and</l> +<l>are delivered from every claim of evil, till you intelligently</l> +<l>know and demonstrate, in Science, that evil has neither</l> +<l>prestige, power, nor existence, since God, good, is All- [20]</l> +<l>in-all.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The increasing necessity for relying on God to de-</l> +<l>fend us against the subtler forms of evil, turns us more</l> +<l>unreservedly to Him for help, and thus becomes a means</l> +<l>of grace. If one lives rightly, every effort to hurt one [25]</l> +<l>will only help that one; for God will give the ability to</l> +<l>overcome whatever tends to impede progress. Know</l> +<l>this: that you cannot overcome the baneful effects of</l> +<l>sin on yourself, if you in any way indulge in sin; for,</l> +<l>sooner or later, you will fall the victim of your own as [30]</l> +<l>well as of others' sins. Using mental power in the right</l> +<l>direction only, doing to others as you would have them</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='116'/><anchor id='Pg116'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 116.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>do to you, will overcome evil with good, and destroy [1]</l> +<l>your own sensitiveness to the power of evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The God of all grace be with you, and save you from</l> +<l><q>spiritual wickedness in high places.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Pleasant View, Concord</hi>, N. H., [5]</l> +<l>June 3, 1895</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Address Before The Christian Scientist Association +Of The Massachusetts Metaphysical College, +In 1893</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Subject</hi>: <hi rend='italic'>Obedience</hi> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Beloved Students</hi>:—This question, ever nearest</l> +<l>to my heart, is to-day uppermost: Are we filling the</l> +<l>measures of life's music aright, emphasizing its grand</l> +<l>strains, swelling the harmony of being with tones whence</l> +<l>come glad echoes? As <hi rend='italic'>crescendo</hi> +and <hi rend='italic'>diminuendo</hi> accent [15]</l> +<l>music, so the varied strains of human chords express</l> +<l>life's loss or gain,—loss of the pleasures and pains and</l> +<l>pride of life: gain of its sweet concord, the courage of</l> +<l>honest convictions, and final obedience to spiritual law.</l> +<l>The ultimate of scientific research and attainment in [20]</l> +<l>divine Science is not an argument: it is not merely say-</l> +<l>ing, but doing, the Word—demonstrating Truth—even</l> +<l>as the fruits of watchfulness, prayer, struggles, tears, and</l> +<l>triumph.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Obeying the divine Principle which you profess to un- [25]</l> +<l>derstand and love, demonstrates Truth. Never absent</l> +<l>from your post, never off guard, never ill-humored, never</l> +<l>unready to work for God,—is obedience; being <q rend='pre'>faith-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>ful over a few things.</q> If in one instance obedience be</l> +<l>lacking, you lose the scientific rule and its reward: namely, [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='117'/><anchor id='Pg117'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 117.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>to be made <q>ruler over many things.</q> A progressive [1]</l> +<l>life is the reality of Life that unfolds its immortal Prin-</l> +<l>ciple.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The student of Christian Science must first separate the</l> +<l>tares from the wheat; discern between the thought, [5]</l> +<l>motive, and act superinduced by the wrong motive or</l> +<l>the true—the God-given intent and volition—arrest</l> +<l>the former, and obey the latter. This will place him on</l> +<l>the safe side of practice. We always know where to look</l> +<l>for the real Scientist, and always find him there. I agree [10]</l> +<l>with Rev. Dr. Talmage, that <q rend='pre'>there are wit, humor, and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>enduring vivacity among God's people.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Obedience is the offspring of Love; and Love is the</l> +<l>Principle of unity, the basis of all right thinking and</l> +<l>acting; it fulfils the law. We see eye to eye and know as we [15]</l> +<l>are known, reciprocate kindness and work wisely, in</l> +<l>proportion as we love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is difficult for me to carry out a divine commission</l> +<l>while participating in the movements, or <hi rend='italic'>modus operandi</hi>,</l> +<l>of other folks. To point out every step to a student and [20]</l> +<l>then watch that each step be taken, consumes time,—</l> +<l>and experiments ofttimes are costly. According to my</l> +<l>calendar, God's time and mortals' differ. The neo-</l> +<l>phyte is inclined to be too fast or too slow: he works</l> +<l>somewhat in the dark; and, sometimes out of season, [25]</l> +<l>he would replenish his lamp at the midnight hour and</l> +<l>borrow oil of the more provident watcher. God is the</l> +<l>fountain of light, and He illumines one's way when one</l> +<l>is obedient. The disobedient make their moves before</l> +<l>God makes His, or make them too late to follow Him. [30]</l> +<l>Be sure that God <emph>directs</emph> your way; then, hasten to follow</l> +<l>under every circumstance.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='118'/><anchor id='Pg118'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 118.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Human will must be subjugated. We cannot obey [1]</l> +<l>both God, good, and evil,—in other words, the ma-</l> +<l>terial senses, false suggestions, self-will, selfish motives,</l> +<l>and human policy. We shall have no faith in evil</l> +<l>when faith finds a resting-place and scientific under- [5]</l> +<l>standing guides man. Honesty in every condition,</l> +<l>under every circumstance, is the indispensable rule of</l> +<l>obedience. To obey the principle of mathematics ninety-</l> +<l>nine times in one hundred and then allow one numeral</l> +<l>to make incorrect your entire problem, is neither Science [10]</l> +<l>nor obedience.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>However keenly the human affections yearn to for-</l> +<l>give a mistake, and pass a friend over it smoothly, one's</l> +<l>sympathy can neither atone for error, advance individual</l> +<l>growth, nor change this immutable decree of Love: <q rend='pre'>Keep</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>My commandments.</q> The guerdon of meritorious</l> +<l>faith or trustworthiness rests on being willing to work</l> +<l>alone with God and for Him,—willing to suffer patiently</l> +<l>for error until all error is destroyed and His rod and His</l> +<l>staff comfort you. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Self-ignorance, self-will, self-righteousness, lust, covet-</l> +<l>ousness, envy, revenge, are foes to grace, peace, and</l> +<l>progress; they must be met manfully and overcome,</l> +<l>or they will uproot all happiness. Be of good cheer;</l> +<l>the warfare with one's self is grand; it gives one plenty [25]</l> +<l>of employment, and the divine Principle worketh with</l> +<l>you,—and obedience crowns persistent effort with</l> +<l>everlasting victory. Every attempt of evil to harm good</l> +<l>is futile, and ends in the fiery punishment of the</l> +<l>evil-doer. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus said, <q rend='pre'>Not that which goeth into the mouth</q></l> +<l>defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='119'/><anchor id='Pg119'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 119.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>this defileth a man.</q> If malicious suggestions whisper [1]</l> +<l>evil through the mind's tympanum, this were no apology</l> +<l>for acting evilly. We are responsible for our thoughts and</l> +<l>acts; and instead of aiding other people's devices by</l> +<l>obeying them,—and then whining over misfortune,— [5]</l> +<l>rise and overthrow both. If a criminal coax the unwary</l> +<l>man to commit a crime, our laws punish the dupe as ac-</l> +<l>cessory to the fact. Each individual is responsible for</l> +<l>himself.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Evil is impotent to turn the righteous man from his [10]</l> +<l>uprightness. The nature of the individual, more stub-</l> +<l>born than the circumstance, will always be found argu-</l> +<l>ing for itself,—its habits, tastes, and indulgences. This</l> +<l>material nature strives to tip the beam against the spir-</l> +<l>itual nature; for the flesh strives against Spirit,—against [15]</l> +<l>whatever or whoever opposes evil,—and weighs mightily</l> +<l>in the scale against man's high destiny. This conclusion</l> +<l>is not an argument either for pessimism or for optimism,</l> +<l>but is a plea for free moral agency,—full exemption</l> +<l>from all necessity to obey a power that should be and is [20]</l> +<l>found powerless in Christian Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Insubordination to the law of Love even in the least,</l> +<l>or strict obedience thereto, tests and discriminates be-</l> +<l>tween the real and the unreal Scientist. Justice, a</l> +<l>prominent statute in the divine law, demands of all [25]</l> +<l>trespassers upon the sparse individual rights which one</l> +<l>justly reserves to one's self,—Would you consent that</l> +<l>others should tear up your landmarks, manipulate your</l> +<l>students, nullify or reverse your rules, countermand</l> +<l>your orders, steal your possessions, and escape the [30]</l> +<l>penalty therefor? No! <q rend='pre'>Therefore all things what-</q></l> +<l>soever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='120'/><anchor id='Pg120'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 120.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>so to them.</q> The professors of Christian Science must [1]</l> +<l>take off their shoes at our altars; they must unclasp</l> +<l>the material sense of things at the very threshold of</l> +<l>Christian Science: they must obey implicitly each and</l> +<l>every injunction of the divine Principle of life's long [5]</l> +<l>problem, or repeat their work in tears. In the words</l> +<l>of St. Paul, <q rend='pre'>Know ye not, that to whom ye yield your-</q></l> +<l>selves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye</l> +<l>obey; whether of sin unto death, or of <emph>obedience</emph> unto</l> +<l><q rend='post'>righteousness?</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Beloved students, loyal laborers are ye that have wrought</l> +<l>valiantly, and achieved great guerdons in the vineyard</l> +<l>of our Lord; but a mighty victory is yet to be won, a</l> +<l>great freedom for the race; and Christian success is</l> +<l>under arms,—with armor on, not laid down. Let us [15]</l> +<l>rejoice, however, that the clarion call of peace will at</l> +<l>length be heard above the din of battle, and come more</l> +<l>sweetly to our ear than sound of vintage bells to villagers</l> +<l>on the Rhine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I recommend that this Association hereafter meet tri- [20]</l> +<l>ennially; many of its members reside a long distance from</l> +<l>Massachusetts, and they are members of The Mother</l> +<l>Church who would love to be with you on Sunday, and</l> +<l>once in three years is perhaps as often as they can afford</l> +<l>to be away from their own fields of labor. [25]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Communion Address, January, 1896</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Friends and Brethren:</hi>—The Biblical record of the</l> +<l>great Nazarene, whose character we to-day commemorate,</l> +<l>is scanty; but what is given, puts to flight every doubt as</l> +<l>to the immortality of his words and works. Though [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='121'/><anchor id='Pg121'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 121.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>written in a decaying language, his words can never pass [1]</l> +<l>away: they are inscribed upon the hearts of men: they</l> +<l>are engraved upon eternity's tablets.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Undoubtedly our Master partook of the Jews' feast</l> +<l>of the Passover, and drank from their festal wine-cup. [5]</l> +<l>This, however, is not the cup to which I call your at-</l> +<l>tention,—even the cup of martyrdom: wherein Spirit</l> +<l>and matter, good and evil, seem to grapple, and the</l> +<l>human struggles against the divine, up to a point of</l> +<l>discovery; namely, the impotence of evil, and the om- [10]</l> +<l>nipotence of good, as divinely attested. Anciently, the</l> +<l>blood of martyrs was believed to be the seed of the Church.</l> +<l>Stalled theocracy would make this fatal doctrine just</l> +<l>and sovereign, even a divine decree, a law of Love! That</l> +<l>the innocent shall suffer for the guilty, is inhuman. The [15]</l> +<l>prophet declared, <q rend='pre'>Thou shalt put away the guilt of</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>innocent blood from Israel.</q> This is plain: that what-</l> +<l>ever belittles, befogs, or belies the nature and essence of</l> +<l>Deity, is not divine. Who, then, shall father or favor</l> +<l>this sentence passed upon innocence? thereby giving the [20]</l> +<l>signet of God to the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of His</l> +<l>beloved Son, the righteous Nazarene,—christened by</l> +<l>John the Baptist, <q>the Lamb of God.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Oh! shameless insult to divine royalty, that drew</l> +<l>from the great Master this answer to the questions of the [25]</l> +<l>rabbinical rabble: <q rend='pre'>If I tell you, ye will not believe; and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Infinitely greater than human pity, is divine Love,—</l> +<l>that cannot be unmerciful. Human tribunals, if just,</l> +<l>borrow their sense of justice from the divine Principle [30]</l> +<l>thereof, which punishes the guilty, not the innocent. The</l> +<l>Teacher of both law and gospel construed the substitution</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='122'/><anchor id='Pg122'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 122.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of a good man to suffer for evil-doers—a <emph>crime</emph>! When [1]</l> +<l>foretelling his own crucifixion, he said, <q rend='pre'>Woe unto the</q></l> +<l>world because of offenses! for it must needs be that</l> +<l>offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense</l> +<l><q rend='post'>cometh!</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Would Jesus thus have spoken of what was indis-</l> +<l>pensable for the salvation of a world of sinners, or of the</l> +<l>individual instrument in this holy (?) alliance for accom-</l> +<l>plishing such a monstrous work? or have said of him</l> +<l>whom God foreordained and predestined to fulfil a divine [10]</l> +<l>decree, <q rend='pre'>It were better for him that a millstone were</q></l> +<l>hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>depth of the sea</q>?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The divine order is the acme of mercy: it is neither</l> +<l>questionable nor assailable: it is not evil producing good, [15]</l> +<l>nor good ultimating in evil. Such an inference were</l> +<l>impious. Holy Writ denounces him that declares, <q rend='pre'>Let</q></l> +<l>us do evil, that good may come! whose damnation is</l> +<l><q rend='post'>just.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Good is not educed from its opposite: and Love divine [20]</l> +<l>spurned, lessens not the hater's hatred nor the criminal's</l> +<l>crime; nor reconciles justice to injustice; nor substitutes</l> +<l>the suffering of the Godlike for the suffering due to sin.</l> +<l>Neither spiritual bankruptcy nor a religious chancery can</l> +<l>win high heaven, or the <q rend='pre'>Well done, good and faithful</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>servant,... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Divine Love knows no hate; for hate, or the hater, is</l> +<l>nothing: God never made it, and He made all that was</l> +<l>made. The hater's pleasures are unreal; his sufferings,</l> +<l>self-imposed; his existence is a parody, and he ends— [30]</l> +<l>with suicide.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The murder of the just Nazarite was incited by the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='123'/><anchor id='Pg123'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 123.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>same spirit that in our time massacres our missionaries, [1]</l> +<l>butchers the helpless Armenians, slaughters innocents.</l> +<l>Evil was, and is, the illusion of breaking the First Com-</l> +<l>mandment, <q>Thou shalt have no other gods before me:</q></l> +<l>it is either idolizing something and somebody, or hating [5]</l> +<l>them: it is the spirit of idolatry, envy, jealousy, covet-</l> +<l>ousness, superstition, lust, hypocrisy, <emph>witchcraft</emph>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That man can break the forever-law of infinite Love,</l> +<l>was, and is, the serpent's biggest lie! and ultimates in</l> +<l>a religion of pagan priests bloated with crime; a religion [10]</l> +<l>that demands human victims to be sacrificed to human</l> +<l>passions and human gods, or tortured to appease the</l> +<l>anger of a so-called god or a miscalled man or woman!</l> +<l>The Assyrian Merodach, or the god of sin, was the <q rend='pre'>lucky</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>god;</q> and the Babylonian Yawa, or Jehovah, was the [15]</l> +<l>Jewish tribal deity. The <emph>Christian's</emph> God is neither, and</l> +<l>is too pure to behold iniquity.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Divine Science has rolled away the stone from the sepul-</l> +<l>chre of our Lord; and there has risen to the awakened</l> +<l>thought the majestic atonement of divine Love. The [20]</l> +<l>at-one-ment with Christ has appeared—not through</l> +<l>vicarious suffering, whereby the just obtain a pardon for</l> +<l>the unjust,—but through the eternal law of justice;</l> +<l>wherein sinners suffer for their own sins, repent, forsake</l> +<l>sin, love God, and keep His commandments, thence to [25]</l> +<l>receive the reward of righteousness: salvation from sin,</l> +<l>not through the <emph>death</emph> of a man, but through a divine +<emph>Life</emph>,</l> +<l>which is our Redeemer.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Holy Writ declares that God is Love, is Spirit; hence</l> +<l>it follows that those who worship Him, must worship [30]</l> +<l>Him spiritually,—far apart from physical sensation</l> +<l>such as attends eating and drinking corporeally. It is</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='124'/><anchor id='Pg124'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 124.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>plain that aught unspiritual, intervening between God [1]</l> +<l>and man, would tend to disturb the divine order, and</l> +<l>countermand the Scripture that those who worship the</l> +<l>Father must worship Him in spirit. It is also plain,</l> +<l>that we should not seek and cannot find God in mat- [5]</l> +<l>ter, or through material methods; neither do we love</l> +<l>and obey Him by means of matter, or the flesh,—which</l> +<l>warreth against Spirit, and will not be reconciled</l> +<l>thereto.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We turn, with sickened sense, from a pagan Jew's [10]</l> +<l>or Moslem's misconception of Deity, for peace; and find</l> +<l>rest in the spiritual ideal, or Christ. For <q rend='pre'>who is so</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>great a God as our God!</q> unchangeable, all-wise, all-</l> +<l>just, all-merciful; the ever-loving, ever-living Life, Truth,</l> +<l>Love: comforting such as mourn, opening the prison [15]</l> +<l>doors to the captive, marking the unwinged bird, pitying</l> +<l>with more than a father's pity; healing the sick, cleansing</l> +<l>the leper, raising the dead, saving sinners. As we think</l> +<l>thereon, man's true sense is filled with peace, and power;</l> +<l>and we say, It is well that Christian Science has taken [20]</l> +<l>expressive silence wherein to muse His praise, to kiss the</l> +<l>feet of Jesus, adore the white Christ, and stretch out our</l> +<l>arms to God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The last act of the tragedy on Calvary rent the veil</l> +<l>of matter, and unveiled Love's great legacy to mortals: [25]</l> +<l><emph>Love forgiving its enemies</emph>. This grand act crowned</l> +<l>and still crowns Christianity: it manumits mortals; it</l> +<l>translates love; it gives to suffering, inspiration; to</l> +<l>patience, experience; to experience, hope; to hope, faith;</l> +<l>to faith, understanding; and to understanding, Love tri- [30]</l> +<l>umphant!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In proportion to a man's spiritual progress, he will</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='125'/><anchor id='Pg125'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 125.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>indeed drink of our Master's cup, and be baptized with [1]</l> +<l>his baptism! be purified as by fire,—the fires of suffering;</l> +<l>then hath he part in Love's atonement, for <q rend='pre'>whom the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Lord loveth He chasteneth.</q> Then shall he also reign</l> +<l>with him: he shall rise to know that there is no sin, [5]</l> +<l>that there is no suffering; since all that is <emph>real</emph> is +<emph>right</emph>.</l> +<l>This knowledge enables him to overcome the world, the</l> +<l>flesh, and all evil, to have dominion over his own sinful</l> +<l>sense and self. Then shall he drink anew Christ's cup,</l> +<l>in the kingdom of God—the reign of righteousness— [10]</l> +<l>within him; he shall sit down at the Father's right hand:</l> +<l><emph>sit down</emph>; not stand waiting and weary; but rest on the</l> +<l>bosom of God; rest, in the understanding of divine Love</l> +<l>that passeth all understanding; rest, in that which <q rend='pre'>to</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>know aright is Life eternal,</q> and whom, not having seen, [15]</l> +<l>we love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Then shall he press on to Life's long lesson, the eternal</l> +<l>lore of Love; and learn forever the infinite meanings of</l> +<l>these short sentences: <q>God is Love;</q> and, All that is</l> +<l>real is divine, for God is All-in-all. [20]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Message To The Annual Meeting Of The Mother +Church, Boston, 1896</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Brethren, Children, and Grandchildren</hi>:—</l> +<l>Apart from the common walks of mankind, revolving</l> +<l>oft the hitherto untouched problems of being, and [25]</l> +<l>oftener, perhaps, the controversies which baffle it,</l> +<l>Mother, thought-tired, turns to-day to you; turns to</l> +<l>her dear church, to tell the towers thereof the remarkable</l> +<l>achievements that have been ours within the past few</l> +<l>years: the rapid transit from halls to churches, from un- [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='126'/><anchor id='Pg126'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 126.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>settled questions to permanence, from danger to escape, [1]</l> +<l>from fragmentary discourses to one eternal sermon; yea,</l> +<l>from darkness to daylight, in physics and metaphysics.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Truly, I half wish for society again; for once, at least,</l> +<l>to hear the soft music of our Sabbath chimes saluting the [5]</l> +<l>ear in tones that leap for joy, with love for God and</l> +<l>man.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who hath not learned that when alone he has his</l> +<l>own thoughts to guard, and when struggling with man-</l> +<l>kind his temper, and in society his tongue? We also [10]</l> +<l>have gained higher heights; have learned that trials lift</l> +<l>us to that dignity of Soul which sustains us, and finally</l> +<l>conquers them; and that the ordeal refines while it</l> +<l>chastens.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Perhaps our church is not yet quite sensible of what [15]</l> +<l>we owe to the strength, meekness, honesty, and obedi-</l> +<l>ence of the Christian Science Board of Directors; to</l> +<l>the able editors of <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi>, and</l> +<l>to our efficient Publishing Society.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No reproof is so potent as the silent lesson of a good [20]</l> +<l>example. Works, more than words, should characterize</l> +<l>Christian Scientists. Most people condemn evil-doing,</l> +<l>evil-speaking; yet nothing circulates so rapidly: even gold</l> +<l>is less current. Christian Scientists have a strong race to</l> +<l>run, and foes in ambush; but bear in mind that, in the [25]</l> +<l>long race, honesty always defeats dishonesty.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God hath indeed smiled on my church,—this</l> +<l>daughter of Zion: she sitteth in high places; and to de-</l> +<l>ride her is to incur the penalty of which the Hebrew</l> +<l>bard spake after this manner: <q rend='pre'>He that sitteth in the</q> [30]</l> +<l>heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in</l> +<l><q rend='post'>derision.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='127'/><anchor id='Pg127'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 127.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Hitherto, I have observed that in proportion as this [1]</l> +<l>church has smiled on His <q>little ones,</q> He has blessed</l> +<l>her. Throughout my entire connection with The Mother</l> +<l>Church, I have seen, that in the ratio of her love for</l> +<l>others, hath His love been bestowed upon her; watering [5]</l> +<l>her waste places, and enlarging her borders.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>One thing I have greatly desired, and again earnestly</l> +<l>request, namely, that Christian Scientists, here and</l> +<l>elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor</l> +<l>on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importu- [10]</l> +<l>nately. When a hungry heart petitions the divine Father-</l> +<l>Mother God for bread, it is not given a stone,—but</l> +<l>more grace, obedience, and love. If this heart, humble</l> +<l>and trustful, faithfully asks divine Love to feed it with the</l> +<l>bread of heaven, health, holiness, it will be conformed to [15]</l> +<l>a fitness to receive the answer to its desire; then will flow</l> +<l>into it the <q>river of His pleasure,</q> the tributary of divine</l> +<l>Love, and great growth in Christian Science will follow,—</l> +<l>even that joy which finds one's own in another's good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To love, and to be loved, one must do good to others. [20]</l> +<l>The inevitable condition whereby to become blessed, is to</l> +<l>bless others: but here, you must so know yourself, under</l> +<l>God's direction, that you will do His will even though</l> +<l>your pearls be downtrodden. Ofttimes the rod is His</l> +<l>means of grace; then it must be ours,—we cannot avoid [25]</l> +<l>wielding it if we reflect Him.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Wise sayings and garrulous talk may fall to the ground,</l> +<l>rather than on the ear or heart of the hearer; but a tender</l> +<l>sentiment felt, or a kind word spoken, at the right moment,</l> +<l>is never wasted. Mortal mind presents phases of charac- [30]</l> +<l>ter which need close attention and examination. The</l> +<l>human heart, like a feather bed, needs often to be <emph>stirred</emph>,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='128'/><anchor id='Pg128'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 128.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>sometimes roughly, and given a variety of <emph>turns</emph>, else it [1]</l> +<l>grows hard and uncomfortable whereon to repose.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The lessons of this so-called life in matter are too vast</l> +<l>and varied to learn or to teach briefly; and especially</l> +<l>within the limits of a letter. Therefore I close here, [5]</l> +<l>with the apostle's injunction: <q rend='pre'>Finally, brethren, what-</q></l> +<l>soever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,</l> +<l>whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,</l> +<l>whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of</l> +<l>good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any [10]</l> +<l>praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye</l> +<l>have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in</l> +<l><q rend='post'>me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love, Mother,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker G. Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +</div> + +<pb n='129'/><anchor id='Pg129'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter V. Letters.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 129.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To The Mother Church.</head> + +<lg> +<l>My Beloved Brethren:—If a member of the church</l> +<l>is inclined to be uncharitable, or to condemn his</l> +<l>brother without cause, let him put his finger to his lips,</l> +<l>and forgive others as he would <emph>be</emph> forgiven. One's first [5]</l> +<l>lesson is to learn one's self; having done this, one will</l> +<l>naturally, through grace from God, forgive his brother and</l> +<l>love his enemies. To avenge an imaginary or an actual</l> +<l>wrong, is suicidal. The law of our God and the rule of</l> +<l>our church is to tell thy brother his fault and thereby help [10]</l> +<l>him. If this rule fails in effect, then take the next Scrip-</l> +<l>tural step: drop this member's name from the church, and</l> +<l>thereafter <q>let the dead bury their dead,</q>—let silence</l> +<l>prevail over his remains.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If a man is jealous, envious, or revengeful, he will seek [15]</l> +<l>occasion to balloon an atom of another man's indis-</l> +<l>cretion, inflate it, and send it into the atmosphere of mortal</l> +<l>mind—for other green eyes to gaze on: he will always</l> +<l>find somebody in his way, and try to push him aside;</l> +<l>will see somebody's faults to magnify under the lens that [20]</l> +<l>he never turns on himself.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What have been your Leader's precepts and example!</l> +<l>Were they to save the sinner, and to spare his exposure</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='130'/><anchor id='Pg130'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 130.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>so long as a hope remained of thereby benefiting him? [1]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Has her life exemplified long-suffering, meekness, charity,</l> +<l>purity?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>She readily leaves the answer to those who know</l> +<l>her. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Do we yet understand how much better it is to be</l> +<l>wronged, than to commit wrong? What do we find in</l> +<l>the Bible, and in the Christian Science textbook, on this</l> +<l>subject? Does not the latter instruct you that looking</l> +<l>continually for a fault in somebody else, talking about it, [10]</l> +<l>thinking it over, and how to meet it,—<q rend='pre'>rolling sin as a</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>sweet morsel under your tongue,</q>—has the same power</l> +<l>to make you a sinner that acting thus regarding disease</l> +<l>has to make a man sick? Note the Scripture on this</l> +<l>subject: <q rend='pre'>Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Lord.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Christian Science Board of Directors has borne</l> +<l>the burden in the heat of the day, and it ought not to</l> +<l>be expected that they could have accomplished, without</l> +<l>one single mistake, such Herculean tasks as they have [20]</l> +<l>accomplished. He who judges others should know well</l> +<l>whereof he speaks. Where the motive to do right exists,</l> +<l>and the majority of one's acts are right, we should avoid</l> +<l>referring to past mistakes. The greatest sin that one can</l> +<l>commit against himself is to wrong one of God's <q rend='pre'>little</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>ones.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Know ye not that he who exercises the largest charity,</l> +<l>and waits on God, renews his strength, and is exalted?</l> +<l>Love is not puffed up; and the meek and loving, God</l> +<l>anoints and appoints to lead the line of mankind's tri- [30]</l> +<l>umphal march out of the wilderness, out of darkness</l> +<l>into light.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='131'/><anchor id='Pg131'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 131.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Whoever challenges the errors of others and cherishes [1]</l> +<l>his own, can neither help himself nor others; he will be</l> +<l>called a moral nuisance, a fungus, a microbe, a mouse</l> +<l>gnawing at the vitals of humanity. The darkness in</l> +<l>one's self must first be cast out, in order rightly to discern [5]</l> +<l>darkness or to reflect light.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If the man of more than average avoirdupois kneels on</l> +<l>a stool in church, let the leaner sort console this brother's</l> +<l>necessity by doing likewise. Christian Scientists preserve</l> +<l>unity, and so shadow forth the substance of our sublime [10]</l> +<l>faith, and the evidence of its being built upon the rock of</l> +<l>divine oneness,—one faith, one God, one baptism.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If our Board of Directors is prepared to itemize a report</l> +<l>of the first financial year since the erection of the edifice of</l> +<l>The First Church of Christ, Scientist, let it do so; other- [15]</l> +<l>wise, I recommend that you waive the church By-law</l> +<l>relating to finances this year of your firstfruits. This</l> +<l>Board did not act under that By-law; it was not in ex-</l> +<l>istence all of the year. It is but just to consider the great</l> +<l>struggles with perplexities and difficulties which the [20]</l> +<l>Directors encountered in Anno Domini 1894, and which</l> +<l>they have overcome. May God give unto us all that loving</l> +<l>sense of gratitude which delights in the opportunity to</l> +<l>cancel accounts. I, for one, would be pleased to have the</l> +<l>Christian Science Board of Directors itemize a bill of this [25]</l> +<l>church's gifts to Mother; and then to have them let her</l> +<l>state the value thereof, if, indeed, it could be estimated.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>After this financial year, when you call on the members</l> +<l>of the Christian Science Board of Directors to itemize or</l> +<l>audit their accounts, these will be found already itemized, [30]</l> +<l>and last year's records immortalized, with perils past and</l> +<l>victories won.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='132'/><anchor id='Pg132'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 132.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>A motion was made, and a vote passed, at your last [1]</l> +<l>meeting, on a subject the substance whereof you had al-</l> +<l>ready accepted as a By-law. But, I shall take this as a</l> +<l>favorable omen, a fair token that heavy lids are opening,</l> +<l>even wider than before, to the light of Love—and By-laws. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Affectionately yours,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To ——, On Prayer.</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Massachusetts Metaphysical College,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>571 Columbus Avenue,</hi> [10]</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Boston</hi>, March 21, 1885</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Dear Sir</hi>:—In your communication to +<hi rend='italic'>Zion's Herald</hi>,</l> +<l>March 18, under the heading, <q rend='pre'>Prayer and Healing; sup-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>plemental,</q> you state that you would <q rend='pre'>like to hear +from</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Dr. Cullis; and, by the way, from Mrs. Eddy, also.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Because of the great demand upon my time, consisting</l> +<l>in part of dictating answers through my secretary, or an-</l> +<l>swering personally manifold letters and inquiries from all</l> +<l>quarters,—having charge of a church, editing a maga-</l> +<l>zine, teaching Christian Science, receiving calls, etc.,—I [20]</l> +<l>find it inconvenient to accept your invitation to answer</l> +<l>you through the medium of a newspaper; but, for infor-</l> +<l>mation as to what I believe and teach, would refer you to</l> +<l>the Holy Scriptures, to my various publications, and to my</l> +<l>Christian students. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It was with a thrill of pleasure that I read in your arti-</l> +<l>cle these words: <q rend='pre'>If we have in any way misrepresented</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>either Dr. Cullis or Mrs. Eddy, we are sorry.</q> Even the</l> +<l>desire to be just is a vital spark of Christianity. And those</l> +<l>words inspire me with the hope that you wish to be just. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='133'/><anchor id='Pg133'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 133.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>If this is so, you will not delay corrections of the statement [1]</l> +<l>you make at the close of your article, when referring to</l> +<l>me, <q>the pantheistic and prayerless Mrs. Eddy, of Boston.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It would be difficult to build a sentence of so few words</l> +<l>conveying ideas more opposite to the fact. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In refutation of your statement that I am a pantheist,</l> +<l>I request you to read my sermons and publications.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As to being <q>prayerless,</q> I call your attention and</l> +<l>deep consideration to the following Scripture, that voices</l> +<l>my impressions of prayer:— [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites</q></l> +<l>are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and</l> +<l>in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men....</l> +<l>But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet,</l> +<l>and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father [15]</l> +<l>which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret</l> +<l><q rend='post'>shall reward thee openly.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I hope I am not wrong in literally following the dictum</l> +<l>of Jesus; and, were it not because of my desire to set</l> +<l>you right on this question, I should feel a delicacy in mak- [20]</l> +<l>ing the following statement:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Three times a day, I retire to seek the divine blessing</l> +<l>on the sick and sorrowing, with my face toward the Jeru-</l> +<l>salem of Love and Truth, in silent prayer to the Father</l> +<l>which <q>seeth in secret,</q> and with childlike confidence that [25]</l> +<l>He will reward <q>openly.</q> In the midst of depressing care</l> +<l>and labor I turn constantly to divine Love for guidance,</l> +<l>and find rest. It affords me great joy to be able to attest to</l> +<l>the truth of Jesus' words. Love makes all burdens light,</l> +<l>it giveth a peace that passeth understanding, and with [30]</l> +<l><q>signs following.</q> As to the peace, it is unutterable; as</l> +<l>to <q>signs,</q> behold the sick who are healed, the sorrowful</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='134'/><anchor id='Pg134'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 134.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>who are made hopeful, and the sinful and ignorant who [1]</l> +<l>have become <q>wise unto salvation</q>!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And now, dear sir, as you have expressed contrition for</l> +<l>an act which you have immediately repeated, you are</l> +<l>placed in this dilemma: To reiterate such words of [5]</l> +<l>apology as characterize justice and Christianity.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Very truly,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker G. Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To The National Christian Scientist Association.</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Students</hi>:—Meet together and meet +<hi rend='italic'>en masse</hi>, [10]</l> +<l>in 1888, at the annual session of the National Christian</l> +<l>Scientist Association. Be <q>of one mind,</q> <q>in one place,</q></l> +<l>and God will pour you out a blessing such as you never</l> +<l>before received. He who dwelleth in eternal light is</l> +<l>bigger than the shadow, and will guard and guide His [15]</l> +<l>own.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let no consideration bend or outweigh your purpose</l> +<l>to be in Chicago on June 13. Firm in your allegiance to</l> +<l>the reign of universal harmony, go to its rescue. In God's</l> +<l>hour, the powers of earth and hell are proven powerless. [20]</l> +<l>The reeling ranks of <hi rend='italic'>materia medica</hi>, with poisons, nos-</l> +<l>trums, and knives, are impotent when at war with the</l> +<l>omnipotent! Like Elisha, look up, and behold: <q rend='pre'>They</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>that be with us, are more than they that be with them.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Error is only fermenting, and its heat hissing at the [25]</l> +<l><q>still, small voice</q> of Truth; but it can neither silence</l> +<l>nor disarm God's voice. Spiritual wickedness is stand-</l> +<l>ing in high places; but, blind to its own fate, it will tumble</l> +<l>into the bottomless.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='135'/><anchor id='Pg135'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 135.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Christians, and all <emph>true</emph> Scientists, marching under what- [1]</l> +<l>soever ensign, come into the ranks! Again I repeat, per-</l> +<l>son is not in the question of Christian Science. Principle,</l> +<l>instead of person, is next to our hearts, on our lips, and</l> +<l>in our lives. Our watchwords are Truth and Love; and [5]</l> +<l>if we abide in these, they will abound in us, and we shall</l> +<l>be one in heart,—one in motive, purpose, pursuit. Abid-</l> +<l>ing in Love, not one of you can be separated from me; and</l> +<l>the sweet sense of journeying on together, doing unto</l> +<l>others as ye would they should do unto you, conquers all [10]</l> +<l>opposition, surmounts all obstacles, and secures success.</l> +<l>If you falter, or fail to fulfil this Golden Rule, though you</l> +<l>should build to the heavens, you would build on sand.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is it a cross to give one week's time and expense to the</l> +<l>jubilee of Spirit? Then take this cross, and the crown [15]</l> +<l>with it. Sending forth currents of Truth, God's methods</l> +<l>and means of healing, and so spreading the gospel of</l> +<l>Love, is in itself an eternity of joy that outweighs an</l> +<l>hour. Add one more noble offering to the unity of good,</l> +<l>and so cement the bonds of Love. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To The College Association.</head> + +<lg> +<l>Letter read at the meeting of the Massachusetts Metaphysical</l> +<l>College Association, June 3, 1891. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>To the Members of the Christian Scientists' Association +of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>the Massachusetts Metaphysical College</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Beloved Students</hi>:—You may be looking to see me</l> +<l>in my accustomed place with you, but this you must no</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='136'/><anchor id='Pg136'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 136.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>longer expect. When I retired from the field of labor, [1]</l> +<l>it was a departure, socially, publicly, and finally, from</l> +<l>the routine of such material modes as society and our</l> +<l>societies demand. Rumors are rumors,—nothing more.</l> +<l>I am still with you on the field of battle, taking forward [5]</l> +<l>marches, broader and higher views, and with the hope</l> +<l>that you will follow.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The eternal and infinite, already brought to your</l> +<l>earnest consideration, so grow upon my vision that I</l> +<l>cannot feel justified in turning aside for one hour from [10]</l> +<l>contemplation of them and of the faith unfeigned.</l> +<l>When the verities of being seem to you as to me,—as</l> +<l>they must some time,—you will understand the neces-</l> +<l>sity for my seclusion, and its fulfilment of divine order.</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye sepa-</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>rate, saith the Lord.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All our thoughts should be given to the absolute</l> +<l>demonstration of Christian Science. You can well</l> +<l>afford to give me up, since you have in my last re-</l> +<l>vised edition of Science and Health your teacher and [20]</l> +<l>guide.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I recommend that the June session of this honorable</l> +<l>body shall close your meetings for the summer; also, that</l> +<l>hereafter you hold three sessions annually, convening</l> +<l>once in four months; oftener is not requisite, and the [25]</l> +<l>members coming from a distance will be accommodated</l> +<l>by this arrangement.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Yours affectionately,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary B. G. Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='137'/><anchor id='Pg137'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 137.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To The National Christian Scientist Association.</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Dear Students and Friends</hi>:—Accept my thanks</l> +<l>for your card of invitation, your badge, and order of exer-</l> +<l>cise, all of which are complete.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When I gave you a meagre reception in Boston at the [5]</l> +<l>close of the first convention of the National Christian</l> +<l>Scientist Association, it was simply to give you the privi-</l> +<l>lege, poor as it was, of speaking a few words aside to your</l> +<l>teacher. I remember my regret, when, having asked in</l> +<l>general assembly if you had any questions to propose, I [10]</l> +<l>received no reply. Since then you have doubtless realized</l> +<l>that such opportunity might have been improved; but</l> +<l>that time has passed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I greatly rejoice over the growth of my students within</l> +<l>the last few years. It was kind of you to part so gently [15]</l> +<l>with the protecting wings of the mother-bird, and to spread</l> +<l>your own so bravely. Now, dear ones, if you take my</l> +<l>advice again, you will do—what?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Even this: Disorganize the National Christian Scientist</l> +<l>Association! and each one return to his place of [20]</l> +<l>labor, to work out individually and alone, for himself and</l> +<l>for others, the sublime ends of human life.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To accomplish this, you must give much time to self-</l> +<l>examination and correction; you must control appetite,</l> +<l>passion, pride, envy, evil-speaking, resentment, and each [25]</l> +<l>one of the innumerable errors that worketh or maketh</l> +<l>a lie. Then you can give to the world the benefit of all</l> +<l>this, and heal and teach with increased confidence. My</l> +<l>students can <emph>now</emph> organize their students into associa-</l> +<l>tions, form churches, and hold these organizations of their [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='138'/><anchor id='Pg138'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 138.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>own,—until, in turn, their students will sustain them- [1]</l> +<l>selves and work for others.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The time it takes yearly to prepare for this national</l> +<l>convention is worse than wasted, if it causes thought to</l> +<l>wander in the wilderness or ways of the world. The de- [5]</l> +<l>tail of conforming to society, in any way, costs you what</l> +<l>it would to give time and attention to hygiene in your</l> +<l>ministry and healing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>For students to work together is not always to co-</l> +<l>operate, but sometimes to coelbow! Each student should [10]</l> +<l>seek alone the guidance of our common Father—even</l> +<l>the divine Principle which he claims to demonstrate,—</l> +<l>and especially should he prove his faith by works, ethi-</l> +<l>cally, physically, and spiritually. Remember that the</l> +<l>first and last lesson of Christian Science is love, perfect [15]</l> +<l>love, and love made perfect through the cross.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I once thought that in unity was human strength; but</l> +<l>have grown to know that human strength is weakness,—</l> +<l>that unity is divine might, giving to human power, peace.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My counsel is applicable to the state of general growth [20]</l> +<l>in the members of the National Christian Scientist Asso-</l> +<l>ciation, but it is not so adapted to the members of</l> +<l>students' organizations. And wherefore? Because the</l> +<l>growth of these at first is more gradual; but whenever</l> +<l>they are equal to the march triumphant, God will give [25]</l> +<l>to all His soldiers of the cross the proper command, and</l> +<l>under the banner of His love, and with the <q rend='pre'>still, small</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>voice</q> for the music of our march, we all shall take step</l> +<l>and march on in spiritual organization.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Your loving teacher, [30]</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker G. Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Concord, N. H.</hi>, May 23, 1890</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='139'/><anchor id='Pg139'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 139.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>N. B. I recommend this honorable body to adjourn, [1]</l> +<l>if it does not disorganize, to three years from this date;</l> +<l>or, if it does disorganize, to meet again in three years.</l> +<l>Then bring your tithes into the storehouse, and God will</l> +<l>pour you out a blessing such as you even yet have not [5]</l> +<l>received.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>M. B. G. E.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To The First Church Of Christ, Scientist, Boston.</head> + +<lg> +<l>(<hi rend='italic'>For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty</hi> +[10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting +down</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against +the</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to +the</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>obedience of Christ.</hi>—2 <hi rend='smallcaps'>Cor. x.</hi> +4, 5.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In April, 1883, I started the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> of Christian [15]</l> +<l>Science, with a portion of the above Scripture for its</l> +<l>motto.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>On December 10, 1889, I gave a lot of land—in</l> +<l>Boston, situated near the beautiful Back Bay Park, now</l> +<l>valued at $20,000 and rising in value—for the purpose [20]</l> +<l>of having erected thereon a church edifice to be called The</l> +<l>Church of Christ, Scientist.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I had this desirable site transferred in a circuitous,</l> +<l>novel way, at the wisdom whereof a few persons have</l> +<l>since scrupled; but to my spiritual perception, like all [25]</l> +<l>true wisdom, this transaction will in future be regarded</l> +<l>as greatly wise, and it will be found that this act was in</l> +<l>advance of the erring mind's apprehension.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As with all former efforts in the interest of Christian</l> +<l>Science, I took care that the provisions for the land and [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='140'/><anchor id='Pg140'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 140.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>building were such as error could not control. I knew [1]</l> +<l>that to God's gift, foundation and superstructure, no one</l> +<l>could hold a wholly material title. The land, and the</l> +<l>church standing on it, must be conveyed through a type</l> +<l>representing the true nature of the gift; a type morally [5]</l> +<l>and spiritually inalienable, but materially questionable</l> +<l>—even after the manner that all spiritual good comes</l> +<l>to Christian Scientists, to the end of taxing their faith</l> +<l>in God, and their adherence to the superiority of the</l> +<l>claims of Spirit over matter or merely legal titles. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No one could buy, sell, or mortgage my gift as I had</l> +<l>it conveyed. Thus the case rested, and I supposed the</l> +<l>trustee-deed was legal; but this was God's business, not</l> +<l>mine. Our church was prospered by the right hand of</l> +<l>His righteousness, and contributions to the Building Fund [15]</l> +<l>generously poured into the treasury. Unity prevailed,—</l> +<l>till mortal man sought to know who owned God's temple,</l> +<l>and adopted and urged only the material side of this</l> +<l>question.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The lot of land which I donated I redeemed from under [20]</l> +<l>mortgage. The foundation on which our church was to</l> +<l>be built had to be rescued from the grasp of legal power,</l> +<l>and now it must be put back into the arms of Love, if we</l> +<l>would not be found fighting against God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The diviner claim and means for upbuilding the Church [25]</l> +<l>of Christ were prospered. Our title to God's acres will</l> +<l>be safe and sound—when we can <q>read our title clear</q></l> +<l>to heavenly mansions. Built on the rock, our church</l> +<l>will stand the storms of ages: though the material super-</l> +<l>structure should crumble into dust, the fittest would sur- [30]</l> +<l>vive,—the spiritual idea would live, a perpetual type of</l> +<l>the divine Principle it reflects.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='141'/><anchor id='Pg141'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 141.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The First Church of Christ, Scientist, our prayer in [1]</l> +<l>stone, will be the prophecy fulfilled, the monument up-</l> +<l>reared, of Christian Science. It will speak to you of the</l> +<l>Mother, and of your hearts' offering to her through whom</l> +<l>was revealed to you God's all-power, all-presence, and [5]</l> +<l>all-science. This building begun, will go up, and no one</l> +<l>can suffer from it, for no one can resist the power that</l> +<l>is behind it; and against this church temple <q rend='pre'>the gates</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of hell</q> cannot prevail.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All loyal Christian Scientists hail with joy this pro- [10]</l> +<l>posed type of universal Love; not so, however, with</l> +<l>error, which hates the bonds and methods of Truth, and</l> +<l>shudders at the freedom, might, and majesty of Spirit,</l> +<l>—even the annihilating law of Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I vindicate both the law of God and the laws of our [15]</l> +<l>land. I believe,—yea, I understand,—that with the</l> +<l>spirit of Christ actuating all the parties concerned about</l> +<l>the legal quibble, it can easily be corrected to the satis-</l> +<l>faction of all. Let this be speedily done. Do not, I im-</l> +<l>plore you, stain the early history of Christian Science by [20]</l> +<l>the impulses of human will and pride; but let the divine</l> +<l>will and the nobility of human meekness rule this busi-</l> +<l>ness transaction, in obedience to the law of Love and the</l> +<l>laws of our land.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As the ambassador of Christ's teachings, I admonish [25]</l> +<l>you: Delay not longer to commence building our church</l> +<l>in Boston; or else return every dollar that you yourselves</l> +<l>declare you have had no legal authority for obtaining, to</l> +<l>the several contributors,—and let them, not you, say</l> +<l>what shall be done with their money. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Of our first church in Boston, O recording angel!</l> +<l>write: God is in the midst of her: how beautiful are her</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='142'/><anchor id='Pg142'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 142.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>feet! how beautiful are her garments! how hath He en- [1]</l> +<l>larged her borders! how hath He made her wildernesses</l> +<l>to bud and blossom as the rose!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To Donors Of Boat, From Toronto, Canada.</head> + +<lg> +<l>Written on receipt of a beautiful boat presented by Christian</l> +<l>Scientists in Toronto, for the little pond at Pleasant View. The</l> +<l>boat displays, among other beautiful decorations, a number of</l> +<l>masonic symbols. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Students and Friends</hi>:—Accept my thanks</l> +<l>for the beautiful boat and presentation poem. Each day</l> +<l>since they arrived I have said, Let me write to the donors,</l> +<l>—and what?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My first impression was to indite a poem; my second, [15]</l> +<l>a psalm; my third, a letter. Why the letter alone? Be-</l> +<l>cause your dear hearts expressed in their lovely gift such</l> +<l>varying types of true affection, shaded as autumn leaves</l> +<l>with bright hues of the spiritual, that my Muse lost her</l> +<l>lightsome lyre, and imagery of thought gave place to [20]</l> +<l>chords of feeling too deep for words.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A boat song seemed more Olympian than the psalm in</l> +<l>spiritual strains of the Hebrew bard. So I send my</l> +<l>answer in a commonplace letter. Poor return, is it</l> +<l>not? [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The symbols of freemasonry depicted on the boat</l> +<l>wakened memory, touched tender fibres of thought, and</l> +<l>I longed to say to the masonic brothers: If as a woman</l> +<l>I may not unite with you in freemasonry, nor you with</l> +<l>me in Christian Science, yet as friends we can feel the [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='143'/><anchor id='Pg143'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 143.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>touch of heart to heart and hand to hand, on the broad [1]</l> +<l>basis and sure foundation of true friendship's <q>level</q></l> +<l>and the <q>square</q> of moral sentiments.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My dear students may have explained to the kind par-</l> +<l>ticipants in beautifying this boat our spiritual points, [5]</l> +<l>above the plane of matter. If so, I may hope that a</l> +<l>closer link hath bound us. Across lakes, into a kingdom,</l> +<l>I reach out my hand to clasp yours, with this silent bene-</l> +<l>diction: May the kingdom of heaven come in each of</l> +<l>your hearts! [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Address,—Laying The Corner-Stone.</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Students</hi>:—On the 21st day of May, +<hi rend='smallcaps'>a.d.</hi></l> +<l>1894, with quiet, imposing ceremony, is laid the corner- [15]</l> +<l>stone of <q>The First Church of Christ, Scientist,</q> in</l> +<l>Boston.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It gives me great pleasure to say that you, principally</l> +<l>the Normal class graduates of my College, well known</l> +<l>physicians, teachers, editors, and pastors of churches, [20]</l> +<l>by contributions of one thousand dollars each, husband</l> +<l>and wife reckoned as one, have, within about three</l> +<l>months, donated the munificent sum of forty-two thou-</l> +<l>sand dollars toward building The Mother Church. A</l> +<l>quiet call from me for this extra contribution, in aid of [25]</l> +<l>our Church Building Fund, found you all <q rend='pre'>with one</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>accord in one place.</q> Each donation came promptly;</l> +<l>sometimes at much self-sacrifice, but always accompanied</l> +<l>with a touching letter breathing the donor's privileged joy.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='144'/><anchor id='Pg144'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 144.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The granite for this church was taken from the quar- [1]</l> +<l>ries in New Hampshire, my native State. The money</l> +<l>for building <q>Mother's Room,</q> situated in the second</l> +<l>story of the tower on the northeast corner of this build-</l> +<l>ing, and the name thereof, came from the dear children [5]</l> +<l>of Christian Scientists; a little band called Busy Bees,</l> +<l>organized by Miss Maurine R. Campbell.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>On this memorable day there are laid away a copy of</l> +<l>this address, the subscription list on which appear your</l> +<l>several names in your own handwriting, your textbook, [10]</l> +<l><q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> and</l> +<l>other works written by the same author, your teacher,</l> +<l>the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science;<note place='foot'>A copy +of the Bible was included among the books placed in the corner-stone.</note> without</l> +<l>pomp or pride, laid away as a sacred secret in the</l> +<l>heart of a rock, there to typify the prophecy, <q rend='pre'>And a man</q> [15]</l> +<l>shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert</l> +<l>from the tempest; ... as the shadow of a great rock in</l> +<l><q rend='post'>a weary land:</q> henceforth to whisper our Master's</l> +<l>promise, <q rend='pre'>Upon this rock I will build my church; and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.</q> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To-day, be this hope in each of our hearts,—precious</l> +<l>in God's sight as shall be the assembling of His people</l> +<l>in this temple, sweet as the rest that remaineth for the</l> +<l>righteous, and fresh as a summer morn,—that, from</l> +<l>earth's pillows of stone, our visible lives are rising to [25]</l> +<l>God. As in the history of a seed, so may our earthly</l> +<l>sowing bear fruit that exudes the inspiration of the wine</l> +<l>poured into the cup of Christ.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To-day I pray that divine Love, the life-giving Prin-</l> +<l>ciple of Christianity, shall speedily wake the long night [30]</l> +<l>of materialism, and the universal dawn shall break upon</l> +<l>the spire of this temple. The Church, more than any</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='145'/><anchor id='Pg145'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 145.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>other institution, at present is the cement of society, and [1]</l> +<l>it should be the bulwark of civil and religious liberty.</l> +<l>But the time cometh when the religious element, or Church</l> +<l>of Christ, shall exist alone in the affections, and need no</l> +<l>organization to express it. Till then, this form of godli- [5]</l> +<l>ness seems as requisite to manifest its spirit, as individ-</l> +<l>uality to express Soul and substance.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Does a single bosom burn for fame and power? Then</l> +<l>when that person shall possess these, let him ask him-</l> +<l>self, and answer to his name in this corner-stone of our [10]</l> +<l>temple: Am I greater for them? And if he thinks that</l> +<l>he is, then is he less than man to whom God gave <q rend='pre'>do-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>minion over all the earth,</q> less than the meek who +<q rend='pre'>in-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>herit the earth.</q> Even vanity forbids man to be vain;</l> +<l>and pride is a hooded hawk which flies in darkness. Over [15]</l> +<l>a wounded sense of its own error, let not mortal thought</l> +<l>resuscitate too soon.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In our rock-bound friendship, delicate as dear, our</l> +<l>names may melt into one, and common dust, and their</l> +<l>modest sign be nothingness. Be this as it may, the visible [20]</l> +<l>unity of spirit remains, to quicken even dust into sweet</l> +<l>memorial such as Isaiah prophesied: <q rend='pre'>The wolf also shall</q></l> +<l>dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with</l> +<l>the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling</l> +<l><q rend='post'>together; and a little child shall lead them.</q> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the <emph>hearts</emph> of Christian Scientists are woven to-</l> +<l>gether as are their names in the web of history, earth will</l> +<l>float majestically heaven's heraldry, and echo the song</l> +<l>of angels: <q rend='pre'>Glory to God in the highest, and on earth</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>peace, good will toward men.</q> [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To The Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, and to</l> +<l>the dear children that my heart folds within it, let me</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='146'/><anchor id='Pg146'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 146.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>say, 'Tis sweet to remember thee, and God's Zion, with [1]</l> +<l>healing on her wings. May her walls be vocal with sal-</l> +<l>vation; and her gates with praise!</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To The First Church Of Christ, Scientist, Boston</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Beloved Students</hi>:—I cannot conscientiously lend</l> +<l>my counsel to direct your action on receiving or dismiss-</l> +<l>ing candidates. To do this, I should need to be with</l> +<l>you. I cannot accept hearsay, and would need to know</l> +<l>the circumstances and facts regarding both sides of the [10]</l> +<l>subject, to form a proper judgment. This is not my</l> +<l>present province; hence I have hitherto declined to be</l> +<l>consulted on these subjects, and still maintain this</l> +<l>position.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>These are matters of grave import; and you cannot [15]</l> +<l>be indifferent to this, but will give them immediate at-</l> +<l>tention, and be governed therein by the spirit and the</l> +<l>letter of this Scripture: <q rend='pre'>Whatsoever ye would that men</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>should do unto you, do ye even so to them.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I cannot be the conscience for this church; but if I [20]</l> +<l>were, I would gather every reformed mortal that desired</l> +<l>to come, into its fold, and counsel and help him to walk</l> +<l>in the footsteps of His flock. I feel sure that as Chris-</l> +<l>tian Scientists you will act, relative to this matter, up to</l> +<l>your highest understanding of justice and mercy. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Affectionately yours,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +<l>Feb. 12, 1895</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='147'/><anchor id='Pg147'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 147.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>The First Members Of The First Church Of Christ, +Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Beloved Students</hi>:—Another year has rolled on, [3]</l> +<l>another annual meeting has convened, another space of</l> +<l>time has been given us, and has another duty been done [5]</l> +<l>and another victory won for time and eternity? Do you</l> +<l>meet in unity, preferring one another, and demonstrating</l> +<l>the divine Principle of Christian Science? Have you</l> +<l>improved past hours, and ladened them with records</l> +<l>worthy to be borne heavenward? Have you learned [10]</l> +<l>that sin is inadmissible, and indicates a small mind?</l> +<l>Do you manifest love for those that hate you and de-</l> +<l>spitefully use you?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The man of integrity is one who makes it his constant</l> +<l>rule to follow the road of duty, according as Truth and [15]</l> +<l>the voice of his conscience point it out to him. He is not</l> +<l>guided merely by affections which may some time give</l> +<l>the color of virtue to a loose and unstable character.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The upright man is guided by a fixed Principle, which</l> +<l>destines him to do nothing but what is honorable, and to [20]</l> +<l>abhor whatever is base or unworthy; hence we find him</l> +<l>ever the same,—at all times the trusty friend, the affec-</l> +<l>tionate relative, the conscientious man of business, the</l> +<l>pious worker, the public-spirited citizen.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He assumes no borrowed appearance. He seeks no [25]</l> +<l>mask to cover him, for he acts no studied part; but he</l> +<l>is indeed what he appears to be,—full of truth, candor,</l> +<l>and humanity. In all his pursuits, he knows no path</l> +<l>but the fair, open, and direct one, and would much rather</l> +<l>fail of success than attain it by reproachable means. He [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='148'/><anchor id='Pg148'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 148.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>never shows us a smiling countenance while he meditates [1]</l> +<l>evil against us in his heart. We shall never find one part</l> +<l>of his character at variance with another.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Lovingly yours,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Sept. 30, 1895</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Extract From A Letter</head> + +<lg> +<l>The Rules and By-laws in the Manual of The First</l> +<l>Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in</l> +<l>solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrim. They were [10]</l> +<l>not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as</l> +<l>one person might impose on another. They were im-</l> +<l>pelled by a power not one's own, were written at differ-</l> +<l>ent dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang</l> +<l>from necessity, the logic of events,—from the immedi- [15]</l> +<l>ate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to</l> +<l>maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause; hence</l> +<l>their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to</l> +<l>demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will</l> +<l>do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future [20]</l> +<l>generations might not accomplish.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To The Mother Church</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Brethren</hi>:—Until recently, I was not aware</l> +<l>that the contribution box was presented at your Friday</l> +<l>evening meetings. I specially desire that you collect no</l> +<l>moneyed contributions from the people present on these</l> +<l>occasions.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let the invitation to this sweet converse be in the words</l> +<l>of the prophet Isaiah: <q rend='pre'>Ho, every one that thirsteth,</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='149'/><anchor id='Pg149'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 149.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come [1]</l> +<l>ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without</l> +<l><q rend='post'>money and without price.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Invite all cordially and freely to this banquet of Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science, this feast and flow of Soul. Ask them to [5]</l> +<l>bring what they possess of love and light to help leaven</l> +<l>your loaf and replenish your scanty store. Then, after</l> +<l>presenting the various offerings, and one after another</l> +<l>has opened his lips to discourse and distribute what God</l> +<l>has given him of experience, hope, faith, and under- [10]</l> +<l>standing, gather up the fragments, and count the baskets</l> +<l>full of accessions to your love, and see that nothing has</l> +<l>been lost.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi> [15]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Oconto</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Beloved Brethren</hi>:—Lips nor pen can ever ex-</l> +<l>press the joy you give me in parting so promptly with</l> +<l>your beloved pastor, Rev. Mr. Norcross, to send him to [20]</l> +<l>aid me. It is a refreshing demonstration of Christianity,</l> +<l>brotherly love, and all the rich graces of the Spirit. May</l> +<l>this sacrifice bring to your beloved church a vision of the</l> +<l>new church, that cometh down from heaven, whose altar</l> +<l>is a loving heart, whose communion is fellowship with [25]</l> +<l>saints and angels. This example of yours is a light that</l> +<l>cannot be hid.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Guided by the pillar and the cloud, this little church</l> +<l>that built the first temple for Christian Science worship</l> +<l>shall abide steadfastly in the faith of Jesus' words: <q rend='pre'>Fear</q> [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='150'/><anchor id='Pg150'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 150.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>give you the kingdom.</q> May He soon give you a pastor;</l> +<l>already you have the great Shepherd of Israel watch-</l> +<l>ing over you. Give my forever-love to your dear church.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Yours in bonds of Christ,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker G. Eddy</hi> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Boston, Mass.</hi>, 1889</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Scranton</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Brethren</hi>:—Space is no separator of hearts. +[10]</l> +<l>Spiritually, I am with all who are with Truth, and whose</l> +<l>hearts today are repeating their joy that God dwelleth</l> +<l>in the congregation of the faithful, and loveth the gates</l> +<l>of Zion.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The outlook is cheering. We have already seen the [15]</l> +<l>salvation of many people by means of Christian Science.</l> +<l>Chapels and churches are dotting the entire land. Con-</l> +<l>venient houses and halls can now be obtained wherein, as</l> +<l>whereout, Christian Scientists may worship the Father</l> +<l><q>in spirit and in truth,</q> as taught by our great Master. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>If God be for us, who can be against us?</q> If He</l> +<l>be with us, the wayside is a sanctuary, and the desert a</l> +<l>resting-place peopled with living witnesses of the fact</l> +<l>that <q>God is Love.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no [25]</l> +<l>dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than</l> +<l>to all, is God demonstrable as divine Life, Truth, and</l> +<l>Love; and His people are they that reflect Him—that</l> +<l>reflect Love. Again, this infinite Principle, with its uni-</l> +<l>versal manifestation, is all that really is or can be; [30]</l> +<l>hence God is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='151'/><anchor id='Pg151'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 151.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and folds the sheep of His pasture; and their ears are [1]</l> +<l>attuned to His call. In the words of the loving disciple,</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>My sheep hear my voice,... and they follow me;</q></l> +<l>...neither shall any man pluck them out of my</l> +<l><q rend='post'>hand.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is a consuming fire. He separates the dross from</l> +<l>the gold, purifies the human character, through the</l> +<l>furnace of affliction. Those who bear fruit He purgeth,</l> +<l>that they may bear more fruit. Through the sacred law,</l> +<l>He speaketh to the unfruitful in tones of Sinai: and, in [10]</l> +<l>the gospel, He saith of the barren fig-tree, <q rend='pre'>Cut it down;</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>why cumbereth it the ground?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is our Father and our Mother, our Minister and</l> +<l>the great Physician: He is man's only real relative on</l> +<l>earth and in heaven. David sang, <q rend='pre'>Whom have I in</q> [15]</l> +<l>heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I</l> +<l><q rend='post'>desire beside thee.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Brother, sister, beloved in the Lord, knowest thou</l> +<l>thyself, and art thou acquainted with God? If not, I</l> +<l>pray thee as a Christian Scientist, delay not to make Him [20]</l> +<l>thy first acquaintance.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Glorious things are spoken of you in His Word. Ye</l> +<l>are a chosen people, whose God is—what? Even <emph>All</emph>.</l> +<l>May mercy and truth go before you: may the lamp of</l> +<l>your life continually be full of oil, and you be wedded</l> +<l>to the spiritual idea, Christ; then will you heal, and</l> +<l>teach, and preach, on the ascending scale of everlasting</l> +<l>Life and Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Affectionately yours in Christ,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi> [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='152'/><anchor id='Pg152'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 152.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, +In Denver</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Pastor and Brethren</hi>:—<q rend='pre'>As in water +face</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>answereth to face,</q> and in love continents clasp hands, so</l> +<l>the oneness of God includes also His presence with those [5]</l> +<l>whose hearts unite in the purposes of goodness. Of this</l> +<l>we may be sure: that thoughts winged with peace and</l> +<l>love breathe a silent benediction over all the earth, co-</l> +<l>operate with the divine power, and brood unconsciously</l> +<l>o'er the work of His hand. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I, as a corporeal person, am not in your midst: I, as a</l> +<l>dictator, arbiter, or ruler, am not present; but I, as a</l> +<l>mother whose heart pulsates with every throb of theirs</l> +<l>for the welfare of her children, am present, and rejoice</l> +<l>with them that rejoice. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>May meekness, mercy, and love dwell forever in the</l> +<l>hearts of those who worship in this tabernacle: then</l> +<l>will they receive the heritage that God has prepared for</l> +<l>His people,—made ready for the pure in affection, the</l> +<l>meek in spirit, the worshipper in truth, the follower of [20]</l> +<l>good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thus founded upon the rock of Christ, when storm</l> +<l>and tempest beat against this sure foundation, you,</l> +<l>safely sheltered in the strong tower of hope, faith, and</l> +<l>Love, are God's nestlings; and He will hide you in His [25]</l> +<l>feathers till the storm has passed. Into His haven of</l> +<l>Soul there enters no element of earth to cast out angels,</l> +<l>to silence the right intuition which guides you safely</l> +<l>home.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Exercise more faith in God and His spiritual means [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='153'/><anchor id='Pg153'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 153.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and methods, than in man and his material ways and [1]</l> +<l>means, of establishing the Cause of Christian Science.</l> +<l>If right yourself, God will confirm His inheritance. <q rend='pre'>Be</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>not weary in well doing.</q> Truth is restful, and Love is</l> +<l>triumphant. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When God went forth before His people, they were</l> +<l>fed with manna: they marched through the wilderness:</l> +<l>they passed through the Red Sea, untouched by the bil-</l> +<l>lows. At His command, the rock became a fountain;</l> +<l>and the land of promise, green isles of refreshment. In [10]</l> +<l>the words of the Psalmist, when <q rend='pre'>the Lord gave the word:</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>great was the company of those that published it.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is good to Israel,—washed in the waters of</l> +<l>Meribah, cleansed of the flesh,—good to His Israel</l> +<l>encompassed not with pride, hatred, self-will, and self- [15]</l> +<l>justification; wherein violence covereth men as a gar-</l> +<l>ment, and as captives are they enchained.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Scientists bring forth the fruits of Spirit,</l> +<l>not flesh; and God giveth this <q>new name</q> to no man</l> +<l>who honors Him not by positive proof of trustworthiness. [20]</l> +<l>May you be able to say, <q rend='pre'>I have not cleansed my heart</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>in vain.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Sir Edwin Arnold, to whom I presented a copy of</l> +<l>my first edition of <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key to the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Scriptures,</q> writes:— [25]</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Peace on earth and Good-will!</l> +<l>Souls that are gentle and still</l> +<l>Hear the first music of this</l> +<l>Far-off, infinite, Bliss!</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<lg> +<l>So may the God of peace be and abide with this church. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Affectionately yours,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='154'/><anchor id='Pg154'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 154.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, +In Lawrence</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Brethren</hi>:—The spreading branches of The</l> +<l>Church of Christ, Scientist, are fast reaching out their</l> +<l>broad shelter to the entire world. Your faith has not [5]</l> +<l>been without works,—and God's love for His flock is</l> +<l>manifest in His care. He will dig about this little church,</l> +<l>prune its encumbering branches, water it with the dews</l> +<l>of heaven, enrich its roots, and enlarge its borders with</l> +<l>divine Love. God only waits for man's worthiness to [10]</l> +<l>enhance the means and measure of His grace. You</l> +<l>have already proof of the prosperity of His Zion. You</l> +<l>sit beneath your own vine and fig-tree as the growth</l> +<l>of spirituality—even that vine whereof our Father is</l> +<l>husbandman. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the under-</l> +<l>standing, and the kingdom of God, the reign of har-</l> +<l>mony already within us. Through the word that is</l> +<l>spoken unto you, are you made free. Abide in His word,</l> +<l>and it shall abide in you; and the healing Christ will [20]</l> +<l>again be made manifest in the flesh—understood and</l> +<l>glorified.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Honor thy Father and Mother, God. Continue in</l> +<l>His love. Bring forth fruit—<q>signs following</q>—that</l> +<l>your prayers be not hindered. Pray without ceasing. [25]</l> +<l>Watch diligently; never desert the post of spiritual ob-</l> +<l>servation and self-examination. Strive for self-abnega-</l> +<l>tion, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love. Let your</l> +<l>light reflect Light. Have no ambition, affection, nor</l> +<l>aim apart from holiness. Forget not for a moment, that [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='155'/><anchor id='Pg155'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 155.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>God is All-in-all—therefore, that in reality there is but [1]</l> +<l>one cause and effect.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The pride of circumstance or power is the prince of</l> +<l>this world that has nothing in Christ. All power and</l> +<l>happiness are spiritual, and proceed from goodness. [5]</l> +<l>Sacrifice self to bless one another, even as God has</l> +<l>blessed you. Forget self in laboring for mankind; then</l> +<l>will you woo the weary wanderer to your door, win the</l> +<l>pilgrim and stranger to your church, and find access to</l> +<l>the heart of humanity. While pressing meekly on, be [10]</l> +<l>faithful, be valiant in the Christian's warfare, and peace</l> +<l>will crown your joy.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Lovingly yours,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To Correspondents</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Students</hi>:—Because Mother has not the time</l> +<l>even to read all of her interesting correspondence, and</l> +<l>less wherein to answer it (however much she desires</l> +<l>thus to do), she hereby requests: First, that you, her</l> +<l>students' students, who write such excellent letters to [20]</l> +<l>her, will hereafter, as a general rule, send them to the</l> +<l>editors of <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi> for publication,</l> +<l>and thereby give to us all the pleasure of hearing from you.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If my own students cannot spare time to write to God,</l> +<l>—when they address me I shall be apt to forward their [25]</l> +<l>letters to Him as our common Parent, and by way of</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi>; thus fulfilling their moral</l> +<l>obligation to furnish some reading-matter for our denomi-</l> +<l>national organ. Methinks, were they to contemplate the</l> +<l>universal charge wherewith divine Love has entrusted us, [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='156'/><anchor id='Pg156'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 156.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>in behalf of a suffering race, they would contribute oftener [1]</l> +<l>to the pages of this swift vehicle of scientific thought;</l> +<l>for it reaches a vast number of earnest readers, and seek-</l> +<l>ers after Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To Students</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Christian Scientists</hi>:—Please send in your</l> +<l>contributions as usual to our <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>. All is well at head-</l> +<l>quarters, and when the mist shall melt away you will see</l> +<l>clearly the signs of Truth and the heaven of Love within [10]</l> +<l>your hearts. Let the reign of peace and harmony be</l> +<l>supreme and forever yours.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I proposed to merge the adjourned meeting in the one</l> +<l>held at Chicago, because I saw no advantage, but great</l> +<l>disadvantage, in one student's opinions or <hi rend='italic'>modus oper-</hi> [15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>andi</hi> becoming the basis for others: read +<q>Retrospection</q></l> +<l>on this subject. Science is absolute, and best under-</l> +<l>stood through the study of my works and the daily Chris-</l> +<l>tian demonstration thereof. It is their <emph>materiality</emph> that</l> +<l>clogs the progress of students, and <q rend='pre'>this kind goeth not</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>forth but by prayer and fasting.</q> It is materialism through</l> +<l>which the animal magnetizer preys, and in turn becomes</l> +<l>a prey. Spirituality is the basis of all true thought and</l> +<l>volition. Assembling themselves together, and listening</l> +<l>to each other amicably, or contentiously, is no aid to [25]</l> +<l>students in acquiring solid Christian Science. Experi-</l> +<l>ence and, above all, <emph>obedience</emph>, are the aids and tests of</l> +<l>growth and understanding in this direction.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary B. G. Eddy</hi> [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='157'/><anchor id='Pg157'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 157.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To A Student</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Dear Student</hi>:—It is a great thing to be found</l> +<l>worthy to suffer for Christ, Truth. Paul said, <q rend='pre'>If we</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>suffer, we shall also reign with him.</q> Reign then, my</l> +<l>beloved in the Lord. He that marketh the sparrow's fall [5]</l> +<l>will direct thy way.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I have written, or caused my secretary to write, to Mr.</l> +<l>and Mrs. Stewart, of Toronto, Canada (you will find their</l> +<l>card in <hi rend='italic'>The C. S. Journal</hi>,) that you or your lawyer will</l> +<l>ask them all questions important for your case, and re- [10]</l> +<l>quested that they furnish all information possible. They</l> +<l>will be glad to help you. Every true Christian Scientist</l> +<l>will feel <q>as bound with you,</q> but as free in Truth and</l> +<l>Love, safe under the shadow of His wing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Yes, my student, my Father is your Father; and He [15]</l> +<l>helps us most when help is most needed, for He is the</l> +<l>ever-present help.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I am glad that you are in good cheer. I enclose you</l> +<l>the name of Mr. E. A. Kimball, C. S. D., of Chicago,—</l> +<l>5020 Woodlawn Ave.,—for items relative to Mrs. Steb- [20]</l> +<l>bin's case.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him;</q></l> +<l>and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth</l> +<l>thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>noonday.</q> This I know, for God is for us. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Write me when you need me. Error has no power</l> +<l>but to destroy itself. It <emph>cannot harm you</emph>; it cannot stop</l> +<l>the eternal currents of Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Ever with love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary B. G. Eddy</hi> </l> +</lg> + +<pb n='158'/><anchor id='Pg158'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 158.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To A Student</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>My Beloved Student:</hi>—In reply to your letter I will</l> +<l>say: God's ways are not as our ways; but higher far</l> +<l>than the heavens above the earth is His wisdom above</l> +<l>ours. When I requested you to be ordained, I little [5]</l> +<l>thought of the changes about to be made. When I insisted</l> +<l>on your speaking without notes, I little knew that</l> +<l>so soon another change in your pulpit would be demanded.</l> +<l>But now, after His messenger has obeyed the message</l> +<l>of divine Love, comes the interpretation thereof. But you [10]</l> +<l>see we both had first to obey, and to do this through faith,</l> +<l>not sight.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The meaning of it all, as now shown, is this: when</l> +<l>you were bidden to be ordained, it was in reward for your</l> +<l>faithful service, thus to honor it. The second command, [15]</l> +<l>to drop the use of notes, was to rebuke a lack of faith in</l> +<l>divine help, and to test your humility and obedience in</l> +<l>bearing this cross.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All God's servants are minute men and women. As</l> +<l>of old, I stand with sandals on and staff in hand, wait- [20]</l> +<l>ing for the watchword and the revelation of what, how,</l> +<l>whither. Let us be faithful and obedient, and God will</l> +<l>do the rest.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the April number of <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi></l> +<l>you will find the forthcoming completion (as I now think) [25]</l> +<l>of the divine directions sent out to the churches. It is</l> +<l>satisfactory to note, however, that the order therein given</l> +<l>corresponds to the example of our Master. Jesus was</l> +<l>not ordained as our churches ordain ministers. We</l> +<l>have no record that he used notes when preaching. He</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='159'/><anchor id='Pg159'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 159.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>spake in their synagogues, reading the Scriptures and [1]</l> +<l>expounding them; and God has given to this age <q rend='pre'>Science</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> to elucidate</l> +<l>His Word.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>You may read this letter to your church, and then [5]</l> +<l>send it to Rev. Mr. Norcross, and he will understand.</l> +<l>May the God of all grace give you peace.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With love,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Extract From A Christmas Letter</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Students</hi>:—My heart has many rooms: one</l> +<l>of these is sacred to the memory of my students. Into</l> +<l>this upper chamber, where all things are pure and of</l> +<l>good report,—into this sanctuary of love,—I often</l> +<l>retreat, sit silently, and ponder. In this chamber is [15]</l> +<l>memory's wardrobe, where I deposit certain recollec-</l> +<l>tions and rare grand collections once in each year. This</l> +<l>is my Christmas storehouse. Its goods commemorate,</l> +<l>—not so much the Bethlehem babe, as the man of God,</l> +<l>the risen Christ, and the adult Jesus. Here I deposit [20]</l> +<l>the gifts that my dear students offer at the shrine of</l> +<l>Christian Science, and to their lone Leader. Here I talk</l> +<l>once a year,—and this is a bit of what I said in 1890:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>O glorious Truth! O Mother Love! how has the sense</q></l> +<l>of Thy children grown to behold <emph>Thee</emph>! and how have [25]</l> +<l>many weary wings sprung upward! and how has our</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Model, Christ, been unveiled to us, and to the age!</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I look at the rich devices in embroidery, silver, gold,</l> +<l>and jewels,—all gifts of Christian Scientists from all</l> +<l>parts of our nation, and some from abroad,—then al- [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='160'/><anchor id='Pg160'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 160.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>most marvel at the power and permanence of affection [1]</l> +<l>under the <hi rend='italic'>régime</hi> of Christian Science! Never did grati-</l> +<l>tude and love unite more honestly in uttering the word</l> +<l><emph>thanks</emph>, than ours at this season. But a mother's love</l> +<l>behind words has no language; it may give no material [5]</l> +<l>token, but lives steadily on, through time and circum-</l> +<l>stance, as part and paramount portion of her being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thus may our lives flow on in the same sweet rhythm</l> +<l>of head and heart, till they meet and mingle in bliss super-</l> +<l>nal. There is a special joy in knowing that one is gaining [10]</l> +<l>constantly in the knowledge of Truth and divine Love.</l> +<l>Your progress, the past year, has been marked. It satis-</l> +<l>fies my present hope. Of this we rest assured, that every</l> +<l>trial of our faith in God makes us stronger and firmer in</l> +<l>understanding and obedience. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Lovingly yours,</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker G. Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +</div> + +<pb n='161'/><anchor id='Pg161'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter VI. Sermons.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 161.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Christmas Sermon</head> + +<lg> +<l>Delivered in Chickering Hall, Boston, Mass., on the</l> +<l>Sunday Before Christmas, 1888</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Subject:</hi> <hi rend='italic'>The Corporeal and Incorporeal +Saviour</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Text:</hi> <hi rend='italic'>For unto us a child is born, unto +us a son is given: and the</hi> [5]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be +called</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, +The</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Prince of Peace.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Isaiah</hi> ix. +6.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To the senses, Jesus was the son of man: in Science,</l> +<l>man is the son of God. The material senses could [10]</l> +<l>not cognize the Christ, or Son of God: it was Jesus'</l> +<l>approximation to this state of being that made him the</l> +<l>Christ-Jesus, the Godlike, the anointed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The prophet whose words we have chosen for our</l> +<l>text, prophesied the appearing of this dual nature, as [15]</l> +<l>both human and divinely endowed, the personal and the</l> +<l>impersonal Jesus.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The only record of our Master as a public benefactor,</l> +<l>or personal Saviour, opens when he was thirty years of</l> +<l>age; owing in part, perhaps, to the Jewish law that none [20]</l> +<l>should teach or preach in public under that age. Also,</l> +<l>it is natural to conclude that at this juncture he was</l> +<l>specially endowed with the Holy Spirit; for he was given</l> +<l>the new name, Messiah, or Jesus Christ,—the God-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='162'/><anchor id='Pg162'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 162.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>anointed; even as, at times of special enlightenment, [1]</l> +<l>Jacob was called Israel; and Saul, Paul.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The third event of this eventful period,—a period of</l> +<l>such wonderful spiritual import to mankind!—was the</l> +<l>advent of a higher Christianity. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>From this dazzling, God-crowned summit, the Naza-</l> +<l>rene stepped suddenly before the people and their schools</l> +<l>of philosophy; Gnostic, Epicurean, and Stoic. He must</l> +<l>stem these rising angry elements, and walk serenely over</l> +<l>their fretted, foaming billows. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Here the cross became the emblem of Jesus' history;</l> +<l>while the central point of his Messianic mission was peace,</l> +<l>good will, love, teaching, and healing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Clad with divine might, he was ready to stem the tide</l> +<l>of Judaism, and prove his power, derived from Spirit, to [15]</l> +<l>be supreme; lay himself as a lamb upon the altar of</l> +<l>materialism, and therefrom rise to his nativity in Spirit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The corporeal Jesus bore our infirmities, and through</l> +<l>his stripes we are healed. He was the Way-shower, and</l> +<l>suffered in the flesh, showing mortals how to escape from [20]</l> +<l>the sins of the flesh.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>There was no incorporeal Jesus of Nazareth. The</l> +<l>spiritual man, or Christ, was after the similitude of the</l> +<l>Father, without corporeality or finite mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Materiality, worldliness, human pride, or self-will, by [25]</l> +<l>demoralizing his motives and Christlikeness, would have</l> +<l>dethroned his power as the Christ.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To carry out his holy purpose, he must be oblivious of</l> +<l>human self.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Of the lineage of David, like him he went forth, simple [30]</l> +<l>as the shepherd boy, to disarm the Goliath. Panoplied</l> +<l>in the strength of an exalted hope, faith, and understand-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='163'/><anchor id='Pg163'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 163.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ing, he sought to conquer the three-in-one of error: the [1]</l> +<l>world, the flesh, and the devil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Three years he went about doing good. He had for</l> +<l>thirty years been preparing to heal and teach divinely;</l> +<l>but his three-years mission was a marvel of glory: its [5]</l> +<l>chaplet, a grave to mortal sense dishonored—from which</l> +<l>sprang a sublime and everlasting victory!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He who dated time, the Christian era, and spanned</l> +<l>eternity, was the meekest man on earth. He healed</l> +<l>and taught by the wayside, in humble homes: to arrant [10]</l> +<l>hypocrite and to dull disciples he explained the Word</l> +<l>of God, which has since ripened into interpretation</l> +<l>through Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>His words were articulated in the language of a de-</l> +<l>clining race, and committed to the providence of God. [15]</l> +<l>In no one thing seemed he less human and more divine</l> +<l>than in his unfaltering faith in the immortality of Truth.</l> +<l>Referring to this, he said, <q rend='pre'>Heaven and earth shall</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>pass away, but my words shall not pass away!</q> and</l> +<l>they have not: they still live; and are the basis of divine [20]</l> +<l>liberty, the medium of Mind, the hope of the race.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Only three years a personal Saviour! yet the founda-</l> +<l>tions he laid are as eternal as Truth, the chief corner-stone.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>After his brief brave struggle, and the crucifixion of [25]</l> +<l>the corporeal man, the incorporeal Saviour—the Christ</l> +<l>or spiritual idea which leadeth into all Truth—must</l> +<l>needs come in Christian Science, demonstrating the spir-</l> +<l>itual healing of body and mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This idea or divine essence was, and is, forever about [30]</l> +<l>the Father's business; heralding the Principle of health,</l> +<l>holiness, and immortality.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='164'/><anchor id='Pg164'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 164.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Its divine Principle interprets the incorporeal idea, or [1]</l> +<l>Son of God; hence the incorporeal and corporeal are</l> +<l>distinguished thus: the former is the spiritual idea that</l> +<l>represents divine good, and the latter is the human</l> +<l>presentation of goodness in man. The Science of Chris- [5]</l> +<l>tianity, that has appeared in the ripeness of time, re-</l> +<l>veals the incorporeal Christ; and this will continue</l> +<l>to be seen more clearly until it be acknowledged, under-</l> +<l>stood,—and the Saviour, which is Truth, be compre-</l> +<l>hended. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To the vision of the Wisemen, this spiritual idea of the</l> +<l>Principle of man or the universe, appeared as a star. At</l> +<l>first, the babe Jesus seemed small to mortals; but from</l> +<l>the mount of revelation, the prophet beheld it from the</l> +<l>beginning as the Redeemer, who would present a wonder- [15]</l> +<l>ful manifestation of Truth and Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In our text Isaiah foretold, <q rend='pre'>His name shall be called</q></l> +<l>Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Father, The Prince of Peace.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As the Wisemen grew in the understanding of Christ, [20]</l> +<l>the spiritual idea, it grew in favor with them. Thus it</l> +<l>will continue, as it shall become understood, until man</l> +<l>be found in the actual likeness of his Maker. Their</l> +<l>highest human concept of the man Jesus, that portrayed</l> +<l>him as the only Son of God, the only begotten of the [25]</l> +<l>Father, full of grace and Truth, will become so magnified</l> +<l>to human sense, by means of the lens of Science, as to</l> +<l>reveal man collectively, as individually, to be the son of</l> +<l>God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The limited view of God's ideas arose from the testimony [30]</l> +<l>of the senses. Science affords the evidence that God is the</l> +<l>Father of man, of all that is real and eternal. This spir-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='165'/><anchor id='Pg165'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 165.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>itual idea that the personal Jesus demonstrated, casting [1]</l> +<l>out evils and healing, more than eighteen centuries ago,</l> +<l>disappeared by degrees; both because of the ascension</l> +<l>of Jesus, in which it was seen that he had grown beyond</l> +<l>the human sense of him, and because of the corruption of [5]</l> +<l>the Church.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The last appearing of Truth will be a wholly spiritual</l> +<l>idea of God and of man, without the fetters of the flesh, or</l> +<l>corporeality. This infinite idea of infinity will be, is, as</l> +<l>eternal as its divine Principle. The daystar of this appear- [10]</l> +<l>ing is the light of Christian Science—the Science which</l> +<l>rends the veil of the flesh from top to bottom. The light</l> +<l>of this revelation leaves nothing that is material; neither</l> +<l>darkness, doubt, disease, nor death. The material cor-</l> +<l>poreality disappears; and individual spirituality, perfect [15]</l> +<l>and eternal, appears—never to disappear.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The truth uttered and lived by Jesus, who passed on</l> +<l>and left to mortals the rich legacy of what he said and</l> +<l>did, makes his followers the heirs to his example; but</l> +<l>they can neither appreciate nor appropriate his treasures [20]</l> +<l>of Truth and Love, until lifted to these by their own</l> +<l>growth and experiences. His goodness and grace pur-</l> +<l>chased the means of mortals' redemption from sin; but,</l> +<l>they never paid the price of sin. This cost, none but the</l> +<l>sinner can pay; and accordingly as this account is settled [25]</l> +<l>with divine Love, is the sinner ready to avail himself of</l> +<l>the rich blessings flowing from the teaching, example,</l> +<l>and suffering of our Master.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The secret stores of wisdom must be discovered, their</l> +<l>treasures reproduced and given to the world, before man [30]</l> +<l>can truthfully conclude that he has been found in the</l> +<l>order, mode, and virgin origin of man according to divine</l> +</lg> + + +<pb n='166'/><anchor id='Pg166'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 166.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Science, which alone demonstrates the divine Principle [1]</l> +<l>and spiritual idea of being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The monument whose finger points upward, commemorates</l> +<l>the earthly life of a martyr; but this is not all of</l> +<l>the philanthropist, hero, and Christian. The Truth he [5]</l> +<l>has taught and spoken lives, and moves in our midst a</l> +<l>divine afflatus. Thus it is that the ideal Christ—or</l> +<l>impersonal infancy, manhood, and womanhood of Truth</l> +<l>and Love—is still with us.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And what of <emph>this</emph> child?—<q rend='pre'>For +unto us a child <emph>is</emph></q> [10]</l> +<l>born, unto us a son <emph>is</emph> given: and the government shall</l> +<l><q rend='post'>be upon his shoulder.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This child, or spiritual idea, has evolved a more ready</l> +<l>ear for the overture of angels and the scientific under-</l> +<l>standing of Truth and Love. When Christ, the incor- [15]</l> +<l>poreal idea of God, was nameless, and a Mary knew not</l> +<l>how to declare its spiritual origin, the idea of man was</l> +<l>not understood. The Judæan religion even required the</l> +<l>Virgin-mother to go to the temple and be purified, for</l> +<l>having given birth to the corporeal child Jesus, whose [20]</l> +<l>origin was more spiritual than the senses could inter-</l> +<l>pret. Like the leaven that a certain woman hid in three</l> +<l>measures of meal, the Science of God and the spiritual</l> +<l>idea, named in this century Christian Science, is leaven-</l> +<l>ing the lump of human thought, until the whole shall [25]</l> +<l>be leavened and all materialism disappear. This action</l> +<l>of the divine energy, even if not acknowledged, has</l> +<l>come to be seen as diffusing richest blessings. This</l> +<l>spiritual idea, or Christ, entered into the minutiæ of the</l> +<l>life of the personal Jesus. It made him an honest man, [30]</l> +<l>a good carpenter, and a good man, before it could make</l> +<l>him the glorified.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='167'/><anchor id='Pg167'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 167.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The material questions at this age on the reappearing [1]</l> +<l>of the infantile thought of God's man, are after the man-</l> +<l>ner of a mother in the flesh, though their answers per-</l> +<l>tain to the spiritual idea, as in Christian Science:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is he deformed? [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He is wholly symmetrical; the one altogether lovely.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is the babe a son, or daughter?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Both son and daughter: even the compound idea of</l> +<l>all that resembles God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>How much does he weigh? [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>His substance outweighs the material world.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>How old is he?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Of his days there is no beginning and no ending.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What is his name?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christ Science. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who are his parents, brothers, and sisters?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>His Father and Mother are divine Life, Truth, and</l> +<l>Love; and they who do the will of his Father are his is</l> +<l>brethren.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is he heir to an estate? [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>The government shall be upon his shoulder!</q> He</l> +<l>has dominion over the whole earth; and in admiration</l> +<l>of his origin, he exclaims, <q rend='pre'>I thank Thee, O Father, Lord</q></l> +<l>of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things</l> +<l>from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>babes!</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is he wonderful?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>His works thus prove him. He giveth power, peace,</l> +<l>and holiness; he exalteth the lowly; he giveth liberty</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='168'/><anchor id='Pg168'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 168.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>to the captive, health to the sick, salvation from sin to [1]</l> +<l>the sinner—and overcometh the world!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Go, and tell what things ye shall see and hear: how</l> +<l>the blind, spiritually and physically, receive sight; how</l> +<l>the lame, those halting between two opinions or hob- [5]</l> +<l>bling on crutches, walk; how the physical and moral</l> +<l>lepers are cleansed; how the deaf—those who, having</l> +<l>ears, hear not, and are afflicted with <q rend='pre'>tympanum on the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>brain</q>—hear; how the dead, those buried in dogmas</l> +<l>and physical ailments, are raised; that to the poor— [10]</l> +<l>the lowly in Christ, not the man-made rabbi—the</l> +<l>gospel is preached. Note this: only such as are pure</l> +<l>in spirit, emptied of vainglory and vain knowledge, re-</l> +<l>ceive Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Here ends the colloquy; and a voice from heaven seems [15]</l> +<l>to say, <q>Come and see.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The nineteenth-century prophets repeat, <q rend='pre'>Unto us a</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>son is given.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The shepherds shout, <q rend='pre'>We behold the appearing of</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the star!</q>—and the pure in heart clap their hands. [20]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Editor's Extracts From Sermon</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Text:</hi> <hi rend='italic'>Ye do err, not knowing the +Scriptures, nor the power of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>God.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Matt.</hi> xxii. 29.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi> reported as follows:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The announcement that the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy [25]</l> +<l>would speak before the Scientist denomination on the</l> +<l>afternoon of October 26, drew a large audience. Haw-</l> +<l>thorne Hall was densely packed, and many had to go</l> +<l>away unable to obtain seats. The distinguished speaker</l> +<l>began by saying:— [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='169'/><anchor id='Pg169'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 169.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Within Bible pages she had found all the divine Science [1]</l> +<l>she preaches; noticing, all along the way of her researches</l> +<l>therein, that whenever her thoughts had wandered into</l> +<l>the bypaths of ancient philosophies or pagan literatures,</l> +<l>her spiritual insight had been darkened thereby, till [5]</l> +<l>she was God-driven back to the inspired pages. Early</l> +<l>training, through the misinterpretation of the Word,</l> +<l>had been the underlying cause of the long years of in-</l> +<l>validism she endured before Truth dawned upon her</l> +<l>understanding, through right interpretation. With the [10]</l> +<l>understanding of Scripture-meanings, had come physical</l> +<l>rejuvenation. The uplifting of spirit was the upbuild-</l> +<l>ing of the body.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>She affirmed that the Scriptures cannot properly be</l> +<l>interpreted in a literal way. The truths they teach must [15]</l> +<l>be spiritually discerned, before their message can be</l> +<l>borne fully to our minds and hearts. That there is a</l> +<l>dual meaning to every Biblical passage, the most eminent</l> +<l>divines of the world have concluded; and to get at the</l> +<l>highest, or metaphysical, it is necessary rightly to read [20]</l> +<l>what the inspired writers left for our spiritual instruction.</l> +<l>The literal rendering of the Scriptures makes them noth-</l> +<l>ing valuable, but often is the foundation of unbelief and</l> +<l>hopelessness. The metaphysical rendering is health and</l> +<l>peace and hope for all. The literal or material reading is [25]</l> +<l>the reading of the carnal mind, which is enmity toward</l> +<l>God, Spirit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Taking several Bible passages, Mrs. Eddy showed how</l> +<l>beautiful and inspiring are the thoughts when rightly</l> +<l>understood. <q rend='pre'>Let the dead bury their dead; follow</q> [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>thou me,</q> was one of the passages explained metaphysi-</l> +<l>cally. In their fullest meaning, those words are salvation</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='170'/><anchor id='Pg170'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 170.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>from the belief of death, the last enemy to be overthrown; [1]</l> +<l>for by following Christ truly, resurrection and life im-</l> +<l>mortal are brought to us. If we follow him, to us there</l> +<l>can be no dead. Those who know not this, may still</l> +<l>believe in death and weep over the graves of their beloved; [5]</l> +<l>but with him is Life eternal, which never changes to</l> +<l>death. The eating of bread and drinking of wine at the</l> +<l>Lord's supper, merely symbolize the spiritual refresh-</l> +<l>ment of God's children having rightly read His Word,</l> +<l>whose entrance into their understanding is healthful life. [10]</l> +<l>This is the reality behind the symbol.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>So, also, she spoke of the hades, or hell of Scripture,</l> +<l>saying, that we make our own heavens and our own hells,</l> +<l>by right and wise, or wrong and foolish, conceptions of</l> +<l>God and our fellow-men. Jesus interpreted all spirit- [15]</l> +<l>ually: <q>I have bread to eat that ye know not of,</q> he</l> +<l>said. The bread he ate, which was refreshment of divine</l> +<l>strength, we also may all partake of.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The material record of the Bible, she said, is no more</l> +<l>important to our well-being than the history of Europe [20]</l> +<l>and America; but the spiritual application bears upon</l> +<l>our eternal life. The method of Jesus was purely meta-</l> +<l>physical; and no other method is Christian Science. In</l> +<l>the passage recording Jesus' proceedings with the blind</l> +<l>man (Mark viii.) he is said to have spat upon the dust. [25]</l> +<l>Spitting was the Hebrew method of expressing the utmost</l> +<l>contempt. So Jesus is recorded as having expressed</l> +<l>contempt for the belief of material eyes as having any</l> +<l>power to see. Having eyes, ye see not; and ears, ye hear</l> +<l>not, he had just told them. The putting on of hands [30]</l> +<l>mentioned, she explained as the putting forth of power.</l> +<l><q>Hand,</q> in Bible usage, often means spiritual power.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='171'/><anchor id='Pg171'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 171.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q>His hand is not shortened that it cannot save,</q> can [1]</l> +<l>never be wrested from its true meaning to signify human</l> +<l>hands. Jesus' first effort to realize Truth was not wholly</l> +<l>successful; but he rose to the occasion with the second</l> +<l>attempt, and the blind saw clearly. To suppose that [5]</l> +<l>Jesus did actually anoint the blind man's eyes with his</l> +<l>spittle, is as absurd as to think, according to the report</l> +<l>of some, that Christian Scientists sit in back-to-back</l> +<l>seances with their patients, for the divine power to filter</l> +<l>from vertebræ to vertebræ. When one comes to the age [10]</l> +<l>with spiritual translations of God's messages, expressed</l> +<l>in literal or physical terms, our right action is not to con-</l> +<l>demn and deny, but to <q>try the spirits</q> and see what</l> +<l>manner they are of. This does not mean communing</l> +<l>with spirits supposed to have departed from the earth, [15]</l> +<l>but the seeking out of the basis upon which are accom-</l> +<l>plished the works by which the new teacher would prove</l> +<l>his right to be heard. By these signs are the true disciples</l> +<l>of the Master known: the sick are healed; to the poor</l> +<l>the gospel is preached. [20]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Extract From A Sermon Delivered In Boston, January 18, 1885</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Text:</hi> <hi rend='italic'>The kingdom of heaven is like +unto leaven, which a woman</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was +leavened.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Matt.</hi></l> +<l>xiii. 33.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Few people at present know aught of the Science of</l> +<l>mental healing; and so many are obtruding upon the</l> +<l>public attention their ignorance or false knowledge in</l> +<l>the name of Science, that it behooves all clad in the shin-</l> +<l>ing mail to keep bright their invincible armor; to keep [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='172'/><anchor id='Pg172'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 172.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>their demonstrations modest, and their claims and lives [1]</l> +<l>steadfast in Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Dispensing the Word charitably, but separating the</l> +<l>tares from the wheat, let us declare the positive and</l> +<l>the negative of metaphysical Science; what it is, and [5]</l> +<l>what it is not. Intrepid, self-oblivious Protestants in</l> +<l>a higher sense than ever before, let us meet and defeat</l> +<l>the claims of sense and sin, regardless of the bans or</l> +<l>clans pouring in their fire upon us; and white-winged</l> +<l>charity, brooding over all, shall cover with her feathers [10]</l> +<l>the veriest sinner.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Divine and unerring Mind measures man, until the</l> +<l>three measures be accomplished, and he arrives at</l> +<l>fulness of stature; for <q rend='pre'>the Lord God omnipotent</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>reigneth.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science is divine: it is neither of human origin nor of</l> +<l>human direction. That which is termed <q>natural science,</q></l> +<l>the evidences whereof are taken in by the five personal</l> +<l>senses, presents but a finite, feeble sense of the infinite</l> +<l>law of God; which law is written on the heart, received [20]</l> +<l>through the affections, spiritually understood, and dem-</l> +<l>onstrated in our lives.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This law of God is the Science of mental healing,</l> +<l>spiritually discerned, understood, and obeyed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mental Science, and the five personal senses, are at [25]</l> +<l>war; and peace can only be declared on the side of im-</l> +<l>mutable right,—the health, holiness, and immortality</l> +<l>of man. To gain this scientific result, the first and funda-</l> +<l>mental rule of Science must be understood and adhered</l> +<l>to; namely, the oft-repeated declaration in Scripture [30]</l> +<l>that God is good; hence, good is omnipotent and</l> +<l>omnipresent.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='173'/><anchor id='Pg173'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 173.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Ancient and modern philosophy, human reason, or [1]</l> +<l>man's theorems, misstate mental Science, its Principle</l> +<l>and practice. The most enlightened sense herein sees</l> +<l>nothing but a law of matter.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who has ever learned of the schools that there is but [5]</l> +<l>one Mind, and that this is God, who healeth all our sick-</l> +<l>ness and sins?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who has ever learned from the schools, pagan phi-</l> +<l>losophy, or scholastic theology, that Science is the law of</l> +<l>Mind and not of matter, and that this law has no relation [10]</l> +<l>to, or recognition of, matter?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mind is its own great cause and effect. Mind is God,</l> +<l>omnipotent and omnipresent. What, then, of an oppo-</l> +<l>site so-called science, which says that man is both matter</l> +<l>and mind, that Mind is in matter? Can the infinite [15]</l> +<l>be within the finite? And must not man have preexisted</l> +<l>in the All and Only? Does an evil mind exist without</l> +<l>space to occupy, power to act, or vanity to pretend that</l> +<l>it is man?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If God is Mind and fills all space, is everywhere, matter [20]</l> +<l>is nowhere and sin is obsolete. If Mind, God, is all-power</l> +<l>and all-presence, man is not met by another power</l> +<l>and presence, that—obstructing his intelligence—</l> +<l>pains, fetters, and befools him. The perfection of man</l> +<l>is intact; whence, then, is something besides Him that [25]</l> +<l>is not the counterpart but the counterfeit of man's creator?</l> +<l>Surely not from God, for He made man in His own</l> +<l>likeness. Whence, then, is the atom or molecule called</l> +<l>matter? Have attraction and cohesion formed it?</l> +<l>But are these forces laws of matter, or laws of [30]</l> +<l>Mind?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>For matter to be matter, it must have been self-created.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='174'/><anchor id='Pg174'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 174.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Mind has no more power to evolve or to create matter [1]</l> +<l>than has good to produce evil. Matter is a misstatement</l> +<l>of Mind; it is a lie, claiming to talk and disclaim against</l> +<l>Truth; idolatry, having other gods; evil, having presence</l> +<l>and power over omnipotence! [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let us have a clearing up of abstractions. Let us</l> +<l>come into the presence of Him who removeth all iniqui-</l> +<l>ties, and healeth all our diseases. Let us attach our sense</l> +<l>of Science to what touches the religious sentiment within</l> +<l>man. Let us open our affections to the Principle that [10]</l> +<l>moves all in harmony,—from the falling of a sparrow</l> +<l>to the rolling of a world. Above Arcturus and his sons,</l> +<l>broader than the solar system and higher than the at-</l> +<l>mosphere of our planet, is the Science of mental</l> +<l>healing. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What is the kingdom of heaven? The abode of Spirit,</l> +<l>the realm of the real. No matter is there, no night is</l> +<l>there—nothing that maketh or worketh a lie. Is this</l> +<l>kingdom afar off? No: it is ever-present here. The</l> +<l>first to declare against this kingdom is matter. Shall [20]</l> +<l>that be called heresy which pleads for Spirit—the All of</l> +<l>God, and His omnipresence?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The kingdom of heaven is the reign of divine Science:</l> +<l>it is a mental state. Jesus said it is within you, and</l> +<l>taught us to pray, <q>Thy kingdom come;</q> but he did [25]</l> +<l>not teach us to pray for death whereby to gain heaven.</l> +<l>We do not look into darkness for light. Death can never</l> +<l>usher in the dawn of Science that reveals the spiritual</l> +<l>facts of man's Life here and now.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The leaven which a woman took and hid in three [30]</l> +<l>measures of meal, is Divine Science; the Comforter;</l> +<l>the Holy Ghost that leadeth into all Truth; the <q rend='pre'>still,</q></l> +</lg> + + +<pb n='175'/><anchor id='Pg175'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 175.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>small voice</q> that breathes His presence and power, cast- [1]</l> +<l>ing out error and healing the sick. And woman, the</l> +<l>spiritual idea, takes of the things of God and showeth</l> +<l>them unto the creature, until the whole sense of being</l> +<l>is leavened with Spirit. The three measures of meal [5]</l> +<l>may well be likened to the false sense of life, substance,</l> +<l>and intelligence, which says, I am sustained by bread,</l> +<l>matter, instead of Mind. The spiritual leaven of divine</l> +<l>Science changes this false sense, giving better views of</l> +<l>Life; saying, Man's Life is God; and when this shall [10]</l> +<l>appear, it shall be <q>the substance of things hoped for.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The measure of Life shall increase by every spiritual</l> +<l>touch, even as the leaven expands the loaf. Man shall</l> +<l>keep the feast of Life, not with the old leaven of the</l> +<l>scribes and Pharisees, neither with <q rend='pre'>the leaven of malice</q> [15]</l> +<l>and wickedness; but the unleavened bread of sincerity</l> +<l><q rend='post'>and truth.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thus it can be seen that the Science of mental healing</l> +<l>must be understood. There are false Christs that would</l> +<l><q>deceive, if it were possible, the very elect,</q> by institut- [20]</l> +<l>ing matter and its methods in place of God, Mind. Their</l> +<l>supposition is, that there are other minds than His; that</l> +<l>one mind controls another; that one belief takes the</l> +<l>place of another. But this ism of to-day has nothing</l> +<l>to do with the Science of mental healing which acquaints [25]</l> +<l>us with God and reveals the one perfect Mind and His</l> +<l>laws.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The attempt to mix matter and Mind, to work by</l> +<l>means of both animal magnetism and divine power, is</l> +<l>literally saying, Have we not in thy name cast out devils, [30]</l> +<l>and done many wonderful works?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But remember God in all thy ways, and thou shalt</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='176'/><anchor id='Pg176'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 176.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>find the truth that breaks the dream of sense, letting the [1]</l> +<l>harmony of Science that declares <emph>Him</emph>, come in with</l> +<l>healing, and peace, and perfect love.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Sunday Services on July Fourth</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Extempore Remarks</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The great theme so deeply and solemnly expounded</l> +<l>by the preacher, has been exemplified in all ages, but</l> +<l>chiefly in the great crises of nations or of the human race.</l> +<l>It is then that supreme devotion to Principle has espe-</l> +<l>cially been called for and manifested. It is then that we [10]</l> +<l>learn a little more of the nothingness of evil, and more</l> +<l>of the divine energies of good, and strive valiantly for the</l> +<l>liberty of the sons of God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The day we celebrate reminds us of the heroes and</l> +<l>heroines who counted not their own lives dear to them, [15]</l> +<l>when they sought the New England shores, not as the</l> +<l>flying nor as conquerors, but, steadfast in faith and love,</l> +<l>to build upon the rock of Christ, the true idea of God—</l> +<l>the supremacy of Spirit and the nothingness of matter.</l> +<l>When first the Pilgrims planted their feet on Plymouth [20]</l> +<l>Rock, frozen ritual and creed should forever have melted</l> +<l>away in the fire of love which came down from heaven.</l> +<l>The Pilgrims came to establish a nation in true freedom,</l> +<l>in the rights of conscience.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But what of ourselves, and our times and obligations? [25]</l> +<l>Are we duly aware of our own great opportunities and</l> +<l>responsibilities? Are we prepared to meet and improve</l> +<l>them, to act up to the acme of divine energy wherewith</l> +<l>we are armored?</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='177'/><anchor id='Pg177'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 177.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Never was there a more solemn and imperious call [1]</l> +<l>than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent de-</l> +<l>votion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and</l> +<l>holiest of all causes. The hour is come. The great</l> +<l>battle of Armageddon is upon us. The powers of evil [5]</l> +<l>are leagued together in secret conspiracy against the</l> +<l>Lord and against His Christ, as expressed and opera-</l> +<l>tive in Christian Science. Large numbers, in desperate</l> +<l>malice, are engaged day and night in organizing action</l> +<l>against us. Their feeling and purpose are deadly, and [10]</l> +<l>they have sworn enmity against the lives of our standard-</l> +<l>bearers.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What will you do about it? Will you be equally in</l> +<l>earnest for the truth? Will you doff your lavender-kid</l> +<l>zeal, and become real and consecrated warriors? Will [15]</l> +<l>you give yourselves wholly and irrevocably to the great</l> +<l>work of establishing the truth, the gospel, and the Science</l> +<l>which are necessary to the salvation of the world from</l> +<l>error, sin, disease, and death? Answer at once and practi-</l> +<l>cally, and answer aright! [20]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Easter Services</head> + +<lg> +<l>The editor of <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi> said that</l> +<l>at three o'clock, the hour for the church service proper,</l> +<l>the pastor, Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, accompanied</l> +<l>by Rev. D. A. Easton, who was announced to preach [25]</l> +<l>the sermon, came on the platform. The pastor introduced</l> +<l>Mr. Easton as follows:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Friends</hi>:—The homesick traveller in foreign lands</l> +<l>greets with joy a familiar face. I am constantly home-</l> +<l>sick for heaven. In my long journeyings I have met [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='178'/><anchor id='Pg178'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 178.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>one who comes from the place of my own sojourning [1]</l> +<l>for many years,—the Congregational Church. He is</l> +<l>a graduate of Bowdoin College and of Andover The-</l> +<l>ological School. He has left his old church, as I did,</l> +<l>from a yearning of the heart; because he was not sat- [5]</l> +<l>isfied with a manlike God, but wanted to become a God-</l> +<l>like man. He found that the new wine could not be</l> +<l>put into old bottles without bursting them, and he came</l> +<l>to us.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mr. Easton then delivered an interesting discourse [10]</l> +<l>from the text, <q rend='pre'>If ye then be risen with Christ, seek</q></l> +<l>those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>right hand of God</q> (Col. iii. 1), which he prefaced by</l> +<l>saying:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>I think it was about a year ago that I strayed into</q> [15]</l> +<l>this hall, a stranger, and wondered what sort of people</l> +<l>you were, and of what you were worshippers. If any</l> +<l>one had said to me that to-day I should stand before</l> +<l>you to preach a sermon on Christian Science, I should</l> +<l>have replied, <q>Much learning</q>—or something else— [20]</l> +<l><q>hath made thee mad.</q> If I had not found Christian</l> +<l>Science a new gospel, I should not be standing before you:</l> +<l>if I had not found it truth, I could not have stood up</l> +<l><q rend='post'>again <hi rend='italic'>to</hi> preach, here or elsewhere.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>At the conclusion of the sermon, the pastor again came [25]</l> +<l>forward, and added the following:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My friends, I wished to be excused from speaking</l> +<l>to-day, but will yield to circumstances. In the flesh, we</l> +<l>are as a partition wall between the old and the new;</l> +<l>between the old religion in which we have been educated, [30]</l> +<l>and the new, living, impersonal Christ-thought that has</l> +<l>been given to the world to-day.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='179'/><anchor id='Pg179'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 179.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The old churches are saying, <q>He is not here;</q> and, [1]</l> +<l><q>Who shall roll away the stone?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The stone has been rolled away by human suffer-</l> +<l>ing. The first rightful desire in the hour of loss, when</l> +<l>believing we have lost sight of Truth, is to know where [5]</l> +<l>He is laid. This appeal resolves itself into these</l> +<l>questions:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is our consciousness in matter or in God? Have we</l> +<l>any other consciousness than that of good? If we have,</l> +<l>He is saying to us to-day, <q>Adam, where art thou?</q> We [10]</l> +<l>are wrong if our consciousness is in sin, sickness, and</l> +<l>death. This is the old consciousness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the new religion the teaching is, <q rend='pre'>He is not here;</q></l> +<l>Truth is not in matter; he is risen; Truth has become</l> +<l><q rend='post'>more to us,—more true, more spiritual.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Can we say this to-day? Have we left the conscious-</l> +<l>ness of sickness and sin for that of health and</l> +<l>holiness?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What is it that seems a stone between us and the</l> +<l>resurrection morning? [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is the belief of mind in matter. We can only come</l> +<l>into the spiritual resurrection by quitting the old con-</l> +<l>sciousness of Soul in sense.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>These flowers are floral apostles. God does all this</l> +<l>through His followers; and He made every flower in [25]</l> +<l>Mind before it sprang from the earth: yet we look into</l> +<l>matter and the earth to give us these smiles of God!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We must lay aside material consciousness, and then</l> +<l>we can perceive Truth, and say with Mary, <q>Rabboni!</q></l> +<l>—Master! [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In 1866, when God revealed to me this risen Christ,</l> +<l>this Life that knows no death, that saith, <q rend='pre'>Because he</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='180'/><anchor id='Pg180'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 180.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>lives, I live,</q> I awoke from the dream of Spirit in the [1]</l> +<l>flesh so far as to take the side of Spirit, and strive to cease</l> +<l>my warfare.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When, through this consciousness, I was delivered from</l> +<l>the dark shadow and portal of death, my friends were [5]</l> +<l>frightened at beholding me restored to health.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A dear old lady asked me, <q rend='pre'>How is it that you are</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>restored to us? Has Christ come again on earth?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Christ never left,</q> I replied; <q rend='pre'>Christ is Truth, and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Truth is always here,—the impersonal Saviour.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Then another person, more material, met me, and I</l> +<l>said, in the words of my Master, <q>Touch me not.</q> I</l> +<l>shuddered at her material approach; then my heart went</l> +<l>out to God, and I found the open door from this sepulchre</l> +<l>of matter. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I <emph>love</emph> the Easter service: it speaks to me of Life, and</l> +<l>not of death.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let us do our work; then we shall have part in his</l> +<l>resurrection.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Bible Lessons</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become +the</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were +born,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of +man, but of</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>God.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>John</hi> i. 12, 13.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Here, the apostle assures us that man has power to [25]</l> +<l>become the son of God. In the Hebrew text, the word</l> +<l><q>son</q> is defined variously; a month is called the son</l> +<l>of a year. This term, as applied to man, is used in both</l> +<l>a material and a spiritual sense. The Scriptures speak</l> +<l>of Jesus as the Son of God and the Son of man; but [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='181'/><anchor id='Pg181'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 181.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus said to call no man father; <q>for one is your Father,</q> [1]</l> +<l>even God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is man's spiritual sonship a personal gift to man, or</l> +<l>is it the reality of his being, in divine Science? Man's</l> +<l>knowledge of this grand verity gives him power to dem- [5]</l> +<l>onstrate his divine Principle, which in turn is requisite</l> +<l>in order to understand his sonship, or unity with God,</l> +<l>good. A personal requirement of blind obedience to</l> +<l>the law of being, would tend to obscure the order of</l> +<l>Science, unless that requirement should express the claims [10]</l> +<l>of the divine Principle. Infinite Principle and infinite</l> +<l>Spirit must be one. What avail, then, to quarrel over</l> +<l>what is the person of Spirit,—if we recognize infinitude</l> +<l>as personality,—for who can tell what is the form of</l> +<l>infinity? When we understand man's true birthright, that [15]</l> +<l>he is <q rend='pre'>born, not ... of the will of the flesh, nor of the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>will of man, but of God,</q> we shall understand that man</l> +<l>is the offspring of Spirit, and not of the flesh; recognize</l> +<l>him through spiritual, and not material laws; and regard</l> +<l>him as spiritual, and not material. His sonship, referred [20]</l> +<l>to in the text, is his spiritual relation to Deity: it is not,</l> +<l>then, a personal gift, but is the order of divine Science.</l> +<l>The apostle urges upon our acceptance this great fact:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>But as many as received him, to them gave he power</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to become the sons of God.</q> Mortals will lose their sense [25]</l> +<l>of mortality—disease, sickness, sin, and death—in</l> +<l>the proportion that they gain the sense of man's spirit-</l> +<l>ual preexistence as God's child; as the offspring of</l> +<l>good, and not of God's opposite,—evil, or a fallen</l> +<l>man. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>John the Baptist had a clear discernment of divine</l> +<l>Science: being born not of the human will or flesh, he</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='182'/><anchor id='Pg182'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 182.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>antedated his own existence, began spiritually instead [1]</l> +<l>of materially to reckon himself logically; hence the im-</l> +<l>possibility of putting him to death, only in belief, through</l> +<l>violent means or material methods.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>As many as received him;</q> that is, as many as per-</l> +<l>ceive man's actual existence in and of his divine Princi- [5]</l> +<l>ple, receive the Truth of existence; and these have no</l> +<l>other God, no other Mind, no other origin; therefore, in</l> +<l>time they lose their false sense of existence, and find</l> +<l>their adoption with the Father; to wit, the redemption [10]</l> +<l>of the body. Through divine Science man gains the</l> +<l>power to become the son of God, to recognize his perfect</l> +<l>and eternal estate.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the flesh.</q> This passage refers to man's primal, spirit- [15]</l> +<l>ual existence, created neither from dust nor carnal desire.</l> +<l><q>Nor of the will of man.</q> Born of no doctrine,</l> +<l>no human faith, but beholding the truth of being; even</l> +<l>the understanding that man was never lost in Adam,</l> +<l>since he is and ever was the image and likeness of God, [20]</l> +<l>good. But no mortal hath seen the spiritual man, more</l> +<l>than he hath seen the Father. The apostle indicates</l> +<l>no personal plan of a personal Jehovah, partial and finite;</l> +<l>but the possibility of all finding their place in God's great</l> +<l>love, the eternal heritage of the Elohim, His sons and [25]</l> +<l>daughters. The text is a metaphysical statement of existence</l> +<l>as Principle and idea, wherein man and his Maker</l> +<l>are inseparable and eternal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the Word is made flesh,—that is, rendered</l> +<l>practical,—this eternal Truth will be understood; and [30]</l> +<l>sickness, sin, and death will yield to it, even as they did</l> +<l>more than eighteen centuries ago. The lusts of the flesh</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='183'/><anchor id='Pg183'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 183.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and the pride of life will then be quenched in the divine [1]</l> +<l>Science of being; in the ever-present good, omnipotent</l> +<l>Love, and eternal Life, that know no death, In the great</l> +<l>forever, the verities of being exist, and must be acknowl-</l> +<l>edged and demonstrated. Man must love his neighbor [5]</l> +<l>as himself, and the power of Truth must be seen and</l> +<l>felt in health, happiness, and holiness: then it will be</l> +<l>found that Mind is All-in-all, and there is no matter to</l> +<l>cope with.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man is free born: he is neither the slave of sense, nor a [10]</l> +<l>silly ambler to the so-called pleasures and pains of self-</l> +<l>conscious matter. Man is God's image and likeness;</l> +<l>whatever is possible to God, is possible to man <emph>as God's</emph></l> +<l><emph>reflection</emph>. Through the transparency of Science we learn</l> +<l>this, and receive it: learn that man can fulfil the Scrip- [15]</l> +<l>tures in every instance; that if he open his mouth it shall</l> +<l>be filled—not by reason of the schools, or learning, but</l> +<l>by the natural ability, that reflection already has bestowed</l> +<l>on him, to give utterance to Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Who hath believed our report?</q> Who understands [20]</l> +<l>these sayings? He to whom the arm of the Lord is re-</l> +<l>vealed; to whom divine Science unfolds omnipotence,</l> +<l>that equips man with divine power while it shames human</l> +<l>pride. Asserting a selfhood apart from God, is a denial</l> +<l>of man's spiritual sonship; for it claims another father. [25]</l> +<l>As many as do receive a knowledge of God through</l> +<l>Science, will have power to reflect His power, in proof of</l> +<l>man's <q>dominion over all the earth.</q> He is bravely</l> +<l>brave who dares at this date refute the evidence of material</l> +<l>sense with the facts of Science, and will arrive at the true [30]</l> +<l>status of man because of it. The material senses would</l> +<l>make man, that the Scriptures declare reflects his Maker,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='184'/><anchor id='Pg184'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 184.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the very opposite of that Maker, by claiming that God is [1]</l> +<l>Spirit, while man is matter; that God is good, but man is</l> +<l>evil; that Deity is deathless, but man dies. Science and</l> +<l>sense conflict, from the revolving of worlds to the death</l> +<l>of a sparrow.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Word will be made flesh and dwell among mortals,</l> +<l>only when man reflects God in body as well as in mind.</l> +<l>The child born of a woman has the formation of his</l> +<l>parents; the man born of Spirit is spiritual, not material.</l> +<l>Paul refers to this when speaking of presenting our bodies [10]</l> +<l>holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service;</l> +<l>and this brings to remembrance the Hebrew strain,</l> +<l><q>Who healeth all thy diseases.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If man should say of the power to be perfect which he</l> +<l>possesses, <q>I am the power,</q> he would trespass upon [15]</l> +<l>divine Science, yield to material sense, and lose his power;</l> +<l>even as when saying, <q rend='pre'>I have the power to sin and be</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>sick,</q> and persisting in believing that he is sick and a</l> +<l>sinner. If he says, <q>I am of God, therefore good,</q> yet</l> +<l>persists in evil, he has denied the power of Truth, and [20]</l> +<l>must suffer for this error until he learns that all power is</l> +<l>good because it is of God, and so destroys his self-de-</l> +<l>ceived sense of power in evil. The Science of being gives</l> +<l>back the lost likeness and power of God as the seal of</l> +<l>man's adoption. Oh, for that light and love ineffable, [25]</l> +<l>which casteth out all fear, all sin, sickness, and death;</l> +<l>that seeketh not her own, but another's good; that saith</l> +<l>Abba, Father, and <hi rend='italic'>is</hi> born of God!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>John came baptizing with water. He employed a type</l> +<l>of physical cleanliness to foreshadow metaphysical purity, [30]</l> +<l>even mortal mind purged of the animal and human, and</l> +<l>submerged in the humane and divine, giving back the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='185'/><anchor id='Pg185'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 185.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>lost sense of man in unity with, and reflecting, his Maker. [1]</l> +<l>None but the pure in heart shall see God,—shall be able</l> +<l>to discern fully and demonstrate fairly the divine Principle</l> +<l>of Christian Science. The will of God, or power of Spirit,</l> +<l>is made manifest as Truth, and through righteousness,— [5]</l> +<l>not as or through matter,—and it strips matter of all</l> +<l>claims, abilities or disabilities, pains or pleasures. Self-</l> +<l>renunciation of all that constitutes a so-called material</l> +<l>man, and the acknowledgment and achievement of his</l> +<l>spiritual identity as the child of God, is Science that [10]</l> +<l>opens the very flood-gates of heaven; whence good</l> +<l>flows into every avenue of being, cleansing mortals of</l> +<l>all uncleanness, destroying all suffering, and demon-</l> +<l>strating the true image and likeness. There is no other</l> +<l>way under heaven whereby we can be saved, and man [15]</l> +<l>be clothed with might, majesty, and immortality.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>As many as received him,</q>—as accept the truth</l> +<l>of being,—<q rend='pre'>to them gave he power to become the sons</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of God.</q> The spiritualization of our sense of man opens</l> +<l>the gates of paradise that the so-called material senses [20]</l> +<l>would close, and reveals man infinitely blessed, upright,</l> +<l>pure, and free; having no need of statistics by which to</l> +<l>learn his origin and age, or to measure his manhood, or to</l> +<l>know how much of a man he ever has been: for, <q rend='pre'>as</q></l> +<l>many as received him, to them gave he power to become [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the sons of God.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living +soul;</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.</hi>—1 +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Cor.</hi> xv. 45.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When reasoning on this subject of man with the Corin-</l> +<l>thian brethren, the apostle first spake from their stand- [30]</l> +<l>point of thought; namely, that creation is material:</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='186'/><anchor id='Pg186'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 186.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>he was not at this point giving the history of the spiritual [1]</l> +<l>man who originates in God, Love, who created man</l> +<l>in His own image and likeness. In the creation of Adam</l> +<l>from dust,—in which Soul is supposed to enter the</l> +<l>embryo-man after his birth,—we see the material self- [5]</l> +<l>constituted belief of the Jews as referred to by St. Paul.</l> +<l>Their material belief has fallen far below man's original</l> +<l>standard, the spiritual man made in the image and like-</l> +<l>ness of God; for this erring belief even separates its</l> +<l>conception of man from God, and ultimates in the opposite [10]</l> +<l>of <emph>im</emph>mortal man, namely, in a sick and sinning</l> +<l>mortal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We learn in the Scriptures, as in divine Science, that</l> +<l>God made all; that He is the universal Father and Mother</l> +<l>of man; that God is divine Love: therefore divine Love [15]</l> +<l>is the divine Principle of the divine idea named man;</l> +<l>in other words, the spiritual Principle of spiritual man.</l> +<l>Now let us not lose this Science of man, but gain it clearly;</l> +<l>then we shall see that man cannot be separated from</l> +<l>his perfect Principle, God, inasmuch as an idea cannot [20]</l> +<l>be torn apart from its fundamental basis. This scien-</l> +<l>tific knowledge affords self-evident proof of immortality;</l> +<l>proof, also, that the Principle of man cannot produce a</l> +<l>less perfect man than it produced in the beginning. A</l> +<l>material sense of existence is not the scientific fact of [25]</l> +<l>being; whereas, the spiritual sense of God and His universe</l> +<l>is the immortal and true sense of being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As the apostle proceeds in this line of thought, he</l> +<l>undoubtedly refers to the last Adam represented by the</l> +<l>Messias, whose demonstration of God restored to mortals [30]</l> +<l>the lost sense of man's perfection, even the sense of the</l> +<l>real man in God's likeness, who restored this sense by</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='187'/><anchor id='Pg187'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 187.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the spiritual regeneration of both mind and body,— [1]</l> +<l>casting out evils, <emph>healing the sick</emph>, and raising the dead.</l> +<l>The man Jesus demonstrated over sin, sickness, disease,</l> +<l>and death. The great Metaphysician wrought, over and</l> +<l>above every sense of matter, into the proper sense of the [5]</l> +<l>possibilities of Spirit. He established health and har-</l> +<l>mony, the perfection of mind and body, as the reality of</l> +<l>man; while discord, as seen in disease and death, was to</l> +<l>him the opposite of man, hence the unreality; even as in</l> +<l>Science a chord is manifestly the reality of music, and [10]</l> +<l>discord the unreality. This rule of harmony must be ac-</l> +<l>cepted as true relative to man.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The translators of the older Scriptures presuppose a</l> +<l>material man to be the first man, solely because their</l> +<l>transcribing thoughts were not lifted to the inspired sense [15]</l> +<l>of the spiritual man, as set forth in original Holy Writ.</l> +<l>Had both writers and translators in that age fully com-</l> +<l>prehended the later teachings and demonstrations of</l> +<l>our human and divine Master, the Old Testament might</l> +<l>have been as spiritual as the New. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The origin, substance, and life of man are one, and</l> +<l>that one is God,—Life, Truth, Love. The self-existent,</l> +<l>perfect, and eternal are God; and man is their reflection</l> +<l>and glory. Did the substance of God, Spirit, become a</l> +<l>clod, in order to create a sick, sinning, dying man? The [25]</l> +<l>primal facts of being are eternal; they are never extin-</l> +<l>guished in a night of discord.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That man must be evil before he can be good; dying,</l> +<l>before deathless; material, before spiritual; sick and a</l> +<l>sinner in order to be healed and saved, is but the declara- [30]</l> +<l>tion of the material senses transcribed by pagan religion-</l> +<l>ists, by wicked mortals such as crucified our Master,—</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='188'/><anchor id='Pg188'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 188.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>whose teachings opposed the doctrines of Christ that [1]</l> +<l>demonstrated the opposite, Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man is as perfect now, and henceforth, and forever,</l> +<l>as when the stars first sang together, and creation joined</l> +<l>in the grand chorus of harmonious being. It is the trans-</l> +<l>lator, not the original Word, who presents as being first [5]</l> +<l>that which appears second, material, and mortal; and</l> +<l>as last, that which is primal, spiritual, and eternal. Be-</l> +<l>cause of human misstatement and misconception of God</l> +<l>and man, of the divine Principle and idea of being, there [10]</l> +<l>seems to be a war between the flesh and Spirit, a contest</l> +<l>between Truth and error; but the apostle says, <q rend='pre'>There</q></l> +<l>is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in</l> +<l>Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Spirit.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>On our subject, St. Paul first reasons upon the basis</l> +<l>of what is seen, the effects of Truth on the material senses;</l> +<l>thence, up to the unseen, the testimony of spiritual sense;</l> +<l>and right there he leaves the subject.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Just there, in the intermediate line of thought, is where [20]</l> +<l>the present writer found it, when she discovered Christian</l> +<l>Science. And she has <emph>not</emph> left it, but continues the ex-</l> +<l>planation of the power of Spirit up to its infinite meaning,</l> +<l>its allness. The recognition of this power came to her</l> +<l>through a spiritual sense of the real, and of the unreal [25]</l> +<l>or mortal sense of things; not that there is, or can</l> +<l>be, an actual change in the realities of being, but</l> +<l>that we can discern more of them. At the moment</l> +<l>of her discovery, she knew that the last Adam, namely,</l> +<l>the true likeness of God, was the first, the only man. [30]</l> +<l>This knowledge did become to her <q rend='pre'>a quickening</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>spirit;</q> for she beheld the meaning of those words</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='189'/><anchor id='Pg189'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 189.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of our Master, <q rend='pre'>The last shall be first, and the first</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>last.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When, as little children, we are receptive, become</l> +<l>willing to accept the divine Principle and rule of being,</l> +<l>as unfolded in divine Science, the interpretation therein</l> +<l>will be found to be the Comforter that leadeth into all</l> +<l>truth. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The meek Nazarene's steadfast and true knowledge of</l> +<l>preexistence, of the nature and the inseparability of God</l> +<l>and man,—made him mighty. Spiritual insight of [10]</l> +<l>Truth and Love antidotes and destroys the errors of flesh,</l> +<l>and brings to light the true reflection: man as God's</l> +<l>image, or <q>the first man,</q> for Christ plainly declared,</l> +<l>through Jesus, <q>Before Abraham was, I am.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The supposition that Soul, or Mind, is breathed into [15]</l> +<l>matter, is a pantheistic doctrine that presents a false</l> +<l>sense of existence, and the quickening spirit takes it</l> +<l>away: revealing, in place thereof, the power and per-</l> +<l>fection of a released sense of Life in God and Life <emph>as</emph></l> +<l>God. The Scriptures declare Life to be the infinite I [20]</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>am</hi>,—not a dweller in matter. For man to know Life</l> +<l>as it is, namely God, the eternal good, gives him not</l> +<l>merely a sense of existence, but an accompanying con-</l> +<l>sciousness of spiritual power that subordinates matter</l> +<l>and destroys sin, disease, and death. This, Jesus demon- [25]</l> +<l>strated; insomuch that St. Matthew wrote, <q rend='pre'>The people</q></l> +<l>were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them</l> +<l><q rend='post'>as one having authority, and not as the scribes.</q> This</l> +<l>spiritual power, healing sin and sickness, was not con-</l> +<l>fined to the first century; it extends to all time, inhabits [30]</l> +<l>eternity, and demonstrates Life without beginning or</l> +<l>end.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='190'/><anchor id='Pg190'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 190.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Atomic action is Mind, not matter. It is neither the [1]</l> +<l>energy of matter, the result of organization, nor the out-</l> +<l>come of life infused into matter: it is infinite Spirit, Truth,</l> +<l>Life, defiant of error or matter. Divine Science demon-</l> +<l>strates Mind as dispelling a false sense and giving the [5]</l> +<l>true sense of itself, God, and the universe; wherein the</l> +<l>mortal evolves not the immortal, nor does the material</l> +<l>ultimate in the spiritual; wherein man is coexistent with</l> +<l>Mind, and is the recognized reflection of infinite Life and</l> +<l>Love. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came +to</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb +spake.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Luke</hi> xi. 14.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The meaning of the term <q>devil</q> needs yet to be</l> +<l>learned. Its definition as an individual is too limited</l> +<l>and contradictory. When the Scripture is understood, [15]</l> +<l>the spiritual signification of its terms will be understood,</l> +<l>and will contradict the interpretations that the senses</l> +<l>give them; and these terms will be found to include the</l> +<l>inspired meaning.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It could not have been a person that our great Master [20]</l> +<l>cast out of another person; therefore the devil herein</l> +<l>referred to was an impersonal evil, or whatever worketh</l> +<l>ill. In this case it was the evil of dumbness, an error of</l> +<l>material sense, cast out by the spiritual truth of being;</l> +<l>namely, that speech belongs to Mind instead of matter, [25]</l> +<l>and the wrong power, or the lost sense, must yield to the</l> +<l>right sense, and exist in Mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the Hebrew, <q>devil</q> is denominated Abaddon; in</l> +<l>the Greek, Apollyon, serpent, liar, the god of this world,</l> +<l>etc. The apostle Paul refers to this personality of evil [30]</l> +<l>as <q>the god of this world;</q> and then defines this god</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='191'/><anchor id='Pg191'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 191.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>as <q rend='pre'>dishonesty, craftiness, handling the word of God</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>deceitfully.</q> The Hebrew embodies the term <q>devil</q></l> +<l>in another term, serpent,—which the senses are supposed</l> +<l>to take in,—and then defines this serpent as <q rend='pre'>more</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>subtle than all the beasts of the field.</q> Subsequently, [5]</l> +<l>the ancients changed the meaning of the term, to their</l> +<l>sense, and then the serpent became a symbol of wisdom.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scripture in John, sixth chapter and seventieth</l> +<l>verse, refers to a wicked man as the devil: <q rend='pre'>Have not</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?</q> Accord- [10]</l> +<l>ing to the Scripture, if devil is an individuality, there is</l> +<l>more than one devil. In Mark, ninth chapter and thirty-</l> +<l>eighth verse, it reads: <q rend='pre'>Master, we saw one casting out</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>devils in thy name.</q> Here is an assertion indicating</l> +<l>the existence of more than one devil; and by omitting the [15]</l> +<l>first letter, the name of his satanic majesty is found</l> +<l>to be evils, apparent wrong traits, that Christ, Truth,</l> +<l>casts out. By no possible interpretation can this passage</l> +<l>mean several individuals cast out of another individual</l> +<l>no bigger than themselves. The term, being here em- [20]</l> +<l>ployed in its plural number, destroys all consistent sup-</l> +<l>position of the existence of one personal devil. Again,</l> +<l>our text refers to the devil as dumb; but the original</l> +<l>devil was a great talker, and was supposed to have out-</l> +<l>talked even Truth, and carried the question with Eve. [25]</l> +<l>Also, the original texts define him as an <q>accuser,</q> a</l> +<l><q>calumniator,</q> which would be impossible if he were</l> +<l>speechless. These two opposite characters ascribed to</l> +<l>him could only be possible as evil beliefs, as different</l> +<l>phases of sin or disease made manifest. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let us obey St. Paul's injunction to reject fables, and</l> +<l>accept the Scriptures in their broader, more spiritual</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='192'/><anchor id='Pg192'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 192.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and practical sense. When we speak of a good man, we [1]</l> +<l>do not mean that man is God because the Hebrew term</l> +<l>for Deity was <q>good,</q> and <hi rend='italic'>vice versa</hi>; so, when +referring</l> +<l>to a liar, we mean not that he is a personal devil, because</l> +<l>the original text defines devil as a <q>liar.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is of infinite importance to man's spiritual progress,</l> +<l>and to his demonstration of Truth in casting out error,</l> +<l>—sickness, sin, disease, and death, in all their forms,—</l> +<l>that the terms and nature of Deity and devil be understood.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; +and</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my +Father.</hi>—</l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>John</hi> xiv. 12.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Such are the words of him who spake divinely, well</l> +<l>knowing the omnipotence of Truth. The Hebrew bard</l> +<l>saith, <q rend='pre'>His name shall endure forever: His name shall</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>be continued as long as the sun.</q> Luminous with the</l> +<l>light of divine Science, his words reveal the great Principle</l> +<l>of a full salvation. Neither can we question the practi-</l> +<l>cability of the divine Word, who have learned its adapta-</l> +<l>bility to human needs, and man's ability to prove the [20]</l> +<l>truth of prophecy.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The fulfilment of the grand verities of Christian healing</l> +<l>belongs to every period; as the above Scripture plainly</l> +<l>declares, and as primitive Christianity confirms. Also,</l> +<l>the last chapter of Mark is emphatic on this subject; [25]</l> +<l>making healing a condition of salvation, that extends to</l> +<l>all ages and throughout all Christendom. Nothing can</l> +<l>be more conclusive than this: <q rend='pre'>And these signs shall</q></l> +<l>follow them that believe; ... they shall lay hands on</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the sick, and they shall recover.</q> This declaration of [30]</l> +<l>our Master settles the question; else we are entertaining</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='193'/><anchor id='Pg193'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 193.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the startling inquiries, Are the Scriptures inspired? Are [1]</l> +<l>they true? Did Jesus mean what he said?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If this be the cavil, we reply in the affirmative that the</l> +<l>Scripture is true; that Jesus did mean all, and even more</l> +<l>than he said or deemed it safe to say at that time. His [5]</l> +<l>words are unmistakable, for they form propositions of</l> +<l>self-evident demonstrable truth. Doctrines that deny</l> +<l>the substance and practicality of all Christ's teachings</l> +<l>cannot be evangelical; and evangelical religion can be</l> +<l>established on no other claim than the authenticity of [10]</l> +<l>the Gospels, which support unequivocally the proof that</l> +<l>Christian Science, as defined and practised by Jesus,</l> +<l>heals the sick, casts out error, and will destroy death.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Referring to The Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston,</l> +<l>of which I am pastor, a certain clergyman charitably [15]</l> +<l>expressed it, <q>the so-called Christian Scientists.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I am thankful even for his allusion to truth; it being</l> +<l>a modification of silence on this subject, and also of what</l> +<l>had been said when critics attacked me for supplying the</l> +<l>word Science to Christianity,—a word which the people [20]</l> +<l>are now adopting.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The next step for ecclesiasticism to take, is to admit</l> +<l>that all Christians are properly called Scientists who</l> +<l>follow the commands of our Lord and His Christ, Truth;</l> +<l>and that no one is following his full command without [25]</l> +<l>this enlarged sense of the spirit and power of Christianity.</l> +<l><q>He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do,</q></l> +<l>is a radical and unmistakable declaration of the right and</l> +<l>power of Christianity to heal; for this is Christlike,</l> +<l>and includes the understanding of man's capabilities and [30]</l> +<l>spiritual power. The condition insisted upon is, first,</l> +<l><q>belief;</q> the Hebrew of which implies understanding.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='194'/><anchor id='Pg194'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 194.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>How many to-day believe that the power of God equals [1]</l> +<l>even the power of a drug to heal the sick! Divine Science</l> +<l>reveals the Principle of this power, and the rule whereby</l> +<l>sin, sickness, disease, and death are destroyed; and God</l> +<l>is this Principle. Let us, then, seek this Science; that we [5]</l> +<l>may know Him better, and love Him more.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Though a man were begirt with the Urim and Thum-</l> +<l>mim of priestly office, yet should deny the validity or</l> +<l>permanence of Christ's command to heal in all ages,</l> +<l>this denial would dishonor that office and misinterpret [10]</l> +<l>evangelical religion. Divine Science is not an interpo-</l> +<l>lation of the Scriptures, but is redolent with love, health,</l> +<l>and holiness, for the whole human race. It only needs</l> +<l>the prism of this Science to divide the rays of Truth, and</l> +<l>bring out the entire hues of Deity, which scholastic theol- [15]</l> +<l>ogy has hidden. The lens of Science magnifies the divine</l> +<l>power to human sight; and we then see the supremacy</l> +<l>of Spirit and the nothingness of matter.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The context of the foregoing Scriptural text explains</l> +<l>Jesus' words, <q>because I go unto my Father.</q> <q>Because</q> [20]</l> +<l>in following him, you understand God and <emph>how</emph> to turn</l> +<l>from matter to Spirit for healing; <emph>how</emph> to leave self, the</l> +<l>sense material, for the sense spiritual; <emph>how</emph> to accept</l> +<l>God's power and guidance, and become imbued with</l> +<l>divine Love that casts out all fear. Then are you bap- [25]</l> +<l>tized in the Truth that destroys all error, and you receive</l> +<l>the sense of Life that knows no death, and you <emph>know</emph> that</l> +<l>God is the only Life.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To reach the consummate naturalness of the Life that</l> +<l>is God, good, we must comply with the first condition [30]</l> +<l>set forth in the text, namely, believe; in other words,</l> +<l>understand God sufficiently to exclude all faith in any</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='195'/><anchor id='Pg195'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 195.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>other remedy than Christ, the Truth that antidotes all [1]</l> +<l>error. Thence will follow the absorption of all action,</l> +<l>motive, and mind, into the rules and divine Principle of</l> +<l>metaphysical healing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whosoever learns the letter of Christian Science but [5]</l> +<l>possesses not its spirit, is unable to demonstrate this</l> +<l>Science; or whosoever hath the spirit without the letter,</l> +<l>is held back by reason of the lack of understanding. Both</l> +<l>the spirit and the letter are requisite; and having these,</l> +<l>every one can prove, in some degree, the validity of those [10]</l> +<l>words of the great Master, <q rend='pre'>For the Son of man is come</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to save that which was lost.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It has been said that the New Testament does not au-</l> +<l>thorize us to expect the ministry of healing at this period.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We ask what is the authority for such a conclusion, [15]</l> +<l>the premises whereof are not to be found in the Scriptures.</l> +<l>The Master's divine logic, as seen in our text, contradicts</l> +<l>this inference,—these are his words: <q rend='pre'>He that believeth</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>on me, the works that I do shall he do also.</q> That per-</l> +<l>fect syllogism of Jesus has but one correct premise and [20]</l> +<l>conclusion, and it cannot fall to the ground beneath the</l> +<l>stroke of unskilled swordsmen. He who never unsheathed</l> +<l>his blade to try the edge of truth in Christian Science, is</l> +<l>unequal to the conflict, and unfit to judge in the case;</l> +<l>the shepherd's sling would slay this Goliath. I once be- [25]</l> +<l>lieved that the practice and teachings of Jesus relative to</l> +<l>healing the sick, were spiritual abstractions, impractical</l> +<l>and impossible to us; but deed, not creed, and practice</l> +<l>more than theory, have given me a higher sense of</l> +<l>Christianity. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The <q>I</q> will go to the Father when meekness, purity,</l> +<l>and love, informed by divine Science, the Comforter,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='196'/><anchor id='Pg196'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 196.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>lead to the one God: then the ego is found not in [1]</l> +<l>matter but in Mind, for there is but one God, one</l> +<l>Mind; and man will then claim no mind apart from God.</l> +<l>Idolatry, the supposition of the existence of many minds</l> +<l>and more than one God, has repeated itself in all manner [5]</l> +<l>of subtleties through the entire centuries, saying as in</l> +<l>the beginning, <q rend='pre'>Believe in me, and I will make you as</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>gods;</q> that is, I will give you a separate mind from God</l> +<l>(good), named evil; and this so-called mind shall open</l> +<l>your eyes and make you know evil, and thus become [10]</l> +<l>material, sensual, evil. But bear in mind that a serpent</l> +<l>said that; therefore that saying came not from Mind,</l> +<l>good, or Truth. God was not the author of it; hence the</l> +<l>words of our Master: <q>He is a liar, and the father of it;</q></l> +<l>also, the character of the votaries to <q>other gods</q> which [15]</l> +<l>sprung from it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The sweet, sacred sense and permanence of man's</l> +<l>unity with his Maker, in Science, illumines our present</l> +<l>existence with the ever-presence and power of God, good.</l> +<l>It opens wide the portals of salvation from sin, sickness, [20]</l> +<l>and death. When the Life that is God, good, shall ap-</l> +<l>pear, <q>we shall be like Him;</q> we shall do the works of</l> +<l>Christ, and, in the words of David, <q rend='pre'>the stone which the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>builders refused is become the head stone of the corner,</q></l> +<l>because the <q>I</q> does go unto the Father, the ego does [25]</l> +<l>arise to spiritual recognition of being, and is exalted,—</l> +<l>not through death, but Life, God understood.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be +saved.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Acts</hi></l> +<l>xvi. 31.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptures require more than a simple admission [30]</l> +<l>and feeble acceptance of the truths they present; they</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='197'/><anchor id='Pg197'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 197.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>require a living faith, that so incorporates their lessons [1]</l> +<l>into our lives that these truths become the motive-power</l> +<l>of every act.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>ur chosen text is one more frequently used than</l> +<l>many others, perhaps, to exhort people to turn from sin [5]</l> +<l>and to strive after holiness; but we fear the full import</l> +<l>of this text is not yet recognized. It means a <emph>full</emph> salva-</l> +<l>tion,—man saved from sin, sickness, and death; for,</l> +<l>unless this be so, no man can be wholly fitted for heaven</l> +<l>in the way which Jesus marked out and bade his followers [10]</l> +<l>pursue.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In order to comprehend the meaning of the text, let</l> +<l>us see what it is to believe. It means more than an opinion</l> +<l>entertained concerning Jesus as a man, as the Son of God,</l> +<l>or as God; such an action of mind would be of no more [15]</l> +<l>help to save from sin, than would a belief in any historical</l> +<l>event or person. But it does mean so to understand the</l> +<l>beauty of holiness, the character and divinity which Jesus</l> +<l>presented in his power to heal and to save, that it will</l> +<l>compel us to pattern after both; in other words, to <q rend='pre'>let</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>this Mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.</q></l> +<l>(Phil. ii. 5.)</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mortal man believes in, but does not understand life</l> +<l>in, Christ. He believes there is another power or intelli-</l> +<l>gence that rules over a kingdom of its own, that is both [25]</l> +<l>good and evil; yea, that is divided against itself, and there-</l> +<l>fore cannot stand. This belief breaks the First Command-</l> +<l>ment of God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let man abjure a theory that is in opposition to God,</l> +<l>recognize God as omnipotent, having all-power; and, [30]</l> +<l>placing his trust in this grand Truth, and working from</l> +<l>no other Principle, he can neither be sick nor forever a</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='198'/><anchor id='Pg198'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 198.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>sinner. When wholly governed by the one perfect Mind, [1]</l> +<l>man has no sinful thoughts and will have no desire</l> +<l>to sin.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To arrive at this point of unity of Spirit, God, one must</l> +<l>commence by turning away from material gods; denying [5]</l> +<l>material so-called laws and material sensation,—or mind</l> +<l>in matter, in its varied forms of pleasure and pain. This</l> +<l>must be done with the understanding that matter has no</l> +<l>sense; thus it is that consciousness silences the mortal</l> +<l>claim to life, substance, or mind in matter, with the words [10]</l> +<l>of Jesus: <q rend='pre'>When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>own.</q> (John viii. 44.)</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When tempted to sin, we should know that evil pro-</l> +<l>ceedeth not from God, good, but is a false belief of the</l> +<l>personal senses; and if we deny the claims of these senses [15]</l> +<l>and recognize man as governed by God, Spirit, not by</l> +<l>material laws, the temptation will disappear.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>On this Principle, disease also is treated and healed.</l> +<l>We know that man's body, as matter, has no power to</l> +<l>govern itself; and a belief of disease is as much the prod- [20]</l> +<l>uct of mortal thought as sin is. All suffering is the fruit</l> +<l>of the tree of the knowledge of <emph>both</emph> good and evil; of</l> +<l>adherence to the <q>doubleminded</q> senses, to some belief,</l> +<l>fear, theory, or bad deed, based on physical material law,</l> +<l>so-called as opposed to good,—all of which is corrected [25]</l> +<l>alone by Science, divine Principle, and its spiritual laws.</l> +<l>Suffering is the supposition of another intelligence than</l> +<l>God; a belief in self-existent evil, opposed to good; and</l> +<l>in whatever seems to punish man for doing good,—</l> +<l>by saying he has overworked, suffered from inclement [30]</l> +<l>weather, or violated a law of matter in doing good, there-</l> +<l>fore he must suffer for it.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='199'/><anchor id='Pg199'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 199.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>God does not reward benevolence and love with pen- [1]</l> +<l>alties; and because of this, we have the right to deny the</l> +<l>supposed power of matter to do it, and to allege that only</l> +<l>mortal, erring mind can claim to do thus, and dignify the</l> +<l>result with the name of law: thence comes man's ability [5]</l> +<l>to annul his own erring mental law, and to hold himself</l> +<l>amenable only to moral and spiritual law,—God's gov-</l> +<l>ernment. By so doing, male and female come into their</l> +<l>rightful heritage, <q rend='pre'>into the glorious liberty of the children</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of God.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in +necessities,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake.</hi>—2 +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Cor.</hi></l> +<l>xii. 10.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The miracles recorded in the Scriptures illustrate the</l> +<l>life of Jesus as nothing else can; but they cost him the [15]</l> +<l>hatred of the rabbis. The rulers sought the life of Jesus;</l> +<l>they would extinguish whatever denied and defied their</l> +<l>superstition. We learn somewhat of the qualities of the</l> +<l>divine Mind through the human Jesus. The power of</l> +<l>his transcendent goodness is manifest in the control it [20]</l> +<l>gave him over the qualities opposed to Spirit which mor-</l> +<l>tals name matter.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Principle of these marvellous works is divine; but</l> +<l>the actor was human. This divine Principle is discerned</l> +<l>in Christian Science, as we advance in the spiritual under- [25]</l> +<l>standing that all substance, Life, and intelligence are</l> +<l>God. The so-called miracles contained in Holy Writ are</l> +<l>neither supernatural nor preternatural; for God is good,</l> +<l>and goodness is more natural than evil. The marvellous</l> +<l>healing-power of goodness is the outflowing life of Chris- [30]</l> +<l>tianity, and it characterized and dated the Christian era.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='200'/><anchor id='Pg200'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 200.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>It was the consummate naturalness of Truth in the [1]</l> +<l>mind of Jesus, that made his healing easy and instan-</l> +<l>taneous. Jesus regarded good as the normal state of man,</l> +<l>and evil as the abnormal; holiness, life, and health as</l> +<l>the better representatives of God than sin, disease, and [5]</l> +<l>death. The master Metaphysician understood omnipo-</l> +<l>tence to be All-power: because Spirit was to him All-</l> +<l>in-all, matter was palpably an error of premise and</l> +<l>conclusion, while God was the only substance, Life,</l> +<l>and intelligence of man. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The apostle Paul insists on the rare rule in Christian</l> +<l>Science that we have chosen for a text; a rule that is sus-</l> +<l>ceptible of proof, and is applicable to every stage and</l> +<l>state of human existence. The divine Science of this rule</l> +<l>is quite as remote from the general comprehension of man- [15]</l> +<l>kind as are the so-called miracles of our Master, and for</l> +<l>the sole reason that it is their basis. The foundational</l> +<l>facts of Christian Science are gathered from the supremacy</l> +<l>of spiritual law and its antagonism to every supposed ma-</l> +<l>terial law. Christians to-day should be able to say, with [20]</l> +<l>the sweet sincerity of the apostle, <q rend='pre'>I take pleasure in</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>infirmities,</q>—I enjoy the touch of weakness, pain, and</l> +<l>all suffering of the flesh, <emph>because</emph> it compels me to seek the</l> +<l>remedy for it, and to find happiness, apart from the per-</l> +<l>sonal senses. The holy calm of Paul's well-tried hope [25]</l> +<l>met no obstacle or circumstances paramount to the tri-</l> +<l>umph of a reasonable faith in the omnipotence of good,</l> +<l>involved in its divine Principle, God: the so-called pains</l> +<l>and pleasures of matter were alike unreal to Jesus; for he</l> +<l>regarded matter as only a vagary of mortal belief, and sub- [30]</l> +<l>dued it with this understanding.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The abstract statement that all is Mind, supports the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='201'/><anchor id='Pg201'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 201.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>entire wisdom of the text; and this statement receives [1]</l> +<l>the mortal scoff only because it meets the immortal de-</l> +<l>mands of Truth. The Science of Paul's declaration re-</l> +<l>solves the element misnamed matter into its original sin,</l> +<l>or human will; that will which would oppose bringing the [5]</l> +<l>qualities of Spirit into subjection to Spirit. Sin brought</l> +<l>death; and death is an element of matter, or material</l> +<l>falsity, never of Spirit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When Jesus reproduced his body after its burial, he</l> +<l>revealed the myth or material falsity of evil; its power- [10]</l> +<l>lessness to destroy good, and the omnipotence of the</l> +<l>Mind that knows this: he also showed forth the error</l> +<l>and nothingness of supposed life in matter, and the great</l> +<l>somethingness of the good we possess, which is of Spirit,</l> +<l>and immortal. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Understanding this, Paul took pleasure in infirmities,</l> +<l>for it enabled him to triumph over them,—he declared</l> +<l>that <q rend='pre'>the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>made me free from the law of sin and death;</q> he took</l> +<l>pleasure in <q>reproaches</q> and <q>persecutions,</q> because [20]</l> +<l>they were so many proofs that he had wrought the prob-</l> +<l>lem of being beyond the common apprehension of sinners;</l> +<l>he took pleasure in <q>necessities,</q> for they tested and de-</l> +<l>veloped latent power.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We protect our dwellings more securely after a robbery, [25]</l> +<l>and our jewels have been stolen; so, after losing those</l> +<l>jewels of character,—temperance, virtue, and truth,—</l> +<l>the young man is awakened to bar his door against further</l> +<l>robberies.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Go to the bedside of pain, and there you can demon- [30]</l> +<l>strate the triumph of good that has pleasure in infirmities;</l> +<l>because it illustrates through the flesh the divine power</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='202'/><anchor id='Pg202'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 202.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of Spirit, and reaches the basis of all supposed miracles; [1]</l> +<l>whereby the sweet harmonies of Christian Science are</l> +<l>found to correct the discords of sense, and to lift man's</l> +<l>being into the sunlight of Soul.</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The chamber where the good man meets his fate</q> [5]</l> +<l>Is privileged beyond the walks of common life,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='post'>Quite on the verge of heaven.</q></l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +</div> + +<pb n='203'/><anchor id='Pg203'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter VII. Pond And Purpose.</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 203.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Beloved Students:—In thanking you for your [1]</l> +<l>gift of the pretty pond contributed to Pleasant View,</l> +<l>in Concord, New Hampshire, I make no distinction be-</l> +<l>tween my students and your students; for here, thine</l> +<l>becomes mine through gratitude and affection. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>From my tower window, as I look on this smile of</l> +<l>Christian Science, this gift from my students and their</l> +<l>students, it will always mirror their love, loyalty, and</l> +<l>good works. Solomon saith, <q rend='pre'>As in water face answereth</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to face, so the heart of man to man.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The waters that run among the valleys, and that</l> +<l>you have coaxed in their course to call on me, have</l> +<l>served the imagination for centuries. Theology religiously</l> +<l>bathes in water, medicine applies it physically, hydrology</l> +<l>handles it with so-called science, and metaphysics appro- [15]</l> +<l>priates it topically as type and shadow. Metaphysically,</l> +<l>baptism serves to rebuke the senses and illustrate Christian</l> +<l>Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>First:</hi> The baptism of repentance is indeed a stricken</l> +<l>state of human consciousness, wherein mortals gain [20]</l> +<l>severe views of themselves; a state of mind which rends</l> +<l>the veil that hides mental deformity. Tears flood the eyes,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='204'/><anchor id='Pg204'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 204.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>agony struggles, pride rebels, and a mortal seems a [1]</l> +<l>monster, a dark, impenetrable cloud of error; and falling</l> +<l>on the bended knee of prayer, humble before God, he</l> +<l>cries, <q>Save, or I perish.</q> Thus Truth, searching the</l> +<l>heart, neutralizes and destroys error. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This mental period is sometimes chronic, but oftener</l> +<l>acute. It is attended throughout with doubt, hope, sorrow,</l> +<l>joy, defeat, and triumph. When the good fight is fought,</l> +<l>error yields up its weapons and kisses the feet of Love,</l> +<l>while white-winged peace sings to the heart a song of [10]</l> +<l>angels.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Second:</hi> The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the spirit</l> +<l>of Truth cleansing from all sin; giving mortals new</l> +<l>motives, new purposes, new affections, all pointing up-</l> +<l>ward. This mental condition settles into strength, free- [15]</l> +<l>dom, deep-toned faith in God; and a marked loss of faith</l> +<l>in evil, in human wisdom, human policy, ways, and means.</l> +<l>It develops individual capacity, increases the intellectual</l> +<l>activities, and so quickens moral sensibility that the</l> +<l>great demands of spiritual sense are recognized, and they [20]</l> +<l>rebuke the material senses, holding sway over human</l> +<l>consciousness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>By purifying human thought, this state of mind per-</l> +<l>meates with increased harmony all the minutiae of human</l> +<l>affairs. It brings with it wonderful foresight, wisdom, [25]</l> +<l>and power; it unselfs the mortal purpose, gives steadi-</l> +<l>ness to resolve, and success to endeavor. Through the</l> +<l>accession of spirituality, God, the divine Principle of</l> +<l>Christian Science, literally governs the aims, ambition,</l> +<l>and acts of the Scientist. The divine ruling gives prudence [30]</l> +<l>and energy; it banishes forever all envy, rivalry,</l> +<l>evil thinking, evil speaking and acting; and mortal</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='205'/><anchor id='Pg205'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 205.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>mind, thus purged, obtains peace and power outside of [1]</l> +<l>itself.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This practical Christian Science is the divine Mind,</l> +<l>the incorporeal Truth and Love, shining through the mists</l> +<l>of materiality and melting away the shadows called sin, [5]</l> +<l>disease, and death.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In mortal experience, the fire of repentance first sepa-</l> +<l>rates the dross from the gold, and reformation brings</l> +<l>the light which dispels darkness. Thus the operation</l> +<l>of the spirit of Truth and Love on the human thought, [10]</l> +<l>in the words of St. John, <q rend='pre'>shall take of mine and show it</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>unto you.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Third:</hi> The baptism of Spirit, or final immersion of</l> +<l>human consciousness in the infinite ocean of Love, is the</l> +<l>last scene in corporeal sense. This omnipotent act drops [15]</l> +<l>the curtain on material man and mortality. After this,</l> +<l>man's identity or consciousness reflects only Spirit, good,</l> +<l>whose visible being is invisible to the physical senses: eye</l> +<l>hath not seen it, inasmuch as it is the disembodied in-</l> +<l>dividual Spirit-substance and consciousness termed in [20]</l> +<l>Christian metaphysics the ideal man—forever permeated</l> +<l>with eternal life, holiness, heaven. This order of Science</l> +<l>is the chain of ages, which maintain their obvious corre-</l> +<l>spondence, and unites all periods in the divine design.</l> +<l>Mortal man's repentance and absolute abandonment of [25]</l> +<l>sin finally dissolves all supposed material life or physical</l> +<l>sensation, and the corporeal or mortal man disappears</l> +<l>forever. The encumbering mortal molecules, called man,</l> +<l>vanish as a dream; but man born of the great Forever,</l> +<l>lives on, God-crowned and blest. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mortals who on the shores of time learn Christian</l> +<l>Science, and live what they learn, take rapid transit to</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='206'/><anchor id='Pg206'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 206.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>heaven,—the hinge on which have turned all revolu- [1]</l> +<l>tions, natural, civil, or religious, the former being servant</l> +<l>to the latter,—from flux to permanence, from foul to</l> +<l>pure, from torpid to serene, from extremes to intermediate.</l> +<l>Above the waves of Jordan, dashing against the receding [5]</l> +<l>shore, is heard the Father and Mother's welcome, saying</l> +<l>forever to the baptized of Spirit: <q rend='pre'>This is my beloved</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Son.</q> What but divine Science can interpret man's</l> +<l>eternal existence, God's allness, and the scientific inde-</l> +<l>structibility of the universe? [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The advancing stages of Christian Science are gained</l> +<l>through growth, not accretion; idleness is the foe of</l> +<l>progress. And scientific growth manifests no weakness,</l> +<l>no emasculation, no illusive vision, no dreamy absentness,</l> +<l>no insubordination to the laws that be, no loss nor lack [15]</l> +<l>of what constitutes true manhood.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Growth is governed by intelligence; by the active,</l> +<l>all-wise, law-creating, law-disciplining, law-abiding Prin-</l> +<l>ciple, God. The real Christian Scientist is constantly</l> +<l>accentuating harmony in word and deed, mentally and [20]</l> +<l>orally, perpetually repeating this diapason of heaven:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Good is my God, and my God is good. Love is my God,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and my God is Love.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Beloved students, you have entered the path. Press</l> +<l>patiently on; God is good, and good is the reward of all [25]</l> +<l>who diligently seek God. Your growth will be rapid, if</l> +<l>you love good supremely, and understand and obey the</l> +<l>Way-shower, who, going before you, has scaled the steep</l> +<l>ascent of Christian Science, stands upon the mount of</l> +<l>holiness, the dwelling-place of our God, and bathes in the [30]</l> +<l>baptismal font of eternal Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As you journey, and betimes sigh for rest <q rend='pre'>beside the</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='207'/><anchor id='Pg207'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 207.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>still waters,</q> ponder this lesson of love. Learn its pur- [1]</l> +<l>pose;and in hope and faith, where heart meets heart</l> +<l>reciprocally blest, drink with me the living waters of the</l> +<l>spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with</l> +<l>the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian [5]</l> +<l>Science.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<pb n='208'/><anchor id='Pg208'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter VIII. Precept Upon Precept</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 208.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>Thy Will Be Done</q></head> + +<lg> +<l>This is the law of Truth to error, <q rend='pre'>Thou shalt surely</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>die.</q> This law is a divine energy. Mortals cannot</l> +<l>prevent the fulfilment of this law; it covers all sin and</l> +<l>its effects. God is All, and by virtue of this nature and [5]</l> +<l>allness He is cognizant only of good. Like a legislative</l> +<l>bill that governs millions of mortals whom the legislators</l> +<l>know not, the universal law of God has no knowledge</l> +<l>of evil, and enters unconsciously the human heart and</l> +<l>governs it. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mortals have only to submit to the law of God, come</l> +<l>into sympathy with it, and to let His will be done. This</l> +<l>unbroken motion of the law of divine Love gives, to the</l> +<l>weary and heavy-laden, rest. But who is willing to do</l> +<l>His will or to let it be done? Mortals obey their own [15]</l> +<l>wills, and so disobey the divine order.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All states and stages of human error are met and</l> +<l>mastered by divine Truth's negativing error in the way</l> +<l>of God's appointing. Those <q rend='pre'>whom the Lord loveth He</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>chasteneth.</q> His rod brings to view His love, and inter- [20]</l> +<l>prets to mortals the gospel of healing. David said, <q rend='pre'>Be-</q></l> +<l>fore I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I</l> +<l><q rend='post'>kept Thy word.</q> He who knows the end from the be-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='209'/><anchor id='Pg209'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 209.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ginning, attaches to sin due penalties as its antidotes and [1]</l> +<l>remedies.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who art thou, vain mortal, that usurpest the preroga-</l> +<l>tive of divine wisdom, and wouldst teach God not to punish</l> +<l>sin? that wouldst shut the mouth of His prophets, [5]</l> +<l>and cry, <q>Peace, peace; when there is no peace,</q>—yea,</l> +<l>that healest the wounds of my people slightly?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Principle of divine Science being Love, the divine</l> +<l>rule of this Principle demonstrates Love, and proves that</l> +<l>human belief fulfils the law of belief, and dies of its own [10]</l> +<l>physics. Metaphysics also demonstrates this Principle of</l> +<l>cure when sin is self-destroyed. Short-sighted physics</l> +<l>admits the so-called pains of matter that destroy its more</l> +<l>dangerous pleasures.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Insomnia compels mortals to learn that neither obliv- [15]</l> +<l>ion nor dreams can recuperate the life of man, whose</l> +<l>Life is God, for God neither slumbers nor sleeps. The</l> +<l>loss of gustatory enjoyment and the ills of indigestion</l> +<l>tend to rebuke appetite and destroy the peace of a false</l> +<l>sense. False pleasure will be, is, chastened; it has no [20]</l> +<l>right to be at peace. To suffer for having <q rend='pre'>other gods</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>before me,</q> is divinely wise. Evil passions die in their</l> +<l>own flames, but are punished before extinguished. Peace</l> +<l>has no foothold on the false basis that evil should be</l> +<l>concealed and that life and happiness should still attend [25]</l> +<l>it. Joy is self-sustained; goodness and blessedness are</l> +<l>one: suffering is self-inflicted, and good is the master of</l> +<l>evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To this scientific logic and the logic of events, egotism</l> +<l>and false charity say, <q rend='pre'><q>Not so, Lord;</q> it is wise to</q> [30]</l> +<l>cover iniquity and punish it not, then shall mortals have</l> +<l><q rend='post'>peace.</q> Divine Love, as unconscious as incapable of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='210'/><anchor id='Pg210'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 210.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>error, pursues the evil that hideth itself, strips off its [1]</l> +<l>disguises, and—behold the result: evil, uncovered, is</l> +<l>self-destroyed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science never healed a patient without prov-</l> +<l>ing with mathematical certainty that error, when found [5]</l> +<l>out, is two-thirds destroyed, and the remaining third</l> +<l>kills itself. Do men whine over a nest of serpents, and</l> +<l>post around it placards warning people not to stir up</l> +<l>these reptiles because they have stings? Christ said,</l> +<l><q>They shall take up serpents;</q> and, <q rend='pre'>Be ye therefore</q> [10]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>wise as serpents and harmless as doves.</q> The wisdom</l> +<l>of a serpent is to hide itself. The wisdom of God, as</l> +<l>revealed in Christian Science, brings the serpent out of</l> +<l>its hole, handles it, and takes away its sting. Good deeds</l> +<l>are harmless. He who has faith in woman's special adapt- [15]</l> +<l>ability to lead on Christian Science, will not be shocked</l> +<l>when she puts her foot on the head of the serpent, as it</l> +<l>biteth at the heel.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Intemperance begets a belief of disordered brains,</l> +<l>membranes, stomach, and nerves; and this belief serves [20]</l> +<l>to uncover and kill this lurking serpent, intemperance,</l> +<l>that hides itself under the false pretense of human need,</l> +<l>innocent enjoyment, and a medical prescription. The</l> +<l>belief in venereal diseases tears the black mask from the</l> +<l>shameless brow of licentiousness, torments its victim, and [25]</l> +<l>thus may save him from his destroyer.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Charity has the courage of conviction; it may suffer</l> +<l>long, but has neither the cowardice nor the foolhardiness</l> +<l>to cover iniquity. Charity is Love; and Love opens</l> +<l>the eyes of the blind, rebukes error, and casts it out. [30]</l> +<l>Charity never flees before error, lest it should suffer</l> +<l>from an encounter. Love your enemies, or you will not</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='211'/><anchor id='Pg211'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 211.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>lose them; and if you love them, you will help to reform [1]</l> +<l>them.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christ points the way of salvation. His mode is not</l> +<l>cowardly, uncharitable, nor unwise, but it teaches mor-</l> +<l>tals to handle serpents and cast out evil. Our own vision [5]</l> +<l>must be clear to open the eyes of others, else the blind</l> +<l>will lead the blind and both shall fall. The sickly charity</l> +<l>that supplies criminals with bouquets has been dealt</l> +<l>with summarily by the good judgment of people in</l> +<l>the old Bay State. Inhuman medical bills, class legisla- [10]</l> +<l>tion, and Salem witchcraft, are not indigenous to her</l> +<l>soil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Out of the depths have I delivered thee.</q> The</l> +<l>drowning man just rescued from the merciless wave is</l> +<l>unconscious of suffering. Why, then, do you break his [15]</l> +<l>peace and cause him to suffer in coming to life? Because</l> +<l>you wish to save him from death. Then, if a criminal</l> +<l>is at peace, is he not to be pitied and brought back to</l> +<l>life? Or, are you afraid to do this lest he suffer, trample</l> +<l>on your pearls of thought, and turn on you and rend you? [20]</l> +<l>Cowardice is selfishness. When one protects himself at</l> +<l>his neighbor's cost, let him remember, <q rend='pre'>Whosoever will</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>save his life shall lose it.</q> He risks nothing who obeys</l> +<l>the law of God, and shall find the Life that cannot be</l> +<l>lost. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our Master said, <q>Ye shall drink indeed of my cup.</q></l> +<l>Jesus stormed sin in its citadels and kept peace with</l> +<l>God. He drank this cup giving thanks, and he said to</l> +<l>his followers, <q>Drink ye all of it,</q>—drink it all, and let</l> +<l>all drink of it. He lived the spirit of his prayer,—<q rend='pre'>Thy</q> +[30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>kingdom come.</q> Shall we repeat our Lord's Prayer</l> +<l>when the heart denies it, refuses to bear the cross and</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='212'/><anchor id='Pg212'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 212.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>to fulfil the conditions of our petition? Human policy [1]</l> +<l>is a fool that saith in his heart, <q>No God</q>—a caressing</l> +<l>Judas that betrays you, and commits suicide. This god-</l> +<l>less policy never knows what happiness is, and how it is</l> +<l>obtained. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus did his work, and left his glorious career for our</l> +<l>example. On the shore of Gennesaret he tersely re-</l> +<l>minded his students of their worldly policy. They had</l> +<l>suffered, and seen their error. This experience caused</l> +<l>them to remember the reiterated warning of their Mas- [10]</l> +<l>ter and cast their nets on the right side. When they</l> +<l>were fit to be blest, they received the blessing. The</l> +<l>ultimatum of their human sense of ways and means</l> +<l>ought to silence ours. One step away from the direct</l> +<l>line of divine Science cost them—what? A speedy re- [15]</l> +<l>turn under the reign of difficulties, darkness, and unre-</l> +<l>quited toil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The currents of human nature rush in against the right</l> +<l>course; health, happiness, and life flow not into one of</l> +<l>their channels. The law of Love saith, <q rend='pre'>Not my will,</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>but Thine, be done,</q> and Christian Science proves that</l> +<l>human will is lost in the divine; and Love, the white</l> +<l>Christ, is the remunerator.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If, consciously or unconsciously, one is at work in a</l> +<l>wrong direction, who will step forward and open his [25]</l> +<l>eyes to see this error? He who <emph>is</emph> a Christian Scientist,</l> +<l>who has cast the beam out of his own eye, speaks plainly</l> +<l>to the offender and tries to show his errors to him before</l> +<l>letting another know it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Pitying friends took down from the cross the fainting [30]</l> +<l>form of Jesus, and buried it out of their sight. His dis-</l> +<l>ciples, who had not yet drunk of his cup, lost sight of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='213'/><anchor id='Pg213'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 213.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>him; they could not behold his immortal being in the [1]</l> +<l>form of Godlikeness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All that I have written, taught, or lived, that is good,</l> +<l>flowed through cross-bearing, self-forgetfulness, and my</l> +<l>faith in the right. Suffering or Science, or both, in the [5]</l> +<l>proportion that their instructions are assimilated, will</l> +<l>point the way, shorten the process, and consummate the</l> +<l>joys of acquiescence in the methods of divine Love. The</l> +<l>Scripture saith, <q rend='pre'>He that covereth his sins shall not pros-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>per.</q> No risk is so stupendous as to neglect opportuni- [10]</l> +<l>ties which God giveth, and not to forewarn and forearm</l> +<l>our fellow-mortals against the evil which, if seen, can</l> +<l>be destroyed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>May my friends and my enemies so profit by these</l> +<l>waymarks, that what has chastened and illumined [15]</l> +<l>another's way may perfect their own lives by gentle</l> +<l>benedictions. In every age, the pioneer reformer must</l> +<l>pass through a baptism of fire. But the faithful adher-</l> +<l>ents of Truth have gone on rejoicing. Christian Science</l> +<l>gives a fearless wing and firm foundation. These are [20]</l> +<l>its inspiring tones from the lips of our Master, <q rend='pre'>My</q></l> +<l>sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow</l> +<l>me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall</l> +<l>never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of</l> +<l><q rend='post'>my hand.</q> He is but <q>an hireling</q> who fleeth when he [25]</l> +<l>seeth the wolf coming.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Loyal Christian Scientists, be of good cheer: the night</l> +<l>is far spent, the day dawns; God's universal kingdom</l> +<l>will appear, Love will reign in every heart, and <emph>His</emph> will</l> +<l>be done on earth as in heaven. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='214'/><anchor id='Pg214'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 214.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>Put Up Thy Sword</q></head> + +<lg> +<l>While Jesus' life was full of Love, and a demonstra-</l> +<l>tion of Love, it appeared hate to the carnal mind, or</l> +<l>mortal thought, of his time. He said, <q rend='pre'>Think not that</q></l> +<l>I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send [5]</l> +<l>peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at</l> +<l>variance against his father, and the daughter against her</l> +<l>mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-</l> +<l>law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own house-</l> +<l><q rend='post'>hold.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This action of Jesus was stimulated by the same Love</l> +<l>that closed—to the senses—that wondrous life, and</l> +<l>that summed up its demonstration in the command,</l> +<l><q>Put up thy sword.</q> The very conflict his Truth brought,</l> +<l>in accomplishing its purpose of Love, meant, all [15]</l> +<l>the way through, <q>Put up thy sword;</q> but the sword</l> +<l>must have been drawn before it could be returned into</l> +<l>the scabbard.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My students need to search the Scriptures and <q rend='pre'>Science</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> to understand [20]</l> +<l>the personal Jesus' labor in the flesh for their salvation:</l> +<l>they need to do this even to understand my works, their</l> +<l>motives, aims, and tendency.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The attitude of mortal mind in being healed morally,</l> +<l>is the same as its attitude physically. The Christian [25]</l> +<l>Scientist cannot heal the sick, and take error along with</l> +<l>Truth, either in the recognition or approbation of it.</l> +<l>This would prevent the possibility of destroying the</l> +<l>tares: they must be separated from the wheat before</l> +<l>they can be burned, and Jesus foretold the harvest hour [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='215'/><anchor id='Pg215'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 215.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and the final destruction of error through this very pro- [1]</l> +<l>cess,—the sifting and the fire. The tendency of mortal</l> +<l>mind is to go from one extreme to another: Truth comes</l> +<l>into the intermediate space, saying, <q rend='pre'>I wound to heal;</q></l> +<l>I punish to reform; I do it all in love; my peace I leave [5]</l> +<l>with thee: not as the world giveth, give I unto thee.</l> +<l>Arise, let us go hence; let us depart from the material</l> +<l>sense of God's ways and means, and gain a spiritual</l> +<l><q rend='post'>understanding of them.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But let us not seek to climb up some other way, as we [10]</l> +<l>shall do if we take the end for the beginning or start</l> +<l>from wrong motives. Christian Science demands order</l> +<l>and truth. To abide by these we must first understand</l> +<l>the Principle and object of our work, and be clear that</l> +<l>it is Love, peace, and good will toward men. Then we [15]</l> +<l>shall demonstrate the Principle in the way of His ap-</l> +<l>pointment, and not according to the infantile concep-</l> +<l>tion of our way; as when a child in sleep walks on the</l> +<l>summit of the roof of the house because he is a som-</l> +<l>nambulist, and thinks he is where he is not, and would [20]</l> +<l>fall immediately if he knew where he was and what he</l> +<l>was doing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My students are at the beginning of their demonstra-</l> +<l>tion; they have a long warfare with error in themselves</l> +<l>and in others to finish, and they must at this stage use [25]</l> +<l>the sword of Spirit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>They cannot in the beginning take the attitude, nor</l> +<l>adopt the words, that Jesus used at the <emph>end</emph> of his</l> +<l>demonstration.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If you would follow in his footsteps, you must not try [30]</l> +<l>to gather the harvest while the corn is in the blade, nor</l> +<l>yet when it is in the ear; a wise spiritual discernment</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='216'/><anchor id='Pg216'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 216.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>must be used in your application of his words and infer- [1]</l> +<l>ence from his acts, to guide your own state of combat</l> +<l>with error. There <emph>remaineth</emph>, it is true, a Sabbath rest</l> +<l>for the people of God; but we must first have done our</l> +<l>work, and entered into our rest, as the Scriptures give [5]</l> +<l>example.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Scientific Theism</head> + +<lg> +<l>In the May number of our <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>, there appeared a</l> +<l>review of, and some extracts from, <q>Scientific Theism,</q></l> +<l>by Phare Pleigh. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Now, Phare Pleigh evidently means more than <q rend='pre'>hands</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>off.</q> A live lexicographer, given to the Anglo-Saxon</l> +<l>tongue, might add to the above definition the <q rend='pre'>laying</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>on of hands,</q> as well. Whatever his <hi rend='italic'>nom de +plume</hi></l> +<l>means, an acquaintance with the author justifies one [15]</l> +<l>in the conclusion that he is a power in criticism, a</l> +<l>big protest against injustice; but, the best may be</l> +<l>mistaken.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>One of these extracts is the story of the Cheshire Cat,</l> +<l>which <q rend='pre'>vanished quite slowly, beginning with the end</q> [20]</l> +<l>of the tail, and ending with the grin, which remained</l> +<l><q rend='post'>some time after the rest of it had gone.</q> Was this a witty</l> +<l>or a happy hit at idealism, to illustrate the author's fol-</l> +<l>lowing point?—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>When philosophy becomes fairy-land, in which neither</q> [25]</l> +<l>laws of nature nor the laws of reason hold good, the</l> +<l>attempt of phenomenism to conceive the universe as a</l> +<l><emph>phenomenon without a noumenon</emph> may succeed, but not</l> +<l>before; for it is an attempt to conceive a grin without</l> +<l><q rend='post'>a cat.</q> [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='217'/><anchor id='Pg217'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 217.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>True idealism is a divine Science, which combines in [1]</l> +<l>logical sequence, nature, reason, and revelation. An</l> +<l>effect without a cause is inconceivable; neither philoso-</l> +<l>phy nor reason attempts to find one; but all should con-</l> +<l>ceive and understand that Spirit cannot become less than [5]</l> +<l>Spirit; hence that the universe of God is spiritual,—even</l> +<l>the ideal world whose cause is the self-created Principle,</l> +<l>with which its ideal or phenomenon must correspond in</l> +<l>quality and quantity.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The fallacy of an unscientific statement is this: that [10]</l> +<l>matter and Spirit are one and eternal; or, that the phe-</l> +<l>nomenon of Spirit is the antipode of Spirit, namely, mat-</l> +<l>ter. Nature declares, throughout the mineral, vegetable,</l> +<l>and animal kingdoms, that the specific nature of all things</l> +<l>is unchanged, and that nature is constituted of and by [15]</l> +<l>Spirit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Sensuous and material realistic views presuppose that</l> +<l>nature is matter, and that Deity is a finite person con-</l> +<l>taining infinite Mind; and that these opposites, in sup-</l> +<l>positional unity and personality, produce matter,—a [20]</l> +<l>third quality unlike God. Again, that matter is both</l> +<l>cause and effect, but that the effect is antagonistic to its</l> +<l>cause; that death is at war with Life, evil with good,—</l> +<l>and man a rebel against his Maker. This is neither</l> +<l>Science nor theism. According to Holy Writ, it is a [25]</l> +<l>kingdom divided against itself, that shall be brought</l> +<l>to desolation.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The nature of God must change in order to become</l> +<l>matter, or to become both finite and infinite; and matter</l> +<l>must <emph>dis</emph>appear, for Spirit to appear. To the material [30]</l> +<l>sense, everything is matter; but spiritualize human</l> +<l>thought, and our convictions change: for spiritual sense</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='218'/><anchor id='Pg218'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 218.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>takes in new views, in which nature becomes Spirit; and [1]</l> +<l>Spirit is God, and God is good. Science unfolds the fact</l> +<l>that Deity was forever Mind, Spirit; that matter never</l> +<l>produced Mind, and <hi rend='italic'>vice versa</hi>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The visible universe declares the invisible only by re- [5]</l> +<l>version, as error declares Truth. The testimony of mate-</l> +<l>rial sense in relation to existence is false; for matter can</l> +<l>neither see, hear, nor feel, and mortal mind must change</l> +<l>all its conceptions of life, substance, and intelligence,</l> +<l>before it can reach the immortality of Mind and its ideas. [10]</l> +<l>It is erroneous to accept the evidence of the material</l> +<l>senses whence to reason out God, when it is conceded</l> +<l>that the five personal senses can take no cognizance of</l> +<l>Spirit or of its phenomena. False realistic views sap the</l> +<l>Science of Principle and idea; they make Deity unreal [15]</l> +<l>and inconceivable, either as mind or matter; but Truth</l> +<l>comes to the rescue of reason and immortality, and unfolds</l> +<l>the real nature of God and the universe to the spiri-</l> +<l>ual sense, which beareth witness of things spiritual, and</l> +<l>not material. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To begin with, the notion of Spirit as cause and end,</l> +<l>with matter as its effect, is more ridiculous than the <q rend='pre'>grin</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>without a cat;</q> for a grin expresses the nature of a cat,</l> +<l>and this nature may linger in memory: but matter does</l> +<l>not express the nature of Spirit, and matter's graven [25]</l> +<l>grins are neither eliminated nor retained by Spirit. What</l> +<l>can illustrate Dr. ——'s views better than Pat's echo,</l> +<l>when he said <q>How do you do?</q> and echo answered,</l> +<l><q>Pretty well, I thank you!</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Dr. —— says: <q rend='pre'>The recognition of teleology in nature</q> +[30]</l> +<l>is necessarily the recognition of purely spiritual personality</l> +<l><q rend='post'>in God.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='219'/><anchor id='Pg219'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 219.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>According to lexicography, teleology is the science of [1]</l> +<l>the final cause of things; and divine Science (and all</l> +<l>Science is divine) neither reveals God in matter, cause</l> +<l>in effect, nor teaches that nature and her laws are the</l> +<l><emph>material</emph> universe, or that the personality of infinite Spirit [5]</l> +<l>is finite or material. Jesus said, <q rend='pre'>Ye do err, not know-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>ing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.</q> Now, what</l> +<l>saith the Scripture? <q rend='pre'>God is a Spirit: and they that</q></l> +<l>worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in</l> +<l><q rend='post'>truth.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Mental Practice</head> + +<lg> +<l>It is admitted that mortals think wickedly and act</l> +<l>wickedly: it is beginning to be seen by thinkers, that</l> +<l>mortals think also after a sickly fashion. In common</l> +<l>parlance, one person feels sick, another feels wicked. A [15]</l> +<l>third person knows that if he would remove this feeling</l> +<l>in either case, in the one he must change his patient's</l> +<l>consciousness of dis-ease and suffering to a consciousness</l> +<l>of ease and loss of suffering; while in the other he must</l> +<l>change the patient's sense of sinning at ease to a sense of [20]</l> +<l>discomfort in sin and peace in goodness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This is Christian Science: that mortal mind makes</l> +<l>sick, and immortal Mind makes well; that mortal mind</l> +<l>makes sinners, while immortal Mind makes saints; that</l> +<l>a state of health is but a state of consciousness made mani- [25]</l> +<l>fest on the body, and <hi rend='italic'>vice versa</hi>; that while one person</l> +<l>feels wickedly and acts wickedly, another knows that if</l> +<l>he can change this evil sense and consciousness to a good</l> +<l>sense, or conscious goodness, the fruits of goodness will</l> +<l>follow, and he has reformed the sinner. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='220'/><anchor id='Pg220'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 220.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Now, demonstrate this rule, which obtains in every [1]</l> +<l>line of mental healing, and you will find that a good rule</l> +<l>works one way, and a false rule the opposite way.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let us suppose that there is a sick person whom an-</l> +<l>other would heal mentally. The healer begins by mental [5]</l> +<l>argument. He mentally says, <q rend='pre'>You are well, and you</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>know it;</q> and he supports this silent mental force by</l> +<l>audible explanation, attestation, and precedent. His</l> +<l>mental and oral arguments aim to refute the sick man's</l> +<l>thoughts, words, and actions, in certain directions, and [10]</l> +<l>turn them into channels of Truth. He persists in this</l> +<l>course until the patient's mind yields, and the harmonious</l> +<l>thought has the full control over this mind on the point</l> +<l>at issue. The end is attained, and the patient says and</l> +<l>feels, <q>I am well, and I know it.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This mental practitioner has changed his patient's</l> +<l>consciousness from sickness to health. The patient's</l> +<l>mental state is now the diametrical opposite of what it</l> +<l>was when the mental practitioner undertook to transform</l> +<l>it, and he is improved morally and physically. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That this mental method has power and bears fruit,</l> +<l>is patent both to the conscientious Christian Scientist and</l> +<l>the observer. Both should understand with equal clear-</l> +<l>ness, that if this mental process and power be reversed,</l> +<l>and people believe that a man is sick and knows it, and [25]</l> +<l>speak of him as being sick, put it into the minds of others</l> +<l>that he is sick, publish it in the newspapers that he is</l> +<l>failing, and persist in this action of mind over mind, it</l> +<l>follows that he will believe that he is sick,—and Jesus</l> +<l>said it would be according to the woman's belief; but if [30]</l> +<l>with the certainty of Science he knows that an error of</l> +<l>belief has not the power of Truth, and cannot, does</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='221'/><anchor id='Pg221'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 221.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>not, produce the slightest effect, it has no power over [1]</l> +<l>him. Thus a mental malpractitioner may lose his</l> +<l>power to harm by a false mental argument; for it</l> +<l>gives one opportunity to handle the error, and when</l> +<l>mastering it one gains in the rules of metaphysics, and [5]</l> +<l>thereby learns more of its divine Principle. Error pro-</l> +<l>duces physical sufferings, and these sufferings show</l> +<l>the fundamental Principle of Christian Science; namely,</l> +<l>that error and sickness are one, and Truth is their</l> +<l>remedy. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The evil-doer can do little at removing the effect of sin</l> +<l>on himself, unless he believes that sin has produced the</l> +<l>effect and knows he is a sinner: or, knowing that he is a</l> +<l>sinner, if he denies it, the good effect is lost. Either of</l> +<l>these states of mind will stultify the power to heal men- [15]</l> +<l>tally. This accounts for many helpless mental practi-</l> +<l>tioners and mysterious diseases.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Again: If error is the cause of disease, Truth being</l> +<l>the cure, denial of this fact in one instance and</l> +<l>acknowledgment of it in another saps one's under- [20]</l> +<l>standing of the Science of Mind-healing, Such denial</l> +<l>dethrones demonstration, baffles the student of Mind-</l> +<l>healing, and divorces his work from Science. Such de-</l> +<l>nial also contradicts the doctrine that we must mentally</l> +<l>struggle against both evil and disease, and is like saying [25]</l> +<l>that five times ten are fifty while ten times five are not</l> +<l>fifty; as if the multiplication of the same two numbers</l> +<l>would not yield the same product whichever might serve</l> +<l>as the multiplicand.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who would tell another of a crime that he himself is [30]</l> +<l>committing, or call public attention to that crime? The</l> +<l>belief in evil and in the process of evil, holds the issues</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='222'/><anchor id='Pg222'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 222.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of death to the evil-doer. It takes away a man's proper [1]</l> +<l>sense of good, and gives him a false sense of both evil</l> +<l>and good. It inflames envy, passion, evil-speaking, and</l> +<l>strife. It reverses Christian Science in all things. It</l> +<l>causes the victim to believe that he is advancing while [5]</l> +<l>injuring himself and others. This state of false conscious-</l> +<l>ness in many cases causes the victim great physical suffering;</l> +<l>and conviction of his wrong state of feeling reforms</l> +<l>him, and so heals him: or, failing of conviction and re-</l> +<l>form, he becomes morally paralyzed—in other words, [10]</l> +<l>a moral idiot.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In this state of misled consciousness, one is ready to</l> +<l>listen complacently to audible falsehoods that once he</l> +<l>would have resisted and loathed; and this, because the</l> +<l>false seems true. The malicious mental argument and [15]</l> +<l>its action on the mind of the perpetrator, is fatal, morally</l> +<l>and physically. From the effects of mental malpractice</l> +<l>the subject scarcely awakes in time, and must suffer its</l> +<l>full penalty after death. This sin against divine Science</l> +<l>is cancelled only through human agony: the measure it [20]</l> +<l>has meted must be remeasured to it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The crimes committed under this new <hi rend='italic'>régime</hi> of mind-</l> +<l>power, when brought to light, will make stout hearts quail.</l> +<l>Its mystery protects it now, for it is not yet known. Error</l> +<l>is more abstract than Truth. Even the healing Principle, [25]</l> +<l>whose power seems inexplicable, is not so obscure; for</l> +<l>this is the power of God, and good should seem more</l> +<l>natural than evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I shall not forget the cost of investigating, for this age,</l> +<l>the methods and power of error. While the ways, means, [30]</l> +<l>and potency of Truth had flowed into my consciousness</l> +<l>as easily as dawns the morning light and shadows flee,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='223'/><anchor id='Pg223'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 223.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the metaphysical mystery of error—its hidden paths, [1]</l> +<l>purpose, and fruits—at first defied me. I was say-</l> +<l>ing all the time, <q>Come not thou into the secret</q>—</l> +<l>but at length took up the research according to God's</l> +<l>command. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Streams which purify, necessarily have pure fountains;</l> +<l>while impure streams flow from corrupt sources. Here,</l> +<l>divine light, logic, and revelation coincide.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science proves, beyond cavil, that the tree is known</l> +<l>by its fruit; that mind reaches its own ideal, and cannot [10]</l> +<l>be separated from it. I respect that moral sense which</l> +<l>is sufficiently strong to discern what it believes, and to say,</l> +<l>if it must, <q rend='pre'>I discredit Mind with having the power to</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>heal.</q> This individual disbelieves in Mind-healing, and</l> +<l>is consistent. But, alas! for the mistake of believing in [15]</l> +<l>mental healing, claiming full faith in the divine Principle,</l> +<l>and saying, <q>I am a Christian Scientist,</q> while doing</l> +<l>unto others what we would resist to the hilt if done unto</l> +<l>ourselves.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>May divine Love so permeate the affections of all those [20]</l> +<l>who have named the name of Christ in its fullest sense,</l> +<l>that no counteracting influence can hinder their growth</l> +<l>or taint their examples.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Taking Offense</head> + +<lg> +<l>There is immense wisdom in the old proverb, <q rend='pre'>He</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.</q> Hannah</l> +<l>More said, <q rend='pre'>If I wished to punish my enemy, I should</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>make him hate somebody.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To punish ourselves for others' faults, is superlative</l> +<l>folly. The mental arrow shot from another's bow is [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='224'/><anchor id='Pg224'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 224.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>practically harmless, unless our own thought barbs it. [1]</l> +<l>It is our pride that makes another's criticism rankle, our</l> +<l>self-will that makes another's deed offensive, our egotism</l> +<l>that feels hurt by another's self-assertion. Well may we</l> +<l>feel wounded by our own faults; but we can hardly afford [5]</l> +<l>to be miserable for the faults of others.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A courtier told Constantine that a mob had broken</l> +<l>the head of his statue with stones. The emperor lifted</l> +<l>his hands to his head, saying: <q rend='pre'>It is very surprising, but</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>I don't feel hurt in the least.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We should remember that the world is wide; that there</l> +<l>are a thousand million different human wills, opinions,</l> +<l>ambitions, tastes, and loves; that each person has a differ-</l> +<l>ent history, constitution, culture, character, from all the</l> +<l>rest; that human life is the work, the play, the ceaseless [15]</l> +<l>action and reaction upon each other of these different</l> +<l>atoms. Then, we should go forth into life with the smallest</l> +<l>expectations, but with the largest patience; with a keen</l> +<l>relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great,</l> +<l>and good, but with a temper so genial that the friction [20]</l> +<l>of the world shall not wear upon our sensibilities; with</l> +<l>an equanimity so settled that no passing breath nor</l> +<l>accidental disturbance shall agitate or ruffle it; with a</l> +<l>charity broad enough to cover the whole world's evil, and</l> +<l>sweet enough to neutralize what is bitter in it,—de- [25]</l> +<l>termined not to be offended when no wrong is meant, nor</l> +<l>even when it is, unless the offense be against God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Nothing short of our own errors should offend us. He</l> +<l>who can wilfully attempt to injure another, is an object</l> +<l>of pity rather than of resentment; while it is a question [30]</l> +<l>in my mind, whether there is enough of a flatterer, a fool,</l> +<l>or a liar, <emph>to</emph> offend a whole-souled woman.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='225'/><anchor id='Pg225'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 225.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Hints To The Clergy</head> + +<lg> +<l>At the residence of Mr. Rawson, of Arlington, Massa-</l> +<l>chusetts, a happy concourse of friends had gathered to</l> +<l>celebrate the eighty-second birthday of his mother—a</l> +<l>friend of mine, and a Christian Scientist. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Among the guests, were an orthodox clergyman, his</l> +<l>wife and child.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the course of the evening, conversation drifted to</l> +<l>the seventh modern wonder, Christian Science; where-</l> +<l>upon the mother, Mrs. Rawson, who had drunk at its [10]</l> +<l>fount, firmly bore testimony to the power of Christ, Truth,</l> +<l>to heal the sick.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Soon after this conversation, the clergyman's son</l> +<l>was taken violently ill. Then was the clergyman's</l> +<l>opportunity to demand a proof of what the Christian [15]</l> +<l>Scientist had declared; and he said to this venerable</l> +<l>Christian:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>If you heal my son, when seeing, I may be led to</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>believe.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mrs. Rawson then rose from her seat, and sat down [20]</l> +<l>beside the sofa whereon lay the lad with burning brow,</l> +<l>moaning in pain.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Looking away from all material aid, to the spiritual</l> +<l>source and ever-present help, silently, through the divine</l> +<l>power, she healed him. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The deep flush faded from the face, a cool perspiration</l> +<l>spread over it, and he slept.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In about one hour he awoke, and was hungry.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The parents said:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Wait until we get home, and you shall have some</q> [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>gruel.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='226'/><anchor id='Pg226'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 226.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>But Mrs. Rawson said:—[1]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Give the child what he relishes, and doubt not that</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the Father of all will care for him.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thus, the unbiased youth and the aged Christian</l> +<l>carried the case on the side of God; and, after eating [5]</l> +<l>several ice-creams, the clergyman's son returned home</l> +<l>—<emph>well</emph>.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Perfidy And Slander</head> + +<lg> +<l>What has an individual gained by losing his own self-</l> +<l>respect? or what has he lost when, retaining his own, [10]</l> +<l>he loses the homage of fools, or the pretentious praise of</l> +<l>hypocrites, false to themselves as to others?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Shakespeare, the immortal lexicographer of mortals,</l> +<l>writes:—</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l rend='margin-left: 15'>To thine own self be true, [15]</l> +<l>And it must follow, as the night the day,</l> +<l>Thou canst not then be false to any man.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<lg> +<l>When Aristotle was asked what a person could gain</l> +<l>by uttering a falsehood, he replied, <q rend='pre'>Not to be credited</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>when he shall tell the truth.</q> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The character of a liar and hypocrite is so contempti-</l> +<l>ble, that even of those who have lost their honor it might</l> +<l>be expected that from the violation of truth they should</l> +<l>be restrained by their pride.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Perfidy of an inferior quality, such as manages to evade [25]</l> +<l>the law, and which dignified natures cannot stoop to</l> +<l>notice, except legally, disgraces human nature more than</l> +<l>do most vices.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Slander is a midnight robber; the red-tongued assas-</l> +<l>sin of radical worth; the conservative swindler, who [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='227'/><anchor id='Pg227'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 227.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>sells himself in a traffic by which he can gain nothing [1].</l> +<l>It can retire for forgiveness to no fraternity where its</l> +<l>crime may stand in the place of a virtue; but must at</l> +<l>length be given up to the hisses of the multitude, with-</l> +<l>out friend and without apologist. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Law has found it necessary to offer to the innocent,</l> +<l>security from slanderers—those pests of society—when</l> +<l>their crime comes within its jurisdiction. Thus, to evade</l> +<l>the penalty of law, and yet with malice aforethought to</l> +<l>extend their evil intent, is the nice distinction by which [10]</l> +<l>they endeavor to get their weighty stuff into the hands</l> +<l>of gossip! Some uncharitable one may give it a forward</l> +<l>move, and, ere that one himself become aware, find</l> +<l>himself responsible for kind (?) endeavors.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Would that my pen or pity could raise these weak, [15]</l> +<l>pitifully poor objects from their choice of self-degrada-</l> +<l>tion to the nobler purposes and wider aims of a life made</l> +<l>honest: a life in which the fresh flowers of feeling blos-</l> +<l>som, and, like the camomile, the more trampled upon,</l> +<l>the sweeter the odor they send forth to benefit mankind; [20]</l> +<l>a life wherein calm, self-respected thoughts abide in</l> +<l>tabernacles of their own, dwelling upon a holy hill, speak-</l> +<l>ing the truth in the heart; a life wherein the mind can</l> +<l>rest in green pastures, beside the still waters, on isles</l> +<l>of sweet refreshment. The sublime summary of an [25]</l> +<l>honest life satisfies the mind craving a higher good, and</l> +<l>bathes it in the cool waters of peace on earth; till it</l> +<l>grows into the full stature of wisdom, reckoning its</l> +<l>own by the amount of happiness it has bestowed upon</l> +<l>others. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies, is the</l> +<l>command of almighty wisdom; and we take this to be</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='228'/><anchor id='Pg228'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 228.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>a safer guide than the promptings of human nature. [1]</l> +<l>To know that a deception dark as it is base has been</l> +<l>practised upon thee,—by those deemed at least indebted</l> +<l>friends whose welfare thou hast promoted,—and yet</l> +<l>not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself; is to take [5]</l> +<l>a new standpoint whence to look upward; is to be calm</l> +<l>amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure amid</l> +<l>corruption.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To be a great man or woman, to have a name whose</l> +<l>odor fills the world with its fragrance, is to bear with [10]</l> +<l>patience the buffetings of envy or malice—even while</l> +<l>seeking to raise those barren natures to a capacity for a</l> +<l>higher life. We should look with pitying eye on the</l> +<l>momentary success of all villainies, on mad ambition</l> +<l>and low revenge. This will bring us also to look on a [15]</l> +<l>kind, true, and just person, faithful to conscience and</l> +<l>honest beyond reproach, as the only suitable fabric out</l> +<l>of which to weave an existence fit for earth and</l> +<l>heaven.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Contagion</head> + +<lg> +<l>Whatever man sees, feels, or in any way takes cog-</l> +<l>nizance of, must be caught through mind; inasmuch</l> +<l>as perception, sensation, and consciousness belong to</l> +<l>mind and not to matter. Floating with the popular</l> +<l>current of mortal thought without questioning the re- [25]</l> +<l>liability of its conclusions, we do what others do,</l> +<l>believe what others believe, and say what others say.</l> +<l>Common consent is contagious, and it makes disease</l> +<l>catching.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>People believe in infectious and contagious diseases, [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='229'/><anchor id='Pg229'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 229.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and that any one is liable to have them under certain [1]</l> +<l>predisposing or exciting causes. This mental state pre-</l> +<l>pares one to have any disease whenever there appear the</l> +<l>circumstances which he believes produce it. If he believed</l> +<l>as sincerely that health is catching when exposed to con- [5]</l> +<l>tact with healthy people, he would catch their state of</l> +<l>feeling quite as surely and with better effect than he does</l> +<l>the sick man's.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If only the people would believe that good is more</l> +<l>contagious than evil, since God is omnipresence, how [10]</l> +<l>much more certain would be the doctor's success, and</l> +<l>the clergyman's conversion of sinners. And if only the</l> +<l>pulpit would encourage faith in God in this direction,</l> +<l>and faith in Mind over all other influences governing</l> +<l>the receptivity of the body, theology would teach man [15]</l> +<l>as David taught: <q rend='pre'>Because thou hast made the Lord,</q></l> +<l>which is my refuge, even the most High thy habitation;</l> +<l>there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague</l> +<l><q rend='post'>come nigh thy dwelling.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The confidence of mankind in contagious disease would [20]</l> +<l>thus become beautifully less; and in the same propor-</l> +<l>tion would faith in the power of God to heal and to save</l> +<l>mankind increase, until the whole human race would</l> +<l>become healthier, holier, happier, and longer lived. A</l> +<l>calm, Christian state of mind is a better preventive of [25]</l> +<l>contagion than a drug, or than any other possible sana-</l> +<l>tive method; and the <q>perfect Love</q> that <q rend='pre'>casteth out</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>fear</q> is a sure defense.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='230'/><anchor id='Pg230'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 230.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Improve Your Time</head> + +<lg> +<l>Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon [1]</l> +<l>the improvement of moments more than upon any other</l> +<l>one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking</l> +<l>nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one</l> +<l>should do. If one would be successful in the future, let [5]</l> +<l>him make the most of the present.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Three ways of wasting time, one of which is con-</l> +<l>temptible, are gossiping mischief, making lingering calls,</l> +<l>and mere motion when at work, thinking of nothing or [10]</l> +<l>planning for some amusement,—travel of limb more</l> +<l>than mind. Rushing around smartly is no proof of ac-</l> +<l>complishing much.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All successful individuals have become such by hard</l> +<l>work; by improving moments before they pass into hours, [15]</l> +<l>and hours that other people may occupy in the pursuit</l> +<l>of pleasure. They spend no time in sheer idleness, in</l> +<l>talking when they have nothing to say, in building air-</l> +<l>castles or floating off on the wings of sense: all of which</l> +<l>drop human life into the ditch of nonsense, and worse [20]</l> +<l>than waste its years.</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Let us, then, be up and doing,</q></l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>With a heart for any fate;</l> +<l>Still achieving, still pursuing,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='post'>Learn to labor and to wait.</q> [25]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Thanksgiving Dinner</head> + +<lg> +<l>It was a beautiful group! needing but canvas and the</l> +<l>touch of an artist to render it pathetic, tender, gorgeous.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='231'/><anchor id='Pg231'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 231.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Age, on whose hoary head the almond-blossom formed a [1]</l> +<l>crown of glory; middle age, in smiles and the full fruition</l> +<l>of happiness; infancy, exuberant with joy,—ranged side</l> +<l>by side. The sober-suited grandmother, rich in ex-</l> +<l>perience, had seen sunshine and shadow fall upon ninety- [5]</l> +<l>six years. Four generations sat at that dinner-table.</l> +<l>The rich viands made busy many appetites; but, what</l> +<l>of the poor! Willingly—though I take no stock in</l> +<l>spirit-rappings—would I have had the table give a</l> +<l>spiritual groan for the unfeasted ones. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Under the skilful carving of the generous host, the</l> +<l>mammoth turkey grew beautifully less. His was the</l> +<l>glory to vie with guests in the dexterous use of knife and</l> +<l>fork, until delicious pie, pudding, and fruit caused un-</l> +<l>conditional surrender. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And the baby! Why, he made a big hole, with two</l> +<l>incisors, in a big pippin, and bit the finger presump-</l> +<l>tuously poked into the little mouth to arrest the peel!</l> +<l>Then he was caught walking! one, two, three steps,—</l> +<l>and papa knew that he could walk, but grandpa was [20]</l> +<l>taken napping. Now! baby has tumbled, soft as thistle-</l> +<l>down, on the floor; and instead of a real set-to at crying,</l> +<l>a look of cheer and a toy from mamma bring the soft</l> +<l>little palms patting together, and pucker the rosebud</l> +<l>mouth into saying, <q>Oh, pretty!</q> That was a scientific [25]</l> +<l>baby; and his first sitting-at-table on Thanksgiving Day—</l> +<l>yes, and his little rainbowy life—brought sunshine</l> +<l>to every heart. How many homes echo such tones of</l> +<l>heartfelt joy on Thanksgiving Day! But, alas! for the</l> +<l>desolate home; for the tear-filled eyes looking longingly [30]</l> +<l>at the portal through which the loved one comes not, or</l> +<l>gazing silently on the vacant seat at fireside and board—</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='232'/><anchor id='Pg232'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 232.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>God comfort them all! we inwardly prayed—but the [1]</l> +<l>memory was too much; and, turning from it, in a bumper</l> +<l>of pudding-sauce we drank to peace, and plenty, and</l> +<l>happy households.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Christian Science</head> + +<lg> +<l>This age is reaching out towards the perfect Principle</l> +<l>of things; is pushing towards perfection in art, inven-</l> +<l>tion, and manufacture. Why, then, should religion be</l> +<l>stereotyped, and we not obtain a more perfect and prac-</l> +<l>tical Christianity? It will never do to be behind the [10]</l> +<l>times in things most essential, which proceed from the</l> +<l>standard of right that regulates human destiny. Human</l> +<l>skill but foreshadows what is next to appear as its divine</l> +<l>origin. Proportionately as we part with material systems</l> +<l>and theories, personal doctrines and dogmas, meekly to [15]</l> +<l>ascend the hill of Science, shall we reach the maximum</l> +<l>of perfection in all things.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Spirit is omnipotent; hence a more spiritual Chris-</l> +<l>tianity will be one having more power, having perfected</l> +<l>in Science that most important of all arts,—healing. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Metaphysical healing, or Christian Science, is a de-</l> +<l>mand of the times. Every man and every woman would</l> +<l>desire and demand it, if he and she knew its infinite</l> +<l>value and firm basis. The unerring and fixed Principle</l> +<l>of all healing is God; and this Principle should be [25]</l> +<l>sought from the love of good, from the most spiritual</l> +<l>and unselfish motives. Then will it be understood to be</l> +<l>of God, and not of man; and this will prevent mankind</l> +<l>from striking out promiscuously, teaching and practising</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='233'/><anchor id='Pg233'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 233.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>in the <emph>name</emph> of Science without knowing its fundamental [1]</l> +<l>Principle.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is important to know that a malpractice of the best</l> +<l>system will result in the worst form of medicine. More-</l> +<l>over, the feverish, disgusting pride of those who call [5]</l> +<l>themselves metaphysicians or Scientists,—but are such</l> +<l>in name only,—fanned by the breath of mental mal-</l> +<l>practice, is the death's-head at the feast of Truth; the</l> +<l>monkey in harlequin jacket that will retard the onward</l> +<l>march of life-giving Science, if not understood and with- [10]</l> +<l>stood, and so strangled in its attempts.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The standard of metaphysical healing is traduced by</l> +<l>thinking to put into the old garment of drugging the new</l> +<l>cloth of metaphysics; or by trying to twist the fatal</l> +<l>magnetic force of mortal mind, termed hypnotism, into [15]</l> +<l>a more fashionable cut and naming that <q>mind-cure,</q></l> +<l>or—which is still worse in the eyes of Truth—terming</l> +<l>it metaphysics! Substituting good words for a good life,</l> +<l>fair-seeming for straightforward character, mental mal-</l> +<l>practice for the practice of true medicine, is a poor shift [20]</l> +<l>for the weak and worldly who think the standard of</l> +<l>Christian Science too high for them.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What think you of a scientist in mathematics who finds</l> +<l>fault with the exactness of the rule because unwilling to</l> +<l>work hard enough to practise it? The perfection of the [25]</l> +<l>rule of Christian Science is what constitutes its utility:</l> +<l>having a true standard, if some fall short, others will</l> +<l>approach it; and these are they only who adhere to that</l> +<l>standard.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Matter must be understood as a false belief or product so [30]</l> +<l>of mortal mind: whence we learn that sensation is not</l> +<l>in matter, but in this so-called mind; that we see and</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='234'/><anchor id='Pg234'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 234.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>feel disease only by reason of our belief in it: then shall [1]</l> +<l>matter remain no longer to blind us to Spirit, and clog</l> +<l>the wheels of progress. We spread our wings in vain when</l> +<l>we attempt to mount above error by speculative views</l> +<l>of Truth. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Love is the Principle of divine Science; and Love is</l> +<l>not learned of the material senses, nor gained by a culpa-</l> +<l>ble attempt to seem what we have not lifted ourselves</l> +<l>to <emph>be</emph>, namely, a Christian. In love for man, we gain a</l> +<l>true sense of Love as God; and in no other way can we [10]</l> +<l>reach this spiritual sense, and rise—and still rise—to</l> +<l>things most essential and divine. What hinders man's</l> +<l>progress is his vain conceit, the Phariseeism of the times,</l> +<l>also his effort to steal from others and avoid hard work;</l> +<l>errors which can never find a place in Science. Empiri- [15]</l> +<l>cal knowledge is worse than useless: it never has advanced</l> +<l>man a single step in the scale of being.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That one should have ventured on such unfamiliar</l> +<l>ground, and, self-forgetful, should have gone on to estab-</l> +<l>lish this mighty system of metaphysical healing, called [20]</l> +<l>Christian Science, against such odds,—even the entire</l> +<l>current of mortality,—is matter of grave wonderment to</l> +<l>profound thinkers. That, in addition to this, she has made</l> +<l>some progress, has seen far into the spiritual facts of be-</l> +<l>ing which constitute physical and mental perfection, in [25]</l> +<l>the midst of an age so sunken in sin and sensuality, seems</l> +<l>to them still more inconceivable.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In this new departure of metaphysics, God is regarded</l> +<l>more as absolute, supreme; and Christ is clad with a</l> +<l>richer illumination as our Saviour from sickness, sin, [30]</l> +<l>and death. God's fatherliness as Life, Truth, and Love,</l> +<l>makes His sovereignty glorious.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='235'/><anchor id='Pg235'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 235.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>By this system, too, man has a changed recognition [1]</l> +<l>of his relation to God. He is no longer obliged to sin,</l> +<l>be sick, and die to reach heaven, but is required and em-</l> +<l>powered to conquer sin, sickness, and death; thus, as</l> +<l>image and likeness, to reflect Him who destroys death [5]</l> +<l>and hell. By this reflection, man becomes the partaker</l> +<l>of that Mind whence sprang the universe.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In Christian Science, progress is demonstration, not</l> +<l>doctrine. This Science is ameliorative and regenerative,</l> +<l>delivering mankind from all error through the light and [10]</l> +<l>love of Truth. It gives to the race loftier desires and new</l> +<l>possibilities. It lays the axe at the root of the tree of</l> +<l>knowledge, to cut down all that bringeth not forth good</l> +<l>fruit; <q rend='pre'>and blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>in me.</q> It touches mind to more spiritual issues, sys- [15]</l> +<l>tematizes action, gives a keener sense of Truth and a</l> +<l>stronger desire for it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Hungering and thirsting after a better life, we shall</l> +<l>have it, and become Christian Scientists; learn God</l> +<l>aright, and know something of the ideal man, the real [20]</l> +<l>man, harmonious and eternal. This movement of thought</l> +<l>must push on the ages: it must start the wheels of reason</l> +<l>aright, educate the affections to higher resources, and</l> +<l>leave Christianity unbiased by the superstitions of a</l> +<l>senior period. [25]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Injustice</head> + +<lg> +<l>Who that has tried to follow the divine precept, <q rend='pre'>All</q></l> +<l>things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto</l> +<l><q rend='post'>you, do ye even so to them,</q> has not suffered from the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='236'/><anchor id='Pg236'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 236.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>situation?—has not found that human passions in their [1]</l> +<l>reaction have misjudged motives?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Throughout our experience since undertaking the</l> +<l>labor of uplifting the race, we have been made the re-</l> +<l>pository of little else than the troubles, indiscretions, [5]</l> +<l>and errors of others; until thought has shrunk from</l> +<l>contact with family difficulties, and become weary with</l> +<l>study to counsel wisely whenever giving advice on per-</l> +<l>sonal topics.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To the child complaining of his parents we have said, [10]</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Love and honor thy parents, and yield obedience to</q></l> +<l>them in all that is right; but you have the rights of con-</l> +<l>science, as we all have, and must follow God in all your</l> +<l><q rend='post'>ways.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When yielding to constant solicitations of husband or [15]</l> +<l>wife to give, to one or the other, advice concerning diffi-</l> +<l>culties and the best way to overcome them, we have done</l> +<l>this to the best of our ability,—and always with the pur-</l> +<l>pose to restore harmony and prevent dishonor. In such</l> +<l>cases we have said, <q rend='pre'>Take no counsel of a mortal, even</q> [20]</l> +<l>though it be your best friend; but be guided by God</l> +<l><q rend='post'>alone;</q> meaning by this, Be not estranged from each</l> +<l>other by anything that is said to you, but seek in divine</l> +<l>Love the remedy for all human discord.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Yet, notwithstanding one's good intentions, in some [25]</l> +<l>way or at some step in one's efforts to help another, as</l> +<l>a general rule, one will be blamed for all that is not right:</l> +<l>but this must not deter us from doing our duty, whatever</l> +<l>else may appear, and at whatever cost.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='237'/><anchor id='Pg237'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 237.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Reformers</head> + +<lg> +<l>The olden opinion that hell is fire and brimstone, has</l> +<l>yielded somewhat to the metaphysical fact that suffering</l> +<l>is a thing of mortal mind instead of body: so, in place</l> +<l>of material flames and odor, mental anguish is generally [5]</l> +<l>accepted as the penalty for sin. This changed belief</l> +<l>has wrought a change in the actions of men. Not a few</l> +<l>individuals serve God (or try to) from fear; but remove</l> +<l>that fear, and the worst of human passions belch forth</l> +<l>their latent fires. Some people never repent until earth [10]</l> +<l>gives them such a cup of gall that conscience strikes home;</l> +<l>then they are brought to realize how impossible it is to</l> +<l>sin and not suffer. All the different phases of error in</l> +<l>human nature the reformer must encounter and help to</l> +<l>eradicate. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This period is not essentially one of conscience: few</l> +<l>feel and live now as when this nation began, and our</l> +<l>forefathers' prayers blended with the murmuring winds</l> +<l>of their forest home. This is a period of doubt, inquiry,</l> +<l>speculation, selfishness; of divided interests, marvellous [20]</l> +<l>good, and mysterious evil. But sin can only work out</l> +<l>its own destruction; and reform does and must push on</l> +<l>the growth of mankind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Honor to faithful merit is delayed, and always has</l> +<l>been; but it is sure to follow. The very streets through [25]</l> +<l>which Garrison was dragged were draped in honor of</l> +<l>the dead hero who did the hard work, the immortal work,</l> +<l>of loosing the fetters of one form of human slavery. I</l> +<l>remember, when a girl, and he visited my father, how a</l> +<l>childish fear clustered round his coming. I had heard [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='238'/><anchor id='Pg238'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 238.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the awful story that <q rend='pre'>he helped <q>niggers</q> kill the white</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>folks!</q> Even the loving children are sometimes made</l> +<l>to believe a lie, and to hate reformers. It is pleasant,</l> +<l>now, to contrast with that childhood's wrong the reverence</l> +<l>of my riper years for all who dare to be true, honest to [5]</l> +<l>their convictions, and strong of purpose.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The reformer has no time to give in defense of his</l> +<l>own life's incentive, since no sacrifice is too great for the</l> +<l>silent endurance of his love. What has not unselfed love</l> +<l>achieved for the race? All that ever was accomplished, [10]</l> +<l>and more than history has yet recorded. The reformer</l> +<l>works on unmentioned, save when he is abused or his</l> +<l>work is utilized in the interest of somebody. He may</l> +<l>labor for the establishment of a cause which is fraught</l> +<l>with infinite blessings,—health, virtue, and heaven; [15]</l> +<l>but what of all that? Who should care for everybody?</l> +<l>It is enough, say they, to care for a few. Yet the good</l> +<l>is done, and the love that foresees more to do, stimulate</l> +<l>philanthropy and are an ever-present reward. Let one's</l> +<l>life answer well these questions, and it already hath a [20]</l> +<l>benediction:</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Have you renounced self? Are you faithful? Do</l> +<l>you love?</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Mrs. Eddy Sick</head> + +<lg> +<l>The frequent public allegement that I am <q rend='pre'>sick, unable</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>to speak a loud word,</q> or that I died of palsy, and am</l> +<l>dead,—is but another evidence of the falsehoods kept</l> +<l>constantly before the public.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>While I accord these evil-mongers due credit for their</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='239'/><anchor id='Pg239'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 239.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>desire, let me say to you, dear reader: Call at the [1]</l> +<l>Massachusetts Metaphysical College, in 1889, and judge</l> +<l>for yourself whether I can talk—and laugh too! I</l> +<l>never was in better health. I have had but four</l> +<l>days' vacation for the past year, and am about to com- [5]</l> +<l>mence a large class in Christian Science. Lecturing,</l> +<l>writing, preaching, teaching, etc., give fair proof that</l> +<l>my shadow is not growing less; and substance is taking</l> +<l>larger proportions.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>I've Got Cold</q></head> + +<lg> +<l>Out upon the sidewalk one winter morning, I observed</l> +<l>a carriage draw up before a stately mansion; a portly</l> +<l>gentleman alight, and take from his carriage the ominous</l> +<l>hand-trunk.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Ah!</q> thought I, <q rend='pre'>somebody has to take it; and what</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>may the potion be?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Just then a tiny, sweet face appeared in the vestibule,</l> +<l>and red nose, suffused eyes, cough, and tired look, told</l> +<l>the story; but, looking up quaintly, the poor child said,—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>I've got cold, doctor.</q> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Her apparent pride at sharing in a popular influenza</l> +<l>was comical. However, her dividend, when compared</l> +<l>with that of the household stockholders, was new; and</l> +<l>doubtless their familiarity with what the stock paid, made</l> +<l>them more serious over it. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What if that sweet child, so bravely confessing that</l> +<l>she had something that she ought not to have, and which</l> +<l>mamma thought must be gotten rid of, had been taught</l> +<l>the value of saying even more bravely, and believing</l> +<l>it,— [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='240'/><anchor id='Pg240'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 240.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q>I have <emph>not</emph> got cold.</q> [1]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Why, the doctor's squills and bills would have been</l> +<l>avoided; and through the cold air the little one would</l> +<l>have been bounding with sparkling eyes, and ruby cheeks</l> +<l>painted and fattened by metaphysical hygiene. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Parents and doctors must not take the sweet freshness</l> +<l>out of the children's lives by that flippant caution, <q rend='pre'>You</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>will get cold.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Predicting danger does not dignify life, whereas fore-</l> +<l>casting liberty and joy does; for these are strong pro- [10]</l> +<l>moters of health and happiness. All education should</l> +<l>contribute to moral and physical strength and freedom.</l> +<l>If a cold could get into the body without the assent of</l> +<l>mind, nature would take it out as gently, or let it remain</l> +<l>as harmlessly, as it takes the frost out of the ground or [15]</l> +<l>puts it into the ice-cream to the satisfaction of all.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The sapling bends to the breeze, while the sturdy oak,</l> +<l>with form and inclination fixed, breasts the tornado. It</l> +<l>is easier to incline the early thought rightly, than the</l> +<l>biased mind. Children not mistaught, naturally love [20]</l> +<l>God; for they are pure-minded, affectionate, and gen-</l> +<l>erally brave. Passions, appetites, pride, selfishness, have</l> +<l>slight sway over the fresh, unbiased thought.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Teach the children early self-government, and teach</l> +<l>them nothing that is wrong. If they see their father with [25]</l> +<l>a cigarette in his mouth—suggest to them that the habit</l> +<l>of smoking is not nice, and that nothing but a loathsome</l> +<l>worm <emph>naturally</emph> chews tobacco. Likewise soberly inform</l> +<l>them that <q>Battle-Axe Plug</q> takes off men's heads; or,</l> +<l>leaving these on, that it takes from their bodies a sweet [30]</l> +<l>something which belongs to nature,—namely, pure</l> +<l>odors.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='241'/><anchor id='Pg241'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 241.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>From a religious point of view, the faith of both youth [1]</l> +<l>and adult should centre as steadfastly in God to benefit</l> +<l>the body, as to benefit the mind. Body and mind are</l> +<l>correlated in man's salvation; for man will no more</l> +<l>enter heaven sick than as a sinner, and Christ's Christi- [5]</l> +<l>anity casts out sickness as well as sin of every sort.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Test, if you will, metaphysical healing on two patients:</l> +<l>one having morals to be healed, the other having a physi-</l> +<l>cal ailment. Use as your medicine the great alterative,</l> +<l>Truth: give to the immoralist a mental dose that says, [10]</l> +<l><q>You have no pleasure in sin,</q> and witness the effects.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Either he will hate you, and try to make others do like-</l> +<l>wise, so taking a dose of error big enough apparently to</l> +<l>neutralize your Truth, else he will doubtingly await the</l> +<l>result; during which interim, by constant combat and [15]</l> +<l>direful struggles, you get the victory and Truth heals him</l> +<l>of the moral malady.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>On the other hand, to the bedridden sufferer admin-</l> +<l>ister this alternative Truth: <q rend='pre'>God never made you sick:</q></l> +<l>there is no necessity for pain; and Truth destroys the [20]</l> +<l>error that insists on the necessity of any man's bondage</l> +<l>to sin and sickness. <q rend='pre'>Ye shall know the truth, and the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'><q rend='post'>truth shall make you free.</q></q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Then, like blind Bartimeus, the doubting heart looks</l> +<l>up through faith, and your patient rejoices in the gospel [25]</l> +<l>of health.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thus, you see, it is easier to heal the physical than the</l> +<l>moral ailment. When divine Truth and Love heal, of</l> +<l>sin, the sinner who is at ease in sin, how much more should</l> +<l>these heal, of sickness, the sick who are dis-eased, dis- [30]</l> +<l>comforted, and who long for relief!</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='242'/><anchor id='Pg242'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 242.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>Prayer And Healing</q></head> + +<lg> +<l>The article of Professor T——, having the above cap- [1]</l> +<l>tion, published in <hi rend='italic'>Zion's Herald</hi>, December third, came</l> +<l>not to my notice until January ninth. In it the Professor</l> +<l>offered me, as President of the Metaphysical College in</l> +<l>Boston, or one of my students, the liberal sum of one [5]</l> +<l>thousand dollars if either would reset certain dislocations</l> +<l>without the use of hands, and two thousand dollars if</l> +<l>either would give sight to one born blind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Will the gentleman accept my thanks due to his gener- [10]</l> +<l>osity; for, if I should accept his bid on Christianity, he</l> +<l>would lose his money.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Why?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Because I performed more difficult tasks fifteen years</l> +<l>ago. At present, I am in another department of Christian [15]</l> +<l>work, <q>where there shall no signs be given them,</q> for</l> +<l>they shall be instructed in the Principle of Christian</l> +<l>Science that furnishes its own proof.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But, to reward his liberality, I offer him three thou-</l> +<l>sand dollars if he will heal one single case of opium-eating [20]</l> +<l>where the patient is very low and taking morphine powder</l> +<l>in its most concentrated form, at the rate of one ounce in</l> +<l>two weeks,—having taken it twenty years; and he is to</l> +<l>cure that habit in three days, leaving the patient well. I</l> +<l>cured precisely such a case in 1869. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Also, Mr. C. M. H——, of Boston, formerly partner</l> +<l>of George T. Brown, pharmacist, No. 5 Beacon St., will</l> +<l>tell you that he was my student in December, 1884; and</l> +<l>that before leaving the class he took a patient thoroughly</l> +<l>addicted to the use of opium—if she went without it [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='243'/><anchor id='Pg243'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 243.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>twenty-four hours she would have delirium—and in [1]</l> +<l>forty-eight hours cured her perfectly of this habit,</l> +<l>with no bad results, but with decided improvement in</l> +<l>health.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I have not yet made surgery one of the mental branches [5]</l> +<l>taught in my college; although students treat sprains,</l> +<l>contusions, etc., successfully. In the case of sprain of the</l> +<l>wrist-joint, where the regular doctor had put on splints</l> +<l>and bandages to remain six weeks, a student of mine</l> +<l>removed these appliances the same day and effected the [10]</l> +<l>cure in less than one week. Reference, Mrs. M. A. F——,</l> +<l>107 Eutaw Street, East Boston.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I agree with the Professor, that every system of medi-</l> +<l>cine claims more than it practises. If the system is Science,</l> +<l>it includes of necessity the Principle, which the learner [15]</l> +<l>can demonstrate only in proportion as he understands it.</l> +<l>Boasting is unbecoming a mortal's poor performances.</l> +<l>My Christian students are proverbially modest: their</l> +<l>works alone should declare them, since my system of medi-</l> +<l>cine is not generally understood. There are charlatans [20]</l> +<l>in <q>mind-cure,</q> who practise on the basis of matter, or</l> +<l>human will, not Mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Professor alludes to Paul's advice to Timothy.</l> +<l>Did he refer to that questionable counsel, <q rend='pre'>Take a little</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>wine for thy stomach's sake</q>? Even doctors disagree [25]</l> +<l>on that prescription: some of the medical faculty will</l> +<l>tell you that alcoholic drinks cause the coats of the stomach</l> +<l>to thicken and the organ to contract; will prevent the</l> +<l>secretions of the gastric juice, and induce ulceration,</l> +<l>bleeding, vomiting, death. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Again, the Professor quotes, in justification of material</l> +<l>methods, and as veritable: <q rend='pre'>He took a bone from the</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='244'/><anchor id='Pg244'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 244.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>side of Adam, closed up the wound thereof, and builded [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>up the woman.</q> (Gen. ii. 21.)</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Here we have the Professor on the platform of Christian</l> +<l>Science! even a <q>surgical operation</q> that he says was</l> +<l>performed by divine power,—Mind alone constructing [5]</l> +<l>the human system, before surgical instruments were</l> +<l>invented, and closing the incisions of the flesh.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He further states that God cannot save the soul without</l> +<l>compliance to ordained conditions. But, we ask, have</l> +<l>those conditions named in Genesis been perpetuated in [10]</l> +<l>the multiplication of mankind? And, are the conditions</l> +<l>of salvation mental, or physical; are they bodily penance</l> +<l>and torture, or repentance and reform, which are the</l> +<l>action of mind?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He asks, <q rend='pre'>Has the law been abrogated that demands</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the employment of visible agencies for specific ends?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Will he accept my reply as derived from the life and</l> +<l>teachings of Jesus?—who annulled the so-called laws of</l> +<l>matter by the higher law of Spirit, causing him to walk</l> +<l>the wave, turn the water into wine, make the blind to see, [20]</l> +<l>the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the dead to be</l> +<l>raised without matter-agencies. And he did this for man's</l> +<l>example; not to teach himself, but others, the way of</l> +<l>healing and salvation. He said, <q rend='pre'>And other sheep I have,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>which are not of this fold.</q> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The teachings and demonstration of Jesus were for</l> +<l>all peoples and for all time; not for a privileged class or</l> +<l>a restricted period, but for as many as should believe in</l> +<l>him.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Are the discoverers of quinine, cocaine, etc., espe- [30]</l> +<l>cially the children of our Lord because of their medical</l> +<l>discoveries?</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='245'/><anchor id='Pg245'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 245.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>We have no record showing that our Master ever used, [1]</l> +<l>or recommended others to use, drugs; but we have his</l> +<l>words, and the prophet's, as follows: <q rend='pre'>Take no thought,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?</q></l> +<l><q rend='pre'>And Asa ... sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.</q> [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>And Asa slept with his fathers.</q></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Veritas Odium Parit</head> + +<lg> +<l>The combined efforts of the materialistic portion of</l> +<l>the pulpit and press in 1885, to retard by misrepresen-</l> +<l>tation the stately goings of Christian Science, are giving [10]</l> +<l>it new impetus and energy; calling forth the <hi rend='italic'>vox populi</hi></l> +<l>and directing more critical observation to its uplifting</l> +<l>influence upon the health, morals, and spirituality of</l> +<l>mankind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Their movements indicate fear and weakness, a physi- [15]</l> +<l>cal and spiritual need that Christian Science should re-</l> +<l>move with glorious results. The conclusion cannot now</l> +<l>be pushed, that women have no rights that man is bound</l> +<l>to respect. This is woman's hour, in all the good tend-</l> +<l>encies, charities, and reforms of to-day. It is difficult [20]</l> +<l>to say which may be most mischievous to the human</l> +<l>heart, the praise or the dispraise of men.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I have loved the Church and followed it, thinking that</l> +<l>it was following Christ; but, if the pulpit allows the people</l> +<l>to go no further in the direction of Christlikeness, and [25]</l> +<l>rejects apostolic Christianity, seeking to stereotype infinite</l> +<l>Truth, it is a thing to be thankful for that one can walk</l> +<l>alone the straight and narrow way; that, in the words of</l> +<l>Wendell Phillips, <q>one with God is a majority.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='246'/><anchor id='Pg246'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 246.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>It is the pulpit and press, clerical robes and the pro- [1]</l> +<l>hibiting of free speech, that cradles and covers the sins of</l> +<l>the world,—all unmitigated systems of crime; and it</l> +<l>requires the enlightenment of these worthies, through</l> +<l>civil and religious reform, to blot out all inhuman codes. [5]</l> +<l>It was the Southern pulpit and press that influenced the</l> +<l>people to wrench from man both human and divine rights,</l> +<l>in order to subserve the interests of wealth, religious caste,</l> +<l>civil and political power. And the pulpit had to be</l> +<l>purged of that sin by human gore,—when the love of [10]</l> +<l>Christ would have washed it divinely away in Christian</l> +<l>Science!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The cry of the colored slave has scarcely been heard</l> +<l>and hushed, when from another direction there comes</l> +<l>another sharp cry of oppression. Another form of inhumanity [15]</l> +<l>lifts its hydra head to forge anew the old fetters;</l> +<l>to shackle conscience, stop free speech, slander, vilify;</l> +<l>to invite its prey, then turn and refuse the victim a solitary</l> +<l>vindication in this most unprecedented warfare.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A conflict more terrible than the battle of Gettysburg [20]</l> +<l>awaits the crouching wrong that refused to yield its</l> +<l>prey the peace of a desert, when a voice was heard</l> +<l>crying in the wilderness,—the spiritual famine of 1866,</l> +<l>—<q rend='pre'>Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>straight.</q> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Shall religious intolerance, arrayed against the rights</l> +<l>of man, again deluge the earth in blood? The question</l> +<l>at issue with mankind is: Shall we have a spiritual Chris-</l> +<l>tianity and a spiritual healing, or a materialistic religion</l> +<l>and a <hi rend='italic'>materia medica</hi>? [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The advancing faith and hope of Christianity, the</l> +<l>earnest seeking after practical truth that shall cast out</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='247'/><anchor id='Pg247'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 247.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>error and heal the sick, wisely demand for man his God- [1]</l> +<l>given heritage, both human and divine rights; namely,</l> +<l>that his honest convictions and <emph>proofs</emph> of advancing truth</l> +<l>be allowed due consideration, and treated not as pearls</l> +<l>trampled upon. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Those familiar with my history are more tolerant; those</l> +<l>who know me, know that I found health in just what I</l> +<l>teach. I have professed Christianity a half-century; and</l> +<l>now I calmly challenge the world, upon fair investigation,</l> +<l>to furnish a single instance of departure in one of my [10]</l> +<l>works from the highest possible ethics.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The charges against my views are false, but natural,</l> +<l>since those bringing them do not understand my state-</l> +<l>ment of the Science I introduce, and are unwilling to be</l> +<l>taught it, even gratuitously. If they did understand it, they [15]</l> +<l>could demonstrate this Science by healing the sick; hence</l> +<l>the injustice of their interpretations.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To many, the healing force developed by Christian</l> +<l>Science seems a mystery, because they do not understand</l> +<l>that Spirit controls body. They acknowledge the exist- [20]</l> +<l>ence of mortal mind, but believe it to reside in matter</l> +<l>of the brain; but that man is the idea of infinite Mind,</l> +<l>is not so easily accepted. That which is temporary</l> +<l>seems, to the common estimate, solid and substantial.</l> +<l>It is much easier for people to believe that the body [25]</l> +<l>affects mind, than that the body is an expression of</l> +<l>mind, and reflects harmony or discord according to</l> +<l>thought.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Everything that God created, He pronounced good.</l> +<l>He never made sickness. Hence <emph>that</emph> is only an evil belief [30]</l> +<l>of mortal mind, which must be met, in every instance,</l> +<l>with a denial by Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='248'/><anchor id='Pg248'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 248.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>This is the <q>new tongue,</q> the language of them that [1]</l> +<l><q>lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,</q> whose</l> +<l>spiritual interpretation they refuse to hear. For instance:</l> +<l>the literal meaning of the passage <q>lay hands on the sick</q></l> +<l>would be manipulation; its moral meaning, found in the [5]</l> +<l><q>new tongue,</q> is spiritual power,—as, in another Scripture,</l> +<l><q>I will triumph in the works of Thy hands.</q></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Falsehood</head> + +<lg> +<l>The Greeks showed a just estimate of the person they</l> +<l>called slanderer, when they made the word synonymous [10]</l> +<l>with devil. If the simple falsehoods uttered about me</l> +<l>were compounded, the mixture would be labelled thus:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Religionists' mistaken views of Mrs. Eddy's book, +<q rend='pre'>Sci-</q></q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>ence and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> and the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>malice aforethought of sinners.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That I take opium; that I am an infidel, a mesmerist,</l> +<l>a medium, a <q>pantheist;</q> or that my hourly life is prayerless,</l> +<l>or not in strict obedience to the Mosaic Decalogue,—</l> +<l>is not more true than that I am dead, as is oft reported.</l> +<l>The <hi rend='italic'>St. Louis Democrat</hi> is alleged to have reported my [20]</l> +<l>demise, and to have said that I died of poison, and bequeathed</l> +<l>my property to Susan Anthony.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The opium falsehood has only this to it: Many years</l> +<l>ago my regular physician prescribed morphine, which I</l> +<l>took, when he could do no more for me. Afterwards, [25]</l> +<l>the glorious revelations of Christian Science saved me</l> +<l>from that necessity and made me well, since which time</l> +<l>I have not taken drugs, with the following exception:</l> +<l>When the mental malpractice of poisoning people was</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='249'/><anchor id='Pg249'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 249.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>first undertaken by a mesmerist, to test that malprac- [1]</l> +<l>tice I experimented by taking some large doses of mor-</l> +<l>phine, to see if Christian Science could not obviate its</l> +<l>effect; and I say with tearful thanks, <q rend='pre'>The drug had</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>no effect upon me whatever.</q> The hour has struck, [5]</l> +<l>—<q rend='pre'>If they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>them.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The false report that I have appropriated other people's</l> +<l>manuscripts in my works, has been met and answered</l> +<l><emph>legally</emph>. Both in private and public life, and especially [10]</l> +<l>through my teachings, it is well known that I am not a</l> +<l>spiritualist, a pantheist, or prayerless. The most devout</l> +<l>members of evangelical churches will say this, as well as</l> +<l>my intimate acquaintances. None are permitted to re-</l> +<l>main in my College building whose morals are not un- [15]</l> +<l>questionable. I have neither purchased nor ordered a</l> +<l>drug since my residence in Boston; and to my knowledge,</l> +<l>not one has been sent to my house, unless it was something</l> +<l>to remove stains or vermin.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The report that I was dead arose no doubt from the [20]</l> +<l>combined efforts of some malignant students, expelled</l> +<l>from my College for immorality, to kill me: of their mental</l> +<l>design to do this I have proof, but no fear. My heavenly</l> +<l>Father will never leave me comfortless, in the amplitude</l> +<l>of His love; coming nearer in my need, more tenderly to [25]</l> +<l>save and bless.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Love</head> + +<lg> +<l>What a word! I am in awe before it. Over what</l> +<l>worlds on worlds it hath range and is sovereign! the un-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='250'/><anchor id='Pg250'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 250.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>derived, the incomparable, the infinite All of good, the [1]</l> +<l><emph>alone</emph> God, is Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>By what strange perversity is the best become the most</l> +<l>abused,—either as a quality or as an entity? Mortals</l> +<l>misrepresent and miscall affection; they make it what [5]</l> +<l>it is not, and doubt what it is. The so-called affection</l> +<l>pursuing its victim is a butcher fattening the lamb to</l> +<l>slay it. What the lower propensities express, should be</l> +<l>repressed by the sentiments. No word is more mis-</l> +<l>construed; no sentiment less understood. The divine [10]</l> +<l>significance of Love is distorted into human qualities,</l> +<l>which in their human abandon become jealousy and</l> +<l>hate.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Love is not something put upon a shelf, to be taken</l> +<l>down on rare occasions with sugar-tongs and laid on a [15]</l> +<l>rose-leaf. I make strong demands on love, call for active</l> +<l>witnesses to prove it, and noble sacrifices and grand</l> +<l>achievements as its results. Unless these appear, I cast</l> +<l>aside the word as a sham and counterfeit, having no ring</l> +<l>of the true metal. Love cannot be a mere abstraction, or [20]</l> +<l>goodness without activity and power. As a human quality,</l> +<l>the glorious significance of affection is more than words:</l> +<l>it is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret; the silent,</l> +<l>ceaseless prayer; the self-forgetful heart that overflows;</l> +<l>the veiled form stealing on an errand of mercy, out of a [25]</l> +<l>side door; the little feet tripping along the sidewalk; the</l> +<l>gentle hand opening the door that turns toward want and</l> +<l>woe, sickness and sorrow, and thus lighting the dark</l> +<l>places of earth.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='251'/><anchor id='Pg251'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 251.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Address On The Fourth Of July At Pleasant View, +Concord, N. H., Before 2,500 Members Of The +Mother Church, 1897</head> + +<lg> +<l>My beloved brethren, who have come all the way from</l> +<l>the Pacific to the Atlantic shore, from the Palmetto to the [5]</l> +<l>Pine Tree State, I greet you; my hand may not touch</l> +<l>yours to-day, but my heart will with tenderness untalkable.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>His Honor, Mayor Woodworth, has welcomed you to</l> +<l>Concord most graciously, voicing the friendship of this</l> +<l>city and of my native State—loyal to the heart's core to [10]</l> +<l>religion, home, friends, and country.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To-day we commemorate not only our nation's civil</l> +<l>and religious freedom, but a greater even, the liberty of</l> +<l>the sons of God, the inalienable rights and radiant reality</l> +<l>of Christianity, whereof our Master said: <q rend='pre'>The works</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>that I do shall he do;</q> and, <q rend='pre'>The kingdom of God +cometh</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>not with observation</q> (with knowledge obtained from</l> +<l>the senses), but <q>the kingdom of God is within you,</q>—</l> +<l>within the present possibilities of mankind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Think of this inheritance! Heaven right here, where [20]</l> +<l>angels are as men, clothed more lightly, and men as angels</l> +<l>who, burdened for an hour, spring into liberty, and the</l> +<l>good they would do, that they do, and the evil they would</l> +<l>not do, that they do not.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>From the falling leaves of old-time faiths men learn a [25]</l> +<l>parable of the period, that all error, physical, moral, or</l> +<l>religious, will fall before Truth demonstrated, even as</l> +<l>dry leaves fall to enrich the soil for fruitage.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Sin, sickness, and disease flee before the evangel of</l> +<l>Truth as the mountain mists before the sun. Truth is [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='252'/><anchor id='Pg252'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 252.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the tonic for the sick, and this medicine of Mind is not [1]</l> +<l>necessarily infinitesimal but infinite. Herein the mental</l> +<l>medicine of divine metaphysics and the medical systems</l> +<l>of allopathy and homœopathy differ. Mental medi-</l> +<l>cine gains no potency by attenuation, and its largest [5]</l> +<l>dose is never dangerous, but the more the better in every</l> +<l>case.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science classifies thought thus: Right thoughts</l> +<l>are reality and power; wrong thoughts are unreality and</l> +<l>powerless, possessing the nature of dreams. Good thoughts [10]</l> +<l>are potent; evil thoughts are impotent, and they should</l> +<l>appear thus. Continuing this category, we learn that</l> +<l>sick thoughts are unreality and weakness; while healthy</l> +<l>thoughts are reality and strength. My proof of these</l> +<l>novel propositions is demonstration, whereby any man [15]</l> +<l>can satisfy himself of their verity.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science is not only the acme of Science</l> +<l>but the crown of Christianity. It is universal. It ap-</l> +<l>peals to man as man; to the whole and not to a por-</l> +<l>tion; to man physically, as well as spiritually, and to all [20]</l> +<l>mankind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It has one God. It demonstrates the divine Principle,</l> +<l>rules and practice of the great healer and master of meta-</l> +<l>physics, Jesus of Nazareth. It spiritualizes religion and</l> +<l>restores its lost element, namely, healing the sick. It [25]</l> +<l>consecrates and inspires the teacher and preacher; it</l> +<l>equips the doctor with safe and sure medicine; it en-</l> +<l>courages and empowers the business man and secures</l> +<l>the success of honesty. It is the dear children's toy and</l> +<l>strong tower; the wise man's spiritual dictionary; the [30]</l> +<l>poor man's money; yea, it is the pearl priceless whereof</l> +<l>our Master said, if a man findeth, he goeth and selleth</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='253'/><anchor id='Pg253'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 253.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>all that he hath and buyeth it. Buyeth it! Note the [1]</l> +<l>scope of that saying, even that Christianity is not merely</l> +<l>a gift, as St. Paul avers, but is bought with a price, a great</l> +<l>price; and what man knoweth as did our Master its</l> +<l>value, and the price that he paid for it? [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Friends, I am not enough the new woman of the period</l> +<l>for outdoor speaking, and the incidental platform is not</l> +<l>broad enough for me, but the speakers that will now ad-</l> +<l>dress you—one a congressman—may improve our</l> +<l>platforms; and make amends for the nothingness of [10]</l> +<l>matter with the allness of Mind.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Well Doinge Is The Fruite Of Doinge Well</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Herrick</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This period is big with events. Fraught with history,</l> +<l>it repeats the past and portends much for the future. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptural metaphors,—of the woman in travail,</l> +<l>the great red dragon that stood ready to devour the child</l> +<l>as soon as it was born, and the husbandmen that said,</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the in-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>heritance may be ours,</q>—are type and shadow of this [20]</l> +<l>hour.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A mother's love touches the heart of God, and should</l> +<l>it not appeal to human sympathy? Can a mother tell</l> +<l>her child one tithe of the agonies that gave that child</l> +<l>birth? Can that child conceive of the anguish, until she [25]</l> +<l>herself is become a mother?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Do the children of this period dream of the spiritual</l> +<l>Mother's sore travail, through the long night, that has</l> +<l>opened their eyes to the light of Christian Science? Cherish</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='254'/><anchor id='Pg254'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 254.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>these new-born children that filial obedience to which the [1]</l> +<l>Decalogue points with promise of prosperity? Should not</l> +<l>the loving warning, the far-seeing wisdom, the gentle entreaty,</l> +<l>the stern rebuke have been heeded, in return for</l> +<l>all that love which brooded tireless over their tender [5]</l> +<l>years? for all that love that hath fed them with Truth,—</l> +<l>even the bread that cometh down from heaven,—as the</l> +<l>mother-bird tendeth her young in the rock-ribbed nest of</l> +<l>the raven's callow brood!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And what of the hope of that parent whose children [10]</l> +<l>rise up against her; when brother slays brother, and</l> +<l>the strength of union grows weak with wickedness?</l> +<l>The victim of mad ambition that saith, <q rend='pre'>This is</q></l> +<l>the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance</l> +<l><q rend='post'>may be ours,</q> goes on to learn that he must at last [15]</l> +<l>kill this evil in <q>self</q> in order to gain the kingdom</l> +<l>of God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Envy, the great red dragon of this hour, would obscure</l> +<l>the light of Science, take away a third part of the stars</l> +<l>from the spiritual heavens, and cast them to the earth. [20]</l> +<l>This is not Science. <hi rend='italic'>Per contra</hi>, it is the mortal mind</l> +<l>sense—mental healing on a material basis—hurling</l> +<l>its so-called healing at random, filling with hate its</l> +<l>deluded victims, or resting in silly peace upon the</l> +<l>laurels of headlong human will. <q rend='pre'>What shall, therefore,</q> [25]</l> +<l>the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy</l> +<l>the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto</l> +<l><q rend='post'>others.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='255'/><anchor id='Pg255'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 255.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Little Gods</head> + +<lg> +<l>It is sometimes said, cynically, that Christian Scien-</l> +<l>tists set themselves on pedestals, as so many petty deities;</l> +<l>but there is no fairness or propriety in the aspersion.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man is not equal to his Maker. That which is formed [5]</l> +<l>is not cause, but effect; and has no underived power.</l> +<l>But it is possible, and dutiful, to throw the weight of</l> +<l>thought and action on the side of right, and to be thus</l> +<l>lifted up.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Man should be found not claiming equality with, but [10]</l> +<l>growing into, that altitude of Mind which was in Christ</l> +<l>Jesus. He should comprehend, in divine Science, a</l> +<l>recognition of what the apostle meant when he said:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that</q></l> +<l>we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.</q></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Advantage Of Mind-Healing</head> + +<lg> +<l>It is sometimes asked, What are the advantages of your</l> +<l>system of healing?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I claim for healing by Christian Science the following [20]</l> +<l>advantages:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>First:</hi> It does away with material medicine, and rec-</l> +<l>ognizes the fact that the antidote for sickness, as well</l> +<l>as for sin, may be found in God, the divine Mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Second:</hi> It is more effectual than drugs, and cures [25]</l> +<l>where they fail, because it is this divine antidote, and</l> +<l>metaphysics is above physics.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='256'/><anchor id='Pg256'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 256.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Third:</hi> Persons who have been healed by Christian [1]</l> +<l>Science are not only cured of their belief in disease, but</l> +<l>they are at the same time improved morally. The body</l> +<l>is governed by Mind, and mortal mind must be corrected</l> +<l>in order to make the body harmonious. [5]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Card</head> + +<lg> +<l>While gratefully acknowledging the public confidence</l> +<l>manifested in daily letters that protest against receiving</l> +<l>instruction in the Massachusetts Metaphysical College</l> +<l>from any other than Mrs. Eddy, I feel, deeply, that of [10]</l> +<l>necessity this imposes on me the severe task of remaining</l> +<l>at present a public servant: also, that this must prevent</l> +<l>my classes from forming as frequently as was an-</l> +<l>nounced in the October number of the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>, and</l> +<l>necessitates receiving but a select number of students. [15]</l> +<l>To meet the old impediment, lack of time, that has oc-</l> +<l>casioned the irregular intervals between my class terms,</l> +<l>I shall continue to send to each applicant a notice from</l> +<l>one to two weeks previous to the opening term.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker G. Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Spirit And Law</head> + +<lg> +<l>We are accustomed to think and to speak of gravitation</l> +<l>as a law of matter; while every quality of matter,</l> +<l>in and of itself, is inert, inanimate, and non-intelligent.</l> +<l>The assertion that matter is a law, or a lawgiver, is [25]</l> +<l>anomalous. Wherever law is, Mind is; and the notion</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='257'/><anchor id='Pg257'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 257.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>that Mind can be in matter is rank infidelity, which either [1]</l> +<l>excludes God from the universe, or includes Him in every</l> +<l>mode and form of evil. Pantheism presupposes that</l> +<l>God sleeps in the mineral, dreams in the animal, and</l> +<l>wakes in a wicked man. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The distinction between that which is and that which</l> +<l>is not law, must be made by Mind and as Mind. Law is</l> +<l>either a moral or an immoral force. The law of God is</l> +<l>the law of Spirit, a moral and spiritual force of immor-</l> +<l>tal and divine Mind. The so-called law of matter is an [10]</l> +<l>immoral force of erring mortal mind, <hi rend='italic'>alias</hi> the minds of</l> +<l>mortals. This so-called force, or law, at work in nature</l> +<l>as a power, prohibition, or license, is cruel and merciless.</l> +<l>It punishes the innocent, and repays our best deeds</l> +<l>with sacrifice and suffering. It is a code whose modes [15]</l> +<l>trifle with joy, and lead to immediate or ultimate death.</l> +<l>It fosters suspicion where confidence is due, fear where</l> +<l>courage is requisite, reliance where there should be</l> +<l>avoidance, a belief in safety where there is most</l> +<l>danger. Our Master called it <q rend='pre'>a murderer from the</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>beginning.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Electricity, governed by this so-called law, sparkles</l> +<l>on the cloud, and strikes down the hoary saint. Floods</l> +<l>swallow up homes and households; and childhood, age,</l> +<l>and manhood go down in the death-dealing wave. Earth- [25]</l> +<l>quakes engulf cities, churches, schools, and mortals.</l> +<l>Cyclones kill and destroy, desolating the green earth.</l> +<l>This pitiless power smites with disease the good Samari-</l> +<l>tan ministering to his neighbor's need. Even the chamber</l> +<l>where the good man surrenders to death is not exempt [30]</l> +<l>from this law. Smoothing the pillow of pain may infect</l> +<l>you with smallpox, according to this lawless law which</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='258'/><anchor id='Pg258'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 258.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>dooms man to die for loving his neighbor as himself,— [1]</l> +<l>when Christ has said that love is the fulfilling of the</l> +<l>law.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our great Ensample, Jesus of Nazareth, met and abol-</l> +<l>ished this unrelenting false claim of matter with the [5]</l> +<l>righteous scorn and power of Spirit. When, through</l> +<l>Mind, he restored sight to the blind, he figuratively and</l> +<l>literally spat upon matter; and, anointing the wounded</l> +<l>spirit with the great truth that God is All, he demon-</l> +<l>strated the healing power and supremacy of the law of [10]</l> +<l>Life and Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the spiritual Genesis of creation, all law was vested</l> +<l>in the Lawgiver, who was a law to Himself. In divine</l> +<l>Science, God is One and All; and, governing Himself,</l> +<l>He governs the universe. This is the law of creation: [15]</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>heart.</q> And that infinite Mind governs all things. On</l> +<l>this infinite Principle of freedom, God named Him-</l> +<l>self, <hi rend='smallcaps'>i am</hi>. Error, or Adam, might give names to itself,</l> +<l>and call Mind by the name of matter, but error could [20]</l> +<l>neither name nor demonstrate Spirit. The name, <hi rend='smallcaps'>i</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>am</hi>, indicated no personality that could be paralleled</l> +<l>with it; but it did declare a mighty individuality,</l> +<l>even the everlasting Father, as infinite consciousness,</l> +<l>ever-presence, omnipotence; as all law, Life, Truth, and [25]</l> +<l>Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God's interpretation of Himself furnishes man with</l> +<l>the only suitable or true idea of Him; and the divine</l> +<l>definition of Deity differs essentially from the human.</l> +<l>It interprets the law of Spirit, not of matter. It explains [30]</l> +<l>the eternal dynamics of being, and shows that nature</l> +<l>and man are as harmonious to-day as in the beginning,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='259'/><anchor id='Pg259'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 259.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>when <q rend='pre'>all things were made by Him; and without Him</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>was not any thing made.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whatever appears to be law, but partakes not of the</l> +<l>nature of God, is not law, but is what Jesus declared</l> +<l>it, <q>a liar, and the father of it.</q> God is the law of Life, [5]</l> +<l>not of death; of health, not of sickness; of good, not</l> +<l>of evil. It is this infinitude and oneness of good that</l> +<l>silences the supposition that evil is a claimant or a claim.</l> +<l>The consciousness of good has no consciousness or knowl-</l> +<l>edge of evil; and evil is not a quality to be known or [10]</l> +<l>eliminated by good: while iniquity, too evil to conceive</l> +<l>of good as being unlike itself, declares that God knows</l> +<l>iniquity!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the Lawgiver was the only law of creation, free-</l> +<l>dom reigned, and was the heritage of man; but this [15]</l> +<l>freedom was the moral power of good, not of evil: it</l> +<l>was divine Science, in which God is supreme, and the</l> +<l>only law of being. In this eternal harmony of Science,</l> +<l>man is not fallen: he is governed in the same rhythm</l> +<l>that the Scripture describes, when <q rend='pre'>the morning stars</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.</q></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Truth-Healing</head> + +<lg> +<l>The spiritual elevator of the human race, physically,</l> +<l>morally, and Christianly, is the truism that Truth dem-</l> +<l>onstrates good, and is natural; while error, or evil, [25]</l> +<l>is really non-existent, and must have produced its own</l> +<l>illusion,—for it belongs not to nature nor to God. Truth</l> +<l>is the power of God which heals the sick and the sinner,</l> +<l>and is applicable to all the needs of man. It is the uni-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='260'/><anchor id='Pg260'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 260.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>versal, intelligent Christ-idea illustrated by the life of [1]</l> +<l>Jesus, through whose <q>stripes we are healed.</q> By con-</l> +<l>flicts, defeats, and triumphs, Christian Science has been</l> +<l>reduced to the understanding of mortals, and found able</l> +<l>to heal them. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Pagan mysticism, Grecian philosophy, or Jewish reli-</l> +<l>gion, never entered into the line of Jesus' thought or</l> +<l>action. His faith partook not of drugs, matter, nor of</l> +<l>the travesties of mortal mind. The divine Mind was</l> +<l>his only instrumentality and potency, in religion or medi- [10]</l> +<l>cine. The Principle of his cure was God, in the laws</l> +<l>of Spirit, not of matter; and these laws annulled all other</l> +<l>laws.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus knew that erring mortal thought holds only in</l> +<l>itself the supposition of evil, and that sin, sickness, and [15]</l> +<l>death are its subjective states; also, that pure Mind is</l> +<l>the truth of being that subjugates and destroys any sup-</l> +<l>positional or elementary opposite to Him who is All.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Truth is supreme and omnipotent. Then, whatever</l> +<l>else seemeth to be intelligence or power is false, delud- [20]</l> +<l>ing reason and denying revelation, and seeking to dethrone</l> +<l>Deity. The truth of Mind-healing uplifts mankind, by</l> +<l>acknowledging pure Mind as absolute and entire, and</l> +<l>that evil is naught, although it seems to be.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Pure Mind gives out an atmosphere that heals and [25]</l> +<l>saves. Words are not always the auxiliaries of Truth.</l> +<l>The spirit, and not the letter, performs the vital func-</l> +<l>tions of Truth and Love. Mind, imbued with this Science</l> +<l>of healing, is a law unto itself, needing neither license</l> +<l>nor prohibition; but lawless mind, with unseen motives, [30]</l> +<l>and silent mental methods whereby it may injure the</l> +<l>race, is the highest attenuation of evil.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='261'/><anchor id='Pg261'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 261.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Again: evil, as <emph>mind</emph>, is doomed, already sentenced, [1]</l> +<l>punished; for suffering is commensurate with evil, and</l> +<l>lasts as long as the evil. As <emph>mind</emph>, evil finds no escape</l> +<l>from itself; and the sin and suffering it occasions can</l> +<l>only be removed by reformation. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>According to divine law, sin and suffering are not</l> +<l>cancelled by repentance or pardon. Christian Science</l> +<l>not only elucidates but demonstrates this verity of be-</l> +<l>ing; namely, that mortals suffer from the wrong they</l> +<l>commit, whether intentionally or ignorantly; that every [10]</l> +<l>effect and amplification of wrong will revert to the wrong-</l> +<l>doer, until he pays his full debt to divine law, and the</l> +<l>measure he has meted is measured to him again, full,</l> +<l>pressed down, and running over. Surely <q rend='pre'>the way of</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the transgressor is hard.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In this law of justice, the atonement of Christ loses</l> +<l>no efficacy. Justice is the handmaid of mercy, and show-</l> +<l>eth mercy by punishing sin. Jesus said, <q rend='pre'>I came not to</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>destroy the law,</q>—the divine requirements typified in</l> +<l>the law of Moses,—<q>but to fulfil it</q> in righteousness, [20]</l> +<l>by Truth's destroying error. No greater type of divine</l> +<l>Love can be presented than effecting so glorious a purpose.</l> +<l>This spirit of sacrifice always has saved, and still saves</l> +<l>mankind; but by mankind I mean mortals, or a kind</l> +<l>of men after man's own making. Man as God's idea [25]</l> +<l>is already saved with an everlasting salvation. It is impossible</l> +<l>to be a Christian Scientist without apprehend-</l> +<l>ing the moral law so clearly that, for conscience' sake,</l> +<l>one will either abandon his claim to even a knowledge</l> +<l>of this Science, or else make the claim valid. All Science [30]</l> +<l>is divine. Then, to be Science, it must produce physical</l> +<l>and moral harmony.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='262'/><anchor id='Pg262'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 262.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Dear readers, our <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> is designed to bring health [1]</l> +<l>and happiness to all households wherein it is permitted</l> +<l>to enter, and to confer increased power to be good and</l> +<l>to do good. If you wish to brighten so pure a purpose,</l> +<l>you will aid our prospect of fulfilling it by your kind [5]</l> +<l>patronage of <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi>, now enter-</l> +<l>ing upon its fifth volume, clad in Truth-healing's new</l> +<l>and costly spring dress.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Heart To Heart</head> + +<lg> +<l>When the heart speaks, however simple the words, [10]</l> +<l>its language is always acceptable to those who have</l> +<l>hearts.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I just want to say, I thank you, my dear students, who</l> +<l>are at work conscientiously and assiduously, for the good</l> +<l>you are doing. I am grateful to you for giving to the [15]</l> +<l>sick relief from pain; for giving joy to the suffering and</l> +<l>hope to the disconsolate; for lifting the fallen and strength-</l> +<l>ening the weak, and encouraging the heart grown faint</l> +<l>with hope deferred. We are made glad by the divine</l> +<l>Love which looseth the chains of sickness and sin, open- [20]</l> +<l>ing the prison doors to such as are bound; and we should</l> +<l>be more grateful than words can express, even through</l> +<l>this white-winged messenger, our <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>With all the homage beneath the skies, yet were our</l> +<l>burdens heavy but for the Christ-love that makes them [25]</l> +<l>light and renders the yoke easy. Having his word, you</l> +<l>have little need of words of approval and encouragement</l> +<l>from me. Perhaps it is even selfish in me sometimes to</l> +<l>relieve my heart of its secrets, because I take so much</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='263'/><anchor id='Pg263'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 263.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>pleasure in thus doing; but if my motives are sinister, [1]</l> +<l>they will harm myself only, and I shall have the unself-</l> +<l>ish joy of knowing that the wrong motives are not yours,</l> +<l>to react on yourselves.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>These two words in Scripture suggest the sweetest [5]</l> +<l>similes to be found in any language—<hi rend='italic'>rock</hi> +and <hi rend='italic'>feathers</hi>:</l> +<l><q>Upon this rock I will build my church;</q> <q rend='pre'>He shall</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>cover thee with His feathers.</q> How blessed it is to</l> +<l>think of you as <q rend='pre'>beneath the shadow of a great rock in</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>a weary land,</q> safe in His strength, building on His [10]</l> +<l>foundation, and covered from the devourer by divine</l> +<l>protection and affection. Always bear in mind that His</l> +<l>presence, power, and peace meet all human needs and</l> +<l>reflect all bliss.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Things To Be Thought Of</head> + +<lg> +<l>The need of their teacher's counsel, felt by students, [16]</l> +<l>especially by those at a distance, working assiduously for</l> +<l>our common Cause,—and their constant petitions for</l> +<l>the same, should be met in the most effectual way.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To be responsible for supplying this want, and poise [20]</l> +<l>the wavering balance on the right side, is impracticable</l> +<l>without a full knowledge of the environments. The</l> +<l>educational system of Christian Science lacks the aid</l> +<l>and protection of State laws. The Science is hampered</l> +<l>by immature demonstrations, by the infancy of its dis- [25]</l> +<l>covery, by incorrect teaching; and especially by unprin-</l> +<l>cipled claimants, whose mad ambition drives them to</l> +<l>appropriate my ideas and discovery, without credit, ap-</l> +<l>preciation, or a single original conception, while they</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='264'/><anchor id='Pg264'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 264.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>quote from other authors and give them credit for every [1]</l> +<l>random thought in line with mine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My noble students, who are loyal to Christ, Truth, and</l> +<l>human obligations, will not be disheartened in the midst</l> +<l>of this seething sea of sin. They build for time and eter- [5]</l> +<l>nity. The others stumble over misdeeds, and their own</l> +<l>unsubstantiality, without the groundwork of right, till,</l> +<l>like camera shadows thrown upon the mists of time, they</l> +<l>melt into darkness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Unity is the essential nature of Christian Science. Its [10]</l> +<l>Principle is One, and to demonstrate the divine One,</l> +<l>demands oneness of thought and action.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Many students enter the Normal class of my College</l> +<l>whom I have not fitted for it by the Primary course.</l> +<l>They are taught their first lessons by my students; hence [15]</l> +<l>the aptness to assimilate pure and abstract Science is</l> +<l>somewhat untested.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>As the twig is bent, the tree's inclined.</q> As mortal</l> +<l>mind is directed, it acts for a season. Some students</l> +<l>leave my instructions before they are quite free from [20]</l> +<l>the bias of their first impressions, whether those be cor-</l> +<l>rect or incorrect. Such students are more or less subject</l> +<l>to the future mental influence of their former teacher.</l> +<l>Their knowledge of Mind-healing may be right theo-</l> +<l>retically, but the moral and spiritual status of thought [25]</l> +<l>must be right also. The tone of the teacher's mind must</l> +<l>be pure, grand, true, to aid the mental development of</l> +<l>the student; for the tint of the instructor's mind must</l> +<l>take its hue from the divine Mind. A single mistake in</l> +<l>metaphysics, or in ethics, is more fatal than a mistake in [30]</l> +<l>physics.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If a teacher of Christian Science unwittingly or inten-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='265'/><anchor id='Pg265'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 265.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>tionally offers his own thought, and gives me as authority [1]</l> +<l>for it; if he diverges from Science and knows it not, or,</l> +<l>knowing it, makes the venture from vanity, in order to</l> +<l>be thought original, or wiser than somebody else,—this</l> +<l>divergence widens. He grows dark, and cannot regain, [5]</l> +<l>at will, an upright understanding. This error in the</l> +<l>teacher also predisposes his students to make mistakes</l> +<l>and lose their way. Diverse opinions in Science are</l> +<l>stultifying. All must have <hi rend='italic'>one</hi> Principle and the same</l> +<l>rule; and all <emph>who follow the Principle and rule</emph> have but [10]</l> +<l>one opinion of it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whosoever understands a single rule in Science, and</l> +<l>demonstrates its Principle according to rule, is master</l> +<l>of the situation. Nobody can gainsay this. The ego-</l> +<l>tistical theorist or shallow moralist may presume to [15]</l> +<l>make innovations upon simple proof; but his mistake</l> +<l>is visited upon himself and his students, whose minds</l> +<l>are, must be, disturbed by this discord, which extends</l> +<l>along the whole line of reciprocal thought. An error</l> +<l>in premise can never bring forth the real fruits of Truth. [20]</l> +<l>After thoroughly explaining spiritual Truth and its ethics</l> +<l>to a student, I am not morally responsible for the mis-</l> +<l>statements or misconduct of this student. My teachings</l> +<l>are uniform. Those who abide by them do well. If</l> +<l>others, who receive the same instruction, do ill, the fault [25]</l> +<l>is not in the culture but the soil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I am constantly called to settle questions and disaf-</l> +<l>fections toward Christian Science growing out of the</l> +<l>departures from Science of self-satisfied, unprincipled</l> +<l>students. If impatient of the loving rebuke, the stu- [30]</l> +<l>dent must stop at the foot of the grand ascent, and there</l> +<l>remain until suffering compels the downfall of his self-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='266'/><anchor id='Pg266'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 266.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>conceit. Then that student must struggle up, with bleed- [1]</l> +<l>ing footprints, to the God-crowned summit of unselfish</l> +<l>and pure aims and affections.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To be two-sided, when these sides are moral oppo-</l> +<l>sites, is neither politic nor scientific; and to abridge a [5]</l> +<l>single human right or privilege is an error. Whoever</l> +<l>does this may represent me as doing it; but he mistakes</l> +<l>me, and the subjective state of his own mind for mine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The true leader of a true cause is the unacknowledged</l> +<l>servant of mankind. Stationary in the background, this [10]</l> +<l>individual is doing the work that nobody else can or will</l> +<l>do. An erratic career is like the comet's course, dash-</l> +<l>ing through space, headlong and alone. A clear-headed</l> +<l>and honest Christian Scientist will demonstrate the Prin-</l> +<l>ciple of Christian Science, and hold justice and mercy as [15]</l> +<l>inseparable from the unity of God.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Unchristian Rumor</head> + +<lg> +<l>The assertion that I have said hard things about my</l> +<l>loyal students in Chicago, New York, or any other place,</l> +<l>is utterly false and groundless. I speak of them as I feel, [20]</l> +<l>and I cannot find it in my heart not to love them. They</l> +<l>are essentially dear to me, who are toiling and achieving</l> +<l>success in unison with my own endeavors and prayers.</l> +<l>If I correct mistakes which may be made in teaching or</l> +<l>lecturing on Christian Science, this is in accordance with [25]</l> +<l>my students' desires, and thus we mutually aid each other,</l> +<l>and obey the Golden Rule.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The spirit of lies is abroad. Because Truth has spoken</l> +<l>aloud, error, running to and fro in the earth, is scream-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='267'/><anchor id='Pg267'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 267.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ing, to make itself heard above Truth's voice. The [1]</l> +<l>audible and inaudible wail of evil never harms Scientists,</l> +<l>steadfast in their consciousness of the nothingness of</l> +<l>wrong and the supremacy of right.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our worst enemies are the best friends to our growth. [5]</l> +<l>Charity students, for whom I have sacrificed the most</l> +<l>time,—those whose chief aim is to injure me,—have</l> +<l>caused me to exercise most patience. When they report</l> +<l>me as <q><emph>hating</emph> those whom I do not love,</q> let them re-</l> +<l>member that there never was a time when I saw an op- [10]</l> +<l>portunity really to help them and failed to improve it;</l> +<l>and this, too, when I knew they were secretly striving</l> +<l>to injure me.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Vainglory</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Comparisons are +odorous.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Shakespeare</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Through all human history, the vital outcomes of [16]</l> +<l>Truth have suffered temporary shame and loss from</l> +<l>individual conceit, cowardice, or dishonesty. The bird</l> +<l>whose right wing flutters to soar, while the left beats its</l> +<l>way downward, falls to the earth. Both wings must be [20]</l> +<l>plumed for rarefied atmospheres and upward flight.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mankind must gravitate from sense to Soul, and human</l> +<l>affairs should be governed by Spirit, intelligent good.</l> +<l>The antipode of Spirit, which we name <hi rend='italic'>matter</hi>, or +<hi rend='italic'>non-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>intelligent evil</hi>, is no real aid to being. The predisposing +[25]</l> +<l>and exciting cause of all defeat and victory under the</l> +<l>sun, rests on this scientific basis: that action, in obedi-</l> +<l>ence to God, spiritualizes man's motives and methods,</l> +<l>and crowns them with success; while disobedience to</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='268'/><anchor id='Pg268'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 268.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>this divine Principle materializes human modes and con- [1]</l> +<l>sciousness, and defeats them.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Two personal queries give point to human action: Who</l> +<l>shall be greatest? and, Who shall be best? Earthly</l> +<l>glory is vain; but not vain enough to attempt pointing [5]</l> +<l>the way to heaven, the harmony of being. The imaginary</l> +<l>victories of rivalry and hypocrisy are defeats. The Holy</l> +<l>One saith, <q rend='pre'>O that thou hadst hearkened to My com-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>mandments! then had thy peace been as a river.</q> He</l> +<l>is unfit for Truth, and the demonstration of divine power, [10]</l> +<l>who departs from Mind to matter, and from Truth to</l> +<l>error, in pursuit of better means for healing the sick and</l> +<l>casting out error.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Christian Scientist keeps straight to the course.</l> +<l>His whole inquiry and demonstration lie in the line of [15]</l> +<l>Truth; hence he suffers no shipwreck in a starless night</l> +<l>on the shoals of vainglory. His medicine is Mind—</l> +<l>the omnipotent and ever-present good. His <q rend='pre'>help is</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>from the Lord,</q> who heals body and mind, head and</l> +<l>heart; changing the affections, enlightening the mis- [20]</l> +<l>guided senses, and curing alike the sin and the mortal</l> +<l>sinner. God's preparations for the sick are potions of</l> +<l>His own qualities. His therapeutics are antidotes for</l> +<l>the ailments of mortal mind and body. Then let us not</l> +<l>adulterate His preparations for the sick with material [25]</l> +<l>means.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>From lack of moral strength empires fall. Right alone</l> +<l>is irresistible, permanent, eternal. Remember that hu-</l> +<l>man pride forfeits spiritual power, and either vacillating</l> +<l>good or self-assertive error dies of its own elements. [30]</l> +<l>Through patience we must possess the sense of Truth;</l> +<l>and Truth is used to waiting. <q rend='pre'>Commit thy way unto</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='269'/><anchor id='Pg269'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 269.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>pass.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>By using falsehood to regain his liberty, Galileo vir-</l> +<l>tually lost it. He cannot escape from barriers who commits</l> +<l>his moral sense to a dungeon. Hear the Master [5]</l> +<l>on this subject: <q rend='pre'>No man can serve two masters: for</q></l> +<l>either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he</l> +<l>will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot</l> +<l><q rend='post'>serve God and mammon.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Lives there a man who can better define ethics, better [10]</l> +<l>elucidate the Principle of being, than he who <q rend='pre'>spake as</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>never man spake,</q> and whose precepts and example have</l> +<l>a perpetual freshness in relation to human events?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Who is it that understands, unmistakably, a fraction</l> +<l>of the actual Science of Mind-healing? [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is he who has fairly proven his knowledge on a Chris-</l> +<l>tian, mental, scientific basis; who has made his choice</l> +<l>between matter and Mind, and proven the divine Mind</l> +<l>to be the only physician. These are self-evident proposi-</l> +<l>tions: That man can only be Christianized through Mind; [20]</l> +<l>that without Mind the body is without action; that Science</l> +<l>is a law of divine Mind. The conclusion follows that the</l> +<l>correct Mind-healing is the proper means of Christianity,</l> +<l>and is Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science may be sold in the shambles. Many [25]</l> +<l>are bidding for it,—but are not willing to pay the price.</l> +<l>Error is vending itself on trust, well knowing the will-</l> +<l>ingness of mortals to buy error at par value. The Reve-</l> +<l>lator beheld the opening of this silent mental seal, and</l> +<l>heard the great Red Dragon <emph>whispering</emph> that <q rend='pre'>no man</q> +[30]</l> +<l>might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name</l> +<l><q rend='post'>of the beast, or the number of his name.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='270'/><anchor id='Pg270'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 270.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>We are in the Valley of Decision. Then, let us take [1]</l> +<l>the side of him who <q rend='pre'>overthrew the tables of the money-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>changers, and the seats of them that sold doves,</q>—of</l> +<l>such as barter integrity and peace for money and fame.</l> +<l>What artist would question the skill of the masters in [5]</l> +<l>sculpture, music, or painting? Shall we depart from the</l> +<l>example of the Master in Christian Science, Jesus of</l> +<l>Nazareth,—than whom mankind hath no higher ideal?</l> +<l>He who demonstrated his power over sin, disease, and</l> +<l>death, is the master Metaphysician. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To seek or employ other means than those the Master</l> +<l>used in demonstrating Life scientifically, is to lose the</l> +<l>priceless knowledge of his Principle and practice. He</l> +<l>said, <q rend='pre'>Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His right-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>eousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.</q> [15]</l> +<l>Gain a pure Christianity; for that is requisite for heal-</l> +<l>ing the sick. Then you will need no other aid, and will</l> +<l>have full faith in his prophecy, <q rend='pre'>And there shall be one</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>fold, and one shepherd;</q> but, the Word must abide in</l> +<l>us, if we would obtain that promise. We cannot depart [20]</l> +<l>from his holy example,—we cannot leave Christ for the</l> +<l>schools which crucify him, and yet follow him in heal-</l> +<l>ing. Fidelity to his precepts and practice is the only pass-</l> +<l>port to his power; and the pathway of goodness and</l> +<l>greatness runs through the modes and methods of God. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.</q></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Compounds</head> + +<lg> +<l>Homœopathy is the last link in material medicine.</l> +<l>The next step is Mind-medicine. Among the foremost</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='271'/><anchor id='Pg271'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 271.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>virtues of homœopathy is the exclusion of compounds [1]</l> +<l>from its pharmacy, and the attenuation of a drug up to</l> +<l>the point of its disappearance as matter and its manifesta-</l> +<l>tion in effect as a thought, instead of a thing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Students of Christian Science (and many who are not [1]</l> +<l>students) understand enough of this to keep out of their</l> +<l>heads the notion that compounded metaphysics (so-called)</l> +<l>is, or can be, Christian Science,—that rests on oneness;</l> +<l>one cause and one effect.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>They should take our magazine, work for it, write for [10]</l> +<l>it, and read it. They should eschew all magazines and</l> +<l>books which are less than the best.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Choose you this day whom ye will serve.</q> Cleanse</l> +<l>your mind of the cobwebs which spurious <q>compounds</q></l> +<l>engender. Before considering a subject that is unworthy [15]</l> +<l>of thought, take in this axiomatic truism: <q rend='pre'>Trust her</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>not, she's fooling thee;</q> and Longfellow is right.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Close Of The Massachusetts Metaphysical +College</head> + +<lg> +<l>Much is said at this date, 1889, about Mrs. Eddy's [20]</l> +<l>Massachusetts Metaphysical College being the only</l> +<l>chartered College of Metaphysics. To make this plain,</l> +<l>the Publishing Committee of the Christian Scientist</l> +<l>Association has published in the <hi rend='italic'>Boston Traveler</hi> the</l> +<l>following:— [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>To benefit the community, and more strongly mark</q></l> +<l>the difference between true and false teachers of mental</l> +<l>healing, the following history and statistics are officially</l> +<l>submitted:—</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='272'/><anchor id='Pg272'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 272.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy obtained a college charter</q> [1]</l> +<l>in January, 1881, with all the rights and privileges per-</l> +<l>taining thereunto (<emph>including the right to grant degrees</emph>)</l> +<l>under Act of 1874, Chapter 375, Section 4.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>This Act was <emph>repealed</emph> from and after January 31,</q> [5]</l> +<l>1882. Mrs. Eddy's grant for a college, for metaphysical</l> +<l>purposes <emph>only</emph>, is the first on record in history, and no</l> +<l>charters were granted for similar colleges, except hers,</l> +<l>from January, 1881, till the repealing of said Act in</l> +<l>January, 1882. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The substance of this Act is at present incorporated</q></l> +<l>in Public Statutes, Chapter 115, Section 2, with the fol-</l> +<l>lowing important restrictions: In accordance with Statutes</l> +<l>of 1883, Chapter 268, any officer, agent, or servant of any</l> +<l>corporation or association, who confers, or authorizes [15]</l> +<l>to be conferred, any diploma or degree, shall be pun-</l> +<l>ished by a fine not less than five hundred dollars and</l> +<l>not more than one thousand dollars.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>All the mind-healing colleges (except Rev. Mrs.</q></l> +<l>Eddy's) have simply an incorporated grant, which may [20]</l> +<l>be called a charter, such as any stock company may ob-</l> +<l>tain for any secular purposes; but these so-called char-</l> +<l>ters bestow no rights to <emph>confer degrees</emph>. Hence to name</l> +<l>these institutions, under such charters, <emph>colleges</emph>, is a fraud-</l> +<l>ulent claim. There is but one legally chartered college [25]</l> +<l>of metaphysics, with powers to confer diplomas and de-</l> +<l>grees, and that is the Massachusetts Metaphysical College,</l> +<l><q rend='post'>of which Rev. Mrs. Eddy is founder and president.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I have endeavored to act toward all students of Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science with the intuition and impulse of love. If [30]</l> +<l>certain natures have not profited by my rebukes,—</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='273'/><anchor id='Pg273'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 273.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>some time, as Christian Scientists, they will know the [1]</l> +<l>value of these rebukes. I am thankful that the neo-</l> +<l>phyte will be benefited by experience, although it will</l> +<l>cost him much, and in proportion to its worth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I close my College in order to work in other directions, [5]</l> +<l>where I now seem to be most needed, and where none</l> +<l>other can do the work. I withdraw from an overwhelm-</l> +<l>ing prosperity. My students have never expressed so</l> +<l>grateful a sense of my labors with them as now, and</l> +<l>never have been so capable of relieving my tasks as at [10]</l> +<l>present.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God bless my enemies, as well as the better part of</l> +<l>mankind, and gather all my students, in the bonds of</l> +<l>love and perfectness, into one grand family of Christ's</l> +<l>followers. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Loyal Christian Scientists should go on in their pres-</l> +<l>ent line of labor for a good and holy cause. Their insti-</l> +<l>tutes have not yet accomplished all the good they are</l> +<l>capable of accomplishing; therefore they should con-</l> +<l>tinue, as at present, to send out students from these [20]</l> +<l>sources of education, to promote the growing interest in</l> +<l>Christian Science Mind-healing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>There are one hundred and sixty applications lying on</l> +<l>the desk before me, for the Primary class in the Massa-</l> +<l>chusetts Metaphysical College, and I cannot do my best [25]</l> +<l>work for a class which contains that number. When</l> +<l>these were taught, another and a larger number would</l> +<l>be in waiting for the same class instruction; and if I</l> +<l>should teach that Primary class, the other three classes—</l> +<l>one Primary and two Normal—would be delayed. [30]</l> +<l>The work is more than one person can well accomplish,</l> +<l>and the imperative call is for my exclusive teaching.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='274'/><anchor id='Pg274'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 274.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>From the scant history of Jesus and of his disciples, [1]</l> +<l>we have no Biblical authority for a public institution.</l> +<l>This point, however, had not impressed me when I opened</l> +<l>my College. I desire to revise my book <q rend='pre'>Science and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> and in order to do [5]</l> +<l>this I must stop teaching at present. The work that</l> +<l>needs to be done, and which God calls me to outside</l> +<l>of College work, if left undone might hinder the progress</l> +<l>of our Cause more than my teaching would advance it:</l> +<l>therefore I leave all for Christ. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Deeply regretting the disappointment this will occa-</l> +<l>sion, and with grateful acknowledgments to the public</l> +<l>for its liberal patronage, I close my College.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker G. Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Malicious Reports</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot +enter.</hi>—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Isaiah</hi> lix. 14.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the press is gagged, liberty is besieged; but</l> +<l>when the press assumes the liberty to lie, it discounts</l> +<l>clemency, mocks morality, outrages humanity, breaks</l> +<l>common law, gives impulse to violence, envy, and hate, [20]</l> +<l>and prolongs the reign of inordinate, unprincipled clans.</l> +<l>At this period, 1888, those quill-drivers whose consciences</l> +<l>are in their pockets hold high carnival. When news-</l> +<l>dealers shout for class legislation, and decapitated reputa-</l> +<l>tions, headless trunks, and quivering hearts are held up [25]</l> +<l>before the rabble in exchange for money, place, and</l> +<l>power, the <hi rend='italic'>vox populi</hi> is suffocated, individual rights</l> +<l>are trodden under foot, and the car of the modern In-</l> +<l>quisition rolls along the streets besmeared with blood.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='275'/><anchor id='Pg275'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 275.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Would not our Master say to the chief actors in scenes [1]</l> +<l>like these, <q>Ye fools and blind!</q> Oh, tardy human</l> +<l>justice! would you take away even woman's trembling,</l> +<l>clinging faith in divine power? Who can roll away the</l> +<l>stone from the door of this sepulchre? Who—but God's [5]</l> +<l>avenging angel!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In times like these it were well to lift the veil on the</l> +<l>sackcloth of home, where weepeth the faithful, stricken</l> +<l>mother, and the bruised father bendeth his aching head;</l> +<l>where the bereft wife or husband, silent and alone, looks [10]</l> +<l>in dull despair at the vacant seat, and the motherless</l> +<l>little ones, wondering, huddle together, and repeat with</l> +<l>quivering lips words of strange import. May the great</l> +<l>Shepherd that <q>tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,</q></l> +<l>and binds up the wounds of bleeding hearts, just comfort, [15]</l> +<l>encourage, and bless all who mourn.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Father, we thank Thee that Thy light and Thy love</l> +<l>reach earth, open the prison to them that are bound, con-</l> +<l>sole the innocent, and throw wide the gates of heaven.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Loyal Christian Scientists</head> + +<lg> +<l>Pen can never portray the satisfaction that you afforded</l> +<l>me at the grand meeting in Chicago of the National Chris-</l> +<l>tian Scientist Association in 1888. Your public and</l> +<l>private expressions of love and loyalty were very touch-</l> +<l>ing. They moved me to speechless thanks. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Chicago is the wonder of the western hemisphere. The</l> +<l>Palmer House, where we stopped, is magnificent and</l> +<l>orderly. The servants are well-mannered, and the fare</l> +<l>is appetizing. The floral offerings sent to my apartments</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='276'/><anchor id='Pg276'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 276.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>were superb, especially the large book of rare flowers, and [1]</l> +<l>the crescent with a star.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The reception in the spacious rooms of the Palmer</l> +<l>House, like all else, was purely Western in its cordiality</l> +<l>and largeness. I did not hold interviews with all with [5]</l> +<l>whom I desired to, solely because so many people and</l> +<l>circumstances demanded my attention that my person-</l> +<l>ality was not big enough to fill the order; but rest as-</l> +<l>sured my heart's desire met the demand.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My students, our delegates, about one thousand Chris- [10]</l> +<l>tian Scientists, active, earnest, and loyal, formed a goodly</l> +<l>assemblage for the third convention of our National As-</l> +<l>sociation,—an assemblage found waiting and watching</l> +<l>for the full coming of our Lord and Christ.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In Christian Science the midnight hour will always be [15]</l> +<l>the bridal hour, until <q>no night is there.</q> The wise</l> +<l>will have their lamps aglow, and light will illumine the</l> +<l>darkness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Out of the gloom comes the glory of our Lord, and</l> +<l>His divine Love is found in affliction. When a false [20]</l> +<l>sense suffers, the true sense comes out, and the bride-</l> +<l>groom appears. We are then wedded to a purer, higher</l> +<l>affection and ideal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I pray that all my students shall have their lamps</l> +<l>trimmed and burning at the noon of night, that not one [25]</l> +<l>of them be found borrowing oil, and seeking light from</l> +<l>matter instead of Spirit, or at work erroneously, thus</l> +<l>shutting out spiritual light. Such an error and loss will</l> +<l>be quickly learned when the door is shut. Error giveth</l> +<l>no light, and it closes the door on itself. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the dark hours, wise Christian Scientists stand</l> +<l>firmer than ever in their allegiance to God. Wisdom</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='277'/><anchor id='Pg277'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 277.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>is wedded to their love, and their hearts are not [1]</l> +<l>troubled.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Falsehood is on the wings of the winds, but Truth</l> +<l>will soar above it. Truth is speaking louder, clearer,</l> +<l>and more imperatively than ever. Error is walking to [5]</l> +<l>and fro in the earth, trying to be heard above Truth,</l> +<l>but its voice dies out in the distance. Whosoever pro-</l> +<l>claims Truth loudest, becomes the mark for error's shafts.</l> +<l>The archers aim at Truth's mouthpiece; but a heart</l> +<l>loyal to God is patient and strong. Justice waits, and [10]</l> +<l>is used to waiting; and right wins the everlasting</l> +<l>victory.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The stake and scaffold have never silenced the mes-</l> +<l>sages of the Most High. Then can the present mode of</l> +<l>attempting this—namely, by slanderous falsehoods, and [15]</l> +<l>a secret mind-method, through which to effect the pur-</l> +<l>poses of envy and malice—silence Truth? Never. They</l> +<l>but open the eyes to the truth of Benjamin Franklin's</l> +<l>report before the French Commissioners on Mesmerism:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>It is one more fact to be recorded in the history of the</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>errors of the human mind.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No evidence before the material senses can close my</l> +<l>eyes to the scientific proof that God, good, is supreme.</l> +<l>Though clouds are round about Him, the divine justice [25]</l> +<l>and judgment are enthroned. Love is especially near</l> +<l>in times of hate, and never so near as when one can be</l> +<l>just amid lawlessness, and render good for evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I thunder His law to the sinner, and sharply lighten</l> +<l>on the cloud of the intoxicated senses. I cannot help [30]</l> +<l>loathing the phenomena of drunkenness produced by</l> +<l>animality. I rebuke it wherever I see it. The vision</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='278'/><anchor id='Pg278'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 278.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of the Revelator is before me. The wines of fornica- [1]</l> +<l>tion, envy, and hatred are the distilled spirits of evil,</l> +<l>and are the signs of these times; but I am not dismayed,</l> +<l>and my peace returns unto me.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Error will hate more as it realizes more the presence [5]</l> +<l>of its tormentor. I shall fulfil my mission, fight the good</l> +<l>fight, and keep the faith.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>There is great joy in this consciousness, that through-</l> +<l>out my labors, and in my history as connected with the</l> +<l>Cause of Christian Science, it can be proven that I have [10]</l> +<l>never given occasion for a single censure, when my mo-</l> +<l>tives and acts are understood and seen as my Father</l> +<l>seeth them. I once wondered at the Scriptural declara-</l> +<l>tion that Job sinned not in all he said, even when he cursed</l> +<l>the hour of his birth; but I have learned that a curse on [15]</l> +<l>sin is always a blessing to the human race.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Those only who are tried in the furnace reflect the</l> +<l>image of their Father. You, my beloved students, who</l> +<l>are absent from me, and have shared less of my labors</l> +<l>than many others, seem stronger to resist temptation [20]</l> +<l>than some of those who have had line upon line and</l> +<l>precept upon precept. This may be a serviceable hint,</l> +<l>since necessities and God's providence are foreshadowed.</l> +<l>I have felt for some time that perpetual instruction of</l> +<l>my students might substitute my own for their growth, [25]</l> +<l>and so dwarf their experience. If they must learn by</l> +<l>the things they suffer, the sooner this lesson is gained</l> +<l>the better.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>For two years I have been gradually withdrawing from</l> +<l>active membership in the Christian Scientist Association. [30]</l> +<l>This has developed higher energies on the part of true</l> +<l>followers, and led to some startling departures on the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='279'/><anchor id='Pg279'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 279.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>other hand. <q rend='pre'>Offenses will come: but woe unto him,</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>through whom they come.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Why does not the certainty of individual punishment</l> +<l>for sin prevent the wrong action? It is the love of God,</l> +<l>and not the fear of evil, that is the incentive in Science. [5]</l> +<l>I rejoice with those who rejoice, and am too apt to weep</l> +<l>with those who weep, but over and above it all are eter-</l> +<l>nal sunshine and joy unspeakable.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>The March Primary Class</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>To the Primary Class of the Massachusetts Metaphysical</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>College, 571 Columbus Avenue, that Assembled Feb. 25,</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>1889, with an Attendance of Sixty-five Students</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My students, three picture-stories from the Bible pre-</l> +<l>sent themselves to my thought; three of those pictures</l> +<l>from which we learn without study. The first is that of [15]</l> +<l>Joshua and his band before the walls of Jericho. They</l> +<l>went seven times around these walls, the seven times</l> +<l>corresponding to the seven days of creation: the six days</l> +<l>are to find out the nothingness of matter; the seventh</l> +<l>is the day of rest, when it is found that evil is naught [20]</l> +<l>and good is all.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The second picture is of the disciples met together in</l> +<l>an upper chamber; and they were of one mind. Mark,</l> +<l>that in the case of Joshua and his band they had all to</l> +<l>shout <emph>together</emph> in order that the walls might fall; and the [25]</l> +<l>disciples, too, were of one mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We, to-day, in this class-room, are enough to con-</l> +<l>vert the world if we are of one Mind; for then the whole</l> +<l>world will feel the influence of this Mind; as when</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='280'/><anchor id='Pg280'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 280.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>earth was without form, and Mind spake and form [1]</l> +<l>appeared.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The third picture-lesson is from Revelation, where, at</l> +<l>the opening of the seals, one of the angels presented him-</l> +<l>self with balances to weigh the thoughts and actions of [5]</l> +<l>men; not angels with wings, but messengers of pure and</l> +<l>holy thoughts that say, See thou hurt not the holy things</l> +<l>of Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>You have come to be weighed; and yet, I would not</l> +<l>weigh you, nor have you weighed. How is this? Be- [10]</l> +<l>cause God does all, and there is nothing in the opposite</l> +<l>scale. There are not two,—Mind <emph>and</emph> matter. We</l> +<l>must get rid of that notion. As we commonly think, we</l> +<l>imagine all is well if we cast something into the scale of</l> +<l>Mind, but we must realize that Mind is not put into the [15]</l> +<l>scales with matter; then only are we working on one side</l> +<l>and in Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The students of this Primary class, dismissed the fifth</l> +<l>of March, at close of the lecture on the fourth presented</l> +<l>their teacher with an elegant album costing fifty dollars, [20]</l> +<l>and containing beautiful hand-painted flowers on each</l> +<l>page, with their autographs. The presentation was made</l> +<l>in a brief address by Mr. D.A. Easton, who in appro-</l> +<l>priate language and metaphor expressed his fellow-students'</l> +<l>thanks to their teacher. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>On the morning of the fifth, I met the class to answer</l> +<l>some questions before their dismissal, and allude briefly</l> +<l>to a topic of great import to the student of Christian</l> +<l>Science,—the rocks and sirens in their course, on and</l> +<l>by which so many wrecks are made. The doors of animal [30]</l> +<l>magnetism open wide for the entrance of error, some-</l> +<l>times just at the moment when you are ready to enter on</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='281'/><anchor id='Pg281'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 281.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the fruition of your labors, and with laudable ambition [1]</l> +<l>are about to chant hymns of victory for triumphs.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The doors that this animal element flings open are</l> +<l>those of rivalry, jealousy, envy, revenge. It is the self-</l> +<l>asserting mortal will-power that you must guard against. [5]</l> +<l>But I find also another mental condition of yours that</l> +<l>fills me with joy. I learned long ago that the world could</l> +<l>neither deprive me of something nor give me anything,</l> +<l>and I have now one ambition and one joy. But if</l> +<l>one cherishes ambition unwisely, one will be chastened [10]</l> +<l>for it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Admiral Coligny, in the time of the French Huguenots,</l> +<l>was converted to Protestantism through a stray copy of</l> +<l>the Scriptures that fell into his hands. He replied to his</l> +<l>wife, who urged him to come out and confess his faith, [15]</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>It is wise to count the cost of becoming a true Chris-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>tian.</q> She answered him, <q rend='pre'>It is wiser to count the +cost</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of <emph>not</emph> becoming a true Christian.</q> +So, whatever we meet</l> +<l>that is hard in the Christian warfare we must count as</l> +<l>nothing, and must think instead, of our poverty and help- [20]</l> +<l>lessness without this understanding, and count ourselves</l> +<l>always as debtors to Christ, Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Among the gifts of my students, this of yours is one</l> +<l>of the most beautiful and the most costly, because you</l> +<l>have signed your names. I felt the weight of this yes- [25]</l> +<l>terday, but it came to me more clearly this morning when</l> +<l>I realized what a responsibility you assume when sub-</l> +<l>scribing to Christian Science. But, whatever may come</l> +<l>to you, remember the words of Solomon, <q rend='pre'>Though hand</q></l> +<l>join in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished: but [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>You will need, in future, <emph>practice</emph> more than theory.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='282'/><anchor id='Pg282'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 282.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>You are going out to demonstrate a living faith, a true [1]</l> +<l>sense of the infinite good, a sense that does not limit God,</l> +<l>but brings to human view an enlarged sense of Deity.</l> +<l>Remember, it is personality, and the sense of personality</l> +<l>in God or in man, that limits man. [5]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Obtrusive Mental Healing</head> + +<lg> +<l>The question will present itself: Shall people be treated</l> +<l>mentally without their knowledge or consent? The</l> +<l>direct rule for practice of Christian Science is the Golden</l> +<l>Rule, <q>As ye would that men should do to you, do ye,</q> [10]</l> +<l>Who of us would have our houses broken open or our</l> +<l>locks picked? and much less would we have our minds</l> +<l>tampered with.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our Master said, <q>When ye enter a house, salute it.</q></l> +<l>Prolonging the metaphysical tone of his command, I say, [15]</l> +<l>When you enter mentally the personal precincts of human</l> +<l>thought, you should know that the person with whom</l> +<l>you hold communion desires it. There are solitary ex-</l> +<l>ceptions to most given rules: the following is an exception</l> +<l>to the above rule of mental practice. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If the friends of a patient desire you to treat him with-</l> +<l>out his knowing it, and they believe in the efficacy of</l> +<l>Mind-healing, it is sometimes wise to do so, and the end</l> +<l>justifies the means; for he is restored through Christian</l> +<l>Science when other means have failed. One other oc- [25]</l> +<l>casion which may call for aid unsought, is a case from</l> +<l>accident, when there is no time for ceremony and no other</l> +<l>aid is near.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The abuse which I call attention to, is promiscuous</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='283'/><anchor id='Pg283'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 283.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and unannounced mental practice where there is no neces- [1]</l> +<l>sity for it, or the motive is mercenary, or one can to ad-</l> +<l>vantage speak the truth audibly; then the case is not</l> +<l>exceptional. As a rule, one has no more right to enter</l> +<l>the mind of a person, stir, upset, and adjust his thoughts [5]</l> +<l>without his knowledge or consent, than one has to enter</l> +<l>a house, unlock the desk, displace the furniture, and suit</l> +<l>one's self in the arrangement and management of another</l> +<l>man's property.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It would be right to break into a burning building and [10]</l> +<l>rouse the slumbering inmates, but wrong to burst open</l> +<l>doors and break through windows if no emergency de-</l> +<l>manded this. Any exception to the old wholesome rule,</l> +<l><q>Mind your own business,</q> is rare. For a student of</l> +<l>mine to treat another student without his knowledge, is [15]</l> +<l>a breach of good manners and morals; it is nothing less</l> +<l>than a mistaken kindness, a culpable ignorance, or a</l> +<l>conscious trespass on the rights of mortals.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I insist on the etiquette of Christian Science, as well</l> +<l>as its morals and Christianity. The Scriptural rule of [20]</l> +<l>this Science may momentarily be forgotten; but this is</l> +<l>seldom the case with loyal students, or done without</l> +<l>incriminating the person who did it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Each student should, must, work out his own problem</l> +<l>of being; conscious, meanwhile, that God worketh with [25]</l> +<l>him, and that he needs no personal aid. It is the genius</l> +<l>of Christian Science to demonstrate good, not evil,—</l> +<l>harmony, not discord; for Science is the mandate of</l> +<l>Truth which destroys all error.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whoever is honestly laboring to learn the principle of [30]</l> +<l>music and practise it, seldom calls on his teacher or mu-</l> +<l>sician to practise for him. The only personal help re-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='284'/><anchor id='Pg284'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 284.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>quired in this Science is for each one to do his own work [1]</l> +<l>well, and never try to hinder others from doing theirs</l> +<l>thus.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science, more than any other system of</l> +<l>religion, morals, or medicine, is subject to abuses. Its [5]</l> +<l>infinite nature and uses occasion this. Even the human-</l> +<l>itarian at work in this field of limitless power and good</l> +<l>may possess a zeal without knowledge, and thus mistake</l> +<l>the sphere of his present usefulness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Students who strictly adhere to the right, and make the [10]</l> +<l>Bible and Science and Health a study, are in no danger</l> +<l>of mistaking their way.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This question is often proposed, How shall I treat</l> +<l>malicious animal magnetism? The hour has passed for</l> +<l>this evil to be treated personally, but it should have been [15]</l> +<l>so dealt with at the outset. Christian Scientists should</l> +<l>have gone personally to the malpractitioner and told</l> +<l>him his fault, and vindicated divine Truth and Love</l> +<l>against human error and hate. This growing sin must</l> +<l>now be dealt with as evil, and not as an evil-doer or per- [20]</l> +<l>sonality It must also be remembered that neither an evil</l> +<l>claim nor an evil person is <emph>real</emph>, hence is neither to be</l> +<l><emph>feared</emph> nor honored.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Evil is not something to fear and flee before, or that</l> +<l>becomes more real when it is grappled with. Evil let [25]</l> +<l>alone grows more real, aggressive, and enlarges its claims;</l> +<l>but, met with Science, it can and will be mastered by</l> +<l>Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I deprecate personal animosities and quarrels. But if</l> +<l>one is intrusted with the rules of church government, to [30]</l> +<l>fulfil that trust those rules must be carried out; thus it</l> +<l>is with all moral obligations. I am opposed to all personal</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='285'/><anchor id='Pg285'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 285.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>attacks, and in favor of combating evil only, rather than [1]</l> +<l>person.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>An edition of one thousand pamphlets I ordered to</l> +<l>be laid away and not one of them circulated, because I</l> +<l>had been personal in condemnation. Afterwards, by a [5]</l> +<l>blunder of the gentleman who fills orders for my books,</l> +<l>some of these pamphlets were mistaken for the corrected</l> +<l>edition, and sold.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Love is the fulfilling of the law. Human life is too</l> +<l>short for foibles or failures. <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Jour-</hi> +[10]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>nal</hi> will hold high the banner of Truth and Love, and be</l> +<l>impartial and impersonal in its tenor and tenets.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Wedlock</head> + +<lg> +<l>It was about the year 1875 that Science and Health</l> +<l>first crossed swords with free-love, and the latter fell <hi rend='italic'>hors</hi> +[15]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>de combat</hi>; but the whole warfare of sensuality was not</l> +<l>then ended. Science and Health, the book that cast the</l> +<l>first stone, is still at work, deep down in human conscious-</l> +<l>ness, laying the axe at the root of error.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We have taken the precaution to write briefly on mar- [20]</l> +<l>riage, showing its relation to Christian Science. In the</l> +<l>present or future, some extra throe of error may conjure</l> +<l>up a new-style conjugality, which, <hi rend='italic'>ad libitum</hi>, severs the</l> +<l>marriage covenant, puts virtue in the shambles, and</l> +<l>coolly notifies the public of broken vows. Springing [25]</l> +<l>up from the ashes of free-love, this nondescript phoenix,</l> +<l>in the face and eyes of common law, common sense, and</l> +<l>common honesty, may appear in the <hi rend='italic'>rôle</hi> of a superfine</l> +<l>conjugality; but, having no Truth, it will have no past,</l> +<l>present, or future. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='286'/><anchor id='Pg286'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 286.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The above prophecy, written years ago, has already [1]</l> +<l>been fulfilled. It is seen in Christian Science that the</l> +<l>gospel of marriage is not without the law, and the solemn</l> +<l>vow of fidelity, <q>until death do us part;</q> this verity in</l> +<l>human economy can neither be obscured nor throttled. [5]</l> +<l>Until time matures human growth, marriage and progeny</l> +<l>will continue unprohibited in Christian Science. We look</l> +<l>to future generations for ability to comply with absolute</l> +<l>Science, when marriage shall be found to be man's one-</l> +<l>ness with God,—the unity of eternal Love. At present, [10]</l> +<l>more spiritual conception and education of children will</l> +<l>serve to illustrate the superiority of spiritual power over</l> +<l>sensuous, and usher in the dawn of God's creation,</l> +<l>wherein they neither marry nor are given in marriage,</l> +<l>but are as the angels. To abolish marriage at this period, [15]</l> +<l>and maintain morality and generation, would put inge-</l> +<l>nuity to ludicrous shifts; yet this is possible in <emph>Science</emph>,</l> +<l>although it is to-day problematic.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The time cometh, and now is, for spiritual and eternal</l> +<l>existence to be recognized and understood in Science. [20]</l> +<l>All is Mind. Human procreation, birth, life, and death</l> +<l>are subjective states of the human erring mind; they</l> +<l>are the phenomena of mortality, nothingness, that illus-</l> +<l>trate mortal mind and body as <emph>one</emph>, and neither real nor</l> +<l>eternal. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It should be understood that Spirit, God, is the only</l> +<l>creator: we should recognize this verity of being, and</l> +<l>shut out all sense of other claims. Until this absolute</l> +<l>Science of being is seen, understood, and demonstrated</l> +<l>in the offspring of divine Mind, and man is perfect even [30]</l> +<l>as the Father is perfect, human speculation will go on,</l> +<l>and stop at length at the spiritual ultimate: creation</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='287'/><anchor id='Pg287'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 287.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>understood as the most exalted divine conception. The [1]</l> +<l>offspring of an improved generation, however, will go out</l> +<l>before the forever fact that man is eternal and has no</l> +<l>human origin. Hence the Scripture: <q rend='pre'>It is He that hath</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>made us, and not we ourselves;</q> and the Master's de- [5]</l> +<l>mand, <q rend='pre'>Call no man your father upon the earth: for one</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>is your Father, which is in heaven.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To an ill-attuned ear, discord is harmony; so personal</l> +<l>sense, discerning not the legitimate affection of Soul,</l> +<l>may place love on a false basis and thereby lose it. Science [10]</l> +<l>corrects this error with the truth of Love, and restores</l> +<l>lost Eden. Soul is the infinite source of bliss: only high</l> +<l>and holy joy can satisfy immortal cravings. The good</l> +<l>in human affections should preponderate over the evil,</l> +<l>and the spiritual over the animal,—until progress lifts [15]</l> +<l>mortals to discern the Science of mental formation and</l> +<l>find the highway of holiness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the order of wisdom, the higher nature of man</l> +<l>governs the lower. This lays the foundations of human</l> +<l>affection in line with progress, giving them strength and [20]</l> +<l>permanence.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When asked by a wife or a husband important ques-</l> +<l>tions concerning their happiness, the substance of my reply</l> +<l>is: God will guide you. Be faithful over home rela-</l> +<l>tions; they lead to higher joys: obey the Golden Rule [25]</l> +<l>for human life, and it will spare you much bitterness.</l> +<l>It is pleasanter to do right than wrong; it makes one</l> +<l>ruler over one's self and hallows home,—which is woman's</l> +<l>world. Please your husband, and he will be apt to please</l> +<l>you; preserve affection on both sides. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Great mischief comes from attempts to steady other</l> +<l>people's altars, venturing on valor without discretion,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='288'/><anchor id='Pg288'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 288.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>which is virtually meddlesomeness. Even your sincere [1]</l> +<l>and courageous convictions regarding what is best for</l> +<l>others may be mistaken; you must be demonstratively</l> +<l>right yourself, and work out the greatest good to the</l> +<l>greatest number, before you are sure of being a fit coun- [5]</l> +<l>sellor. Positive and imperative thoughts should be dropped</l> +<l>into the balances of God and weighed by spiritual Love,</l> +<l>and not be found wanting, before being put into action.</l> +<l>A rash conclusion that regards only one side of a ques-</l> +<l>tion, is weak and wicked; this error works out the results [10]</l> +<l>of error. If the premise of mortal existence is wrong,</l> +<l>any conclusion drawn therefrom is not absolutely right.</l> +<l>Wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest</l> +<l>right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the</l> +<l>absolute. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is marriage nearer right than celibacy?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Human knowledge inculcates that it is, while Science</l> +<l>indicates that it <emph>is not</emph>. But to force the consciousness</l> +<l>of scientific being before it is understood is impossible,</l> +<l>and believing otherwise would prevent scientific demon- [20]</l> +<l>stration. To reckon the universal cost and gain, as well</l> +<l>as thine own, is right in every state and stage of being.</l> +<l>The selfish <hi rend='italic'>rôle</hi> of a martyr is the shift of a dishonest</l> +<l>mind, nothing short of self-seeking; and real suffering</l> +<l>would stop the farce. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The cause of temperance receives a strong impulse</l> +<l>from the cause of Christian Science: temperance and</l> +<l>truth are allies, and their cause prospers in proportion</l> +<l>to the spirit of Love that nerves the struggle. People</l> +<l>will differ in their opinions as to means to promote the [30]</l> +<l>ends of temperance; that is, abstinence from intoxicat-</l> +<l>ing beverages. Whatever intoxicates a man, stultifies,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='289'/><anchor id='Pg289'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 289.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and causes him to degenerate physically and morally. [1]</l> +<l>Strong drink is unquestionably an evil, and evil cannot</l> +<l>be used temperately: its slightest use is abuse; hence</l> +<l>the only temperance is total abstinence. Drunkenness</l> +<l>is sensuality let loose, in whatever form it is made [5]</l> +<l>manifest.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What is evil? It is suppositional absence of good.</l> +<l>From a human standpoint of good, mortals must first</l> +<l>choose between evils, and of two evils choose the less;</l> +<l>and at present the application of scientific rules to hu- [10]</l> +<l>man life seems to rest on this basis.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All partnerships are formed on agreements to certain</l> +<l>compacts: each party voluntarily surrenders independ-</l> +<l>ent action to act as a whole and per agreement. This</l> +<l>fact should be duly considered when by the marriage [15]</l> +<l>contract two are made one, and, according to the divine</l> +<l>precept, <q>they twain shall be one flesh.</q> Oneness in</l> +<l>spirit is Science, compatible with home and heaven.</l> +<l>Neither divine justice nor human equity has <emph>divorced</emph></l> +<l>two minds in one. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Rights that are bargained away must not be retaken</l> +<l>by the contractors, except by mutual consent. Human</l> +<l>nature has bestowed on a wife the right to become a</l> +<l>mother; but if the wife esteems not this privilege, by</l> +<l>mutual consent, exalted and increased affections, she [25]</l> +<l>may win a higher. Science touches the conjugal ques-</l> +<l>tion on the basis of a bill of rights. Can the bill of con-</l> +<l>jugal rights be fairly stated by a magistrate, or by a</l> +<l>minister? Mutual interests and affections are the spirit</l> +<l>of these rights, and they should be consulted, augmented, [30]</l> +<l>and allowed to rise to the spiritual altitude whence they</l> +<l>can choose only good.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='290'/><anchor id='Pg290'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 290.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>A third person is not a party to the compact of two [1]</l> +<l>hearts. Let other people's marriage relations <emph>alone</emph>: two</l> +<l>persons only, should be found within their precincts.</l> +<l>The nuptial vow is never annulled so long as the animus</l> +<l>of the contract is preserved intact. Science lifts humanity [5]</l> +<l>higher in the scale of harmony, and must ultimately break</l> +<l>all bonds that hinder progress.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Judge Not</head> + +<lg> +<l>Mistaken views ought to be dissolving views, since</l> +<l>whatever is false should disappear. To suppose that hu- [10]</l> +<l>man love, guided by the divine Principle, which is Love,</l> +<l>is partial, unmerciful, or unjust, indicates misapprehen-</l> +<l>sion of the divine Principle and its workings in the human</l> +<l>heart.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A person wrote to me, naming the time of the occur- [15]</l> +<l>rence, <q rend='pre'>I felt the influence of your thought on my mind,</q></l> +<l>and it produced a wonderful illumination, peace, and</l> +<l><q rend='post'>understanding;</q> but, I had not thought of the writer</l> +<l>at that time. I knew that this person was doing well,</l> +<l>and my affections involuntarily flow out towards all. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When will the world cease to judge of causes from a</l> +<l>personal sense of things, conjectural and misapprehen-</l> +<l>sive! When thought dwells in God,—and it should not,</l> +<l>to our consciousness, dwell elsewhere,—one must bene-</l> +<l>fit those who hold a place in one's memory, whether it [25]</l> +<l>be friend or foe, and each share the benefit of that radia-</l> +<l>tion. This individual blessedness and blessing comes</l> +<l>not so much from individual as from universal love: it</l> +<l>emits light because it reflects; and all who are receptive</l> +<l>share this equally. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='291'/><anchor id='Pg291'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 291.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Mistaken or transient views are human: they are not [1]</l> +<l>governed by the Principle of divine Science: but the</l> +<l>notion that a mind governed by Principle can be forced</l> +<l>into personal channels, affinities, self-interests, or obliga-</l> +<l>tions, is a grave mistake; it dims the true sense of God's [5]</l> +<l>reflection, and darkens the understanding that demon-</l> +<l>strates above personal motives, unworthy aims and</l> +<l>ambitions.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Too much and too little is attached to me as authority</l> +<l>for other people's thoughts and actions. A tacit acqui- [10]</l> +<l>escence with others' views is often construed as direct</l> +<l>orders,—or at least it so appears in results. I desire</l> +<l>the equal growth and prosperity of all Christian Scien-</l> +<l>tists, and the world in general; each and every one has</l> +<l>equal opportunity to be benefited by my thoughts and [15]</l> +<l>writings. If any are not partakers thereof, this is not</l> +<l>my fault, and is far from my desire; the possible per-</l> +<l>version of Christian Science is the irony of fate, if the</l> +<l>spirit thereof be lacking. I would part with a blessing</l> +<l>myself to bestow it upon others, but could not deprive [20]</l> +<l>them of it. False views, however engendered, relative</l> +<l>to the true and unswerving course of a Christian Scientist,</l> +<l>will at length dissolve into thin air. The dew of heaven</l> +<l>will fall gently on the hearts and lives of all who are found</l> +<l>worthy to suffer for righteousness,—and have taught [25]</l> +<l>the truth which is energizing, refreshing, and consecrat-</l> +<l>ing mankind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To station justice and gratitude as sentinels along the</l> +<l>lines of thought, would aid the solution of this problem,</l> +<l>and counteract the influence of envious minds or the mis- [30]</l> +<l>guided individual who keeps not watch over his emotions</l> +<l>and conclusions.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='292'/><anchor id='Pg292'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 292.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>New Commandment</head> + +<lg> +<l>The divinity of St. John's Gospel brings to view over- [1]</l> +<l>whelming tides of revelation, and its spirit is baptismal;</l> +<l>he chronicles this teaching, <q rend='pre'>A new commandment I</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>give unto you, That ye love one another.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus, who so loved the world that he gave his life</l> +<l>(in the flesh) for it, saw that Love had a new command-</l> +<l>ment even for him. What was it?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It must have been a rare revelation of infinite Love, a</l> +<l>new tone on the scale ascending, such as eternity is ever [10]</l> +<l>sounding. Could I impart to the student the higher</l> +<l>sense I entertain of Love, it would partly illustrate the</l> +<l>divine energy that brings to human weakness might and</l> +<l>majesty. Divine Love eventually causes mortals to turn</l> +<l>away from the open sepulchres of sin, and look no more [15]</l> +<l>into them as realities. It calls loudly on them to bury</l> +<l>the dead out of sight; to forgive and forget whatever is</l> +<l>unlike the risen, immortal Love; and to shut out all op-</l> +<l>posite sense. Christ enjoins it upon man to help those</l> +<l>who know not what he is doing in their behalf, and there- [20]</l> +<l>fore curse him; enjoins taking them by the hand and</l> +<l>leading them, if <emph>possible</emph>, to Christ, by loving words and</l> +<l>deeds. Charity thus serves as admonition and instruc-</l> +<l>tion, and works out the purposes of Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science, full of grace and truth, is accom- [25]</l> +<l>plishing great good, both seen and unseen; but have</l> +<l>mortals, with the penetration of Soul, searched the secret</l> +<l>chambers of sense? I never knew a student who fully</l> +<l>understood my instructions on this point of handling</l> +<l>evil,—as to just how this should be done,—and carried [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='293'/><anchor id='Pg293'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 293.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>out my ideal. It is safe not to teach prematurely the [1]</l> +<l>infant thought in Christian Science—just breathing new</l> +<l>Life and Love—all the claims and modes of evil; there-</l> +<l>fore it is best to leave the righteous unfolding of error</l> +<l>(as a general rule) alone, and to the special care of the [5]</l> +<l>unerring modes of divine wisdom. This uncovering and</l> +<l>punishing of sin must, will come, at some date, to the</l> +<l>rescue of humanity. The teacher of divine metaphysics</l> +<l>should impart to his students the general knowledge that</l> +<l>he has gained from instruction, observation, and mental [10]</l> +<l>practice.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Experience weighs in the scales of God the sense and</l> +<l>power of Truth against the opposite claims of error.</l> +<l>If spiritual sense is not dominant in a student, he will</l> +<l>not understand all your instructions; and if evil domi- [15]</l> +<l>nates his character, he will pervert the rules of Christian</l> +<l>Science, and the last error will be worse than the first—</l> +<l>inasmuch as wilful transgression brings greater torment</l> +<l>than ignorance.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Cruce Salus</head> + +<lg> +<l>The sum total of Love reflected is exemplified, and [21]</l> +<l>includes the whole duty of man: Truth perverted, in</l> +<l>belief, becomes the creator of the claim of error. To</l> +<l>affirm mentally and audibly that God is All and there is</l> +<l>no sickness and no sin, makes mortals either saints or [25]</l> +<l>sinners.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Truth talked and not lived, rolls on the human heart</l> +<l>a stone; consigns sensibility to the charnel-house of sen-</l> +<l>suality, ease, self-love, self-justification, there to moulder</l> +<l>and rot. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='294'/><anchor id='Pg294'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 294.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The noblest work of God is man in the image of his [1]</l> +<l>Maker; the last infirmity of evil is so-called man, swayed</l> +<l>by the maëlstrom of human passions, elbowing the con-</l> +<l>cepts of his own creating, making place for himself and</l> +<l>displacing his fellows. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A real Christian Scientist is a marvel, a miracle in the</l> +<l>universe of mortal mind. With selfless love, he inscribes</l> +<l>on the heart of humanity and transcribes on the page</l> +<l>of reality the living, palpable presence—the might and</l> +<l>majesty!—of goodness. He lives for all mankind, and [10]</l> +<l>honors his creator.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The <hi rend='italic'>vice versa</hi> of this man is sometimes called a</l> +<l>man, but he is a small animal: a hived bee, with sting</l> +<l>ready for each kind touch, he makes honey out of</l> +<l>the flowers of human hearts and hides it in his cell of [15]</l> +<l>ingratitude.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>O friendly hand! keep back thy offerings from asps</l> +<l>and apes, from wolves in sheep's clothing and all raven-</l> +<l>ing beasts. Love such specimens of mortality just enough</l> +<l>to reform and transform them,—if it be possible,— [20]</l> +<l>and then, look out for their stings, and jaws, and claws;</l> +<l>but thank God and take courage,—that you desire to</l> +<l>help even such as these.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Comparison to English Barmaids</head> + +<lg> +<l>Since my residence in Concord, N. H., I have read [25]</l> +<l>the daily paper, and had become an admirer of Edgar</l> +<l>L. Wakeman's terse, graphic, and poetic style in his</l> +<l><q>Wanderings,</q> richly flavored with the true ideas of</l> +<l>humanity and equality. In an issue of January 17, how-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='295'/><anchor id='Pg295'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 295.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ever, were certain references to American women which [1]</l> +<l>deserve and elicit brief comment.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Mr. Wakeman writes from London, that a noted Eng-</l> +<l>lish leader, whom he quotes without naming, avers that</l> +<l>the <q>cursed barmaid system</q> in England is evolved by [5]</l> +<l>the same power which in America leads women <q rend='pre'>along</q></l> +<l>a gamut of isms and ists, from female suffrage, past a</l> +<l><q rend='post'>score of reforms, to Christian Science.</q> This anony-</l> +<l>mous talker further declares, that the central cause of</l> +<l>this <q>same original evil</q> is <q rend='pre'>a female passion for some</q> [10]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>manner of notoriety.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is Mr. Wakeman <emph>awake</emph>, and caught napping? While</l> +<l>praising the Scotchman's national pride and affection,</l> +<l>has our American correspondent lost these sentiments</l> +<l>from his own breast? Has he forgotten how to honor [15]</l> +<l>his native land and defend the dignity of her daughters</l> +<l>with his ready pen and pathos?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The flaunting and floundering statements of the great</l> +<l>unknown for whose ability and popularity Mr. Wakeman</l> +<l>strongly vouches, should not only be queried, but flatly [20]</l> +<l>contradicted, as both untrue and uncivil. English senti-</l> +<l>ment is not wholly represented by one man. Nor is the</l> +<l>world ignorant of the fact that high and pure ethical</l> +<l>tones do resound from Albion's shores. The most ad-</l> +<l>vanced ideas are inscribed on tablets of such an organi- [25]</l> +<l>zation as the Victoria Institute, or Philosophical Society</l> +<l>of Great Britain, an institution which names itself after</l> +<l>her who is unquestionably the best queen on earth; who</l> +<l>for a half century has with such dignity, clemency, and</l> +<l>virtue worn the English crown and borne the English [30]</l> +<l>sceptre.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Now, I am a Christian Scientist,—the Founder of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='296'/><anchor id='Pg296'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 296.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>this system of religion,—widely known; and, by special [1]</l> +<l>invitation, have allowed myself to be elected an associate</l> +<l>life-member of the Victoria Institute, which numbers</l> +<l>among its constituents and managers—not barmaids,</l> +<l>but bishops—profound philosophers, brilliant scholars. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Was it ignorance of American society and history,</l> +<l>together with unfamiliarity with the work and career</l> +<l>of American women, which led the unknown author</l> +<l>cited by Mr. Wakeman to overflow in shallow sarcasm,</l> +<l>and place the barmaids of English alehouses and rail- [10]</l> +<l>ways in the same category with noble women who min-</l> +<l>ister in the sick-room, give their time and strength to</l> +<l>binding up the wounds of the broken-hearted, and live</l> +<l>on the plan of heaven?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This writer classes Christian Science with theosophy [15]</l> +<l>and spiritualism; whereas, they are by no means iden-</l> +<l>tical—nor even similar. Christian Science, antagonis-</l> +<l>tic to intemperance, as to all immorality, is by no means</l> +<l>associated therewith. Do manly Britons patronize tap-</l> +<l>rooms and lazar-houses, and thus note or foster a fem- [20]</l> +<l>inine ambition which, in this unknown gentleman's</l> +<l>language, <q>poises and poses, higgles and wriggles</q> it-</l> +<l>self into publicity? Why fall into such patronage, unless</l> +<l>from their affinity for the worst forms of vice?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And the barmaids! Do they enter this line of occu- [25]</l> +<l>pation from a desire for notoriety and a wish to promote</l> +<l>female suffrage? or are they incited thereto by their</l> +<l>own poverty and the bad appetites of men? What man-</l> +<l>ner of man <emph>is</emph> this unknown individual who utters bar-</l> +<l>maid and Christian Scientist in the same breath? If he [30]</l> +<l>but knew whereof he speaks, <emph>his</emph> shame would not lose</l> +<l>its blush!</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='297'/><anchor id='Pg297'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 297.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Taking into account the short time that has elapsed [1]</l> +<l>since the discovery of Christian Science, one readily sees</l> +<l>that this Science has distanced all other religious and</l> +<l>pathological systems for physical and moral reforma-</l> +<l>tion. In the direction of temperance it has achieved far [5]</l> +<l>more than has been accomplished by legally coercive</l> +<l>measures,—and because this Science bases its work on</l> +<l>ethical conditions and mentally destroys the appetite for</l> +<l>alcoholic drinks.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Smart journalism is allowable, nay, it is commend- [10]</l> +<l>able; but the public cannot swallow reports of American</l> +<l>affairs from a surly censor ventilating his lofty scorn of</l> +<l>the sects, or societies, of a nation that perhaps he has</l> +<l>never visited.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Christian Science Statute</head> + +<lg> +<l>I hereby state, in unmistakable language, the follow- [16]</l> +<l>ing statute in the <hi rend='italic'>morale</hi> of Christian Science:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A man or woman, having voluntarily entered into</l> +<l>wedlock, and accepted the claims of the marriage cove-</l> +<l>nant, is held in Christian Science as morally bound to [20]</l> +<l>fulfil all the claims growing out of this contract, unless</l> +<l>such claims are relinquished by mutual consent of both</l> +<l>parties, or this contract is legally dissolved. If the man</l> +<l>is dominant over the animal, he will count the conse-</l> +<l>quences of his own conduct; will consider the effects, [25]</l> +<l>on himself and his progeny, of selfishness, unmerciful-</l> +<l>ness, tyranny, or lust.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Trust Truth, not error; and Truth will give you all</l> +<l>that belongs to the rights of freedom. The Hebrew bard</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='298'/><anchor id='Pg298'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 298.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>wrote, <q rend='pre'>Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>not unto thine own understanding.</q> Nothing is gained</l> +<l>by wrong-doing. St. Paul's words take in the situation:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Not ... (as we be slanderously reported, and as some</q></l> +<l>affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>whose damnation is just.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When causing others to go astray, we also are wan-</l> +<l>derers. <q rend='pre'>With what measure ye mete, it shall be meas-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>ured to you again.</q> Ask yourself: Under the same</l> +<l>circumstances, in the same spiritual ignorance and power [10]</l> +<l>of passion, would I be strengthened by having my best</l> +<l>friend break troth with me? These words of St. Matthew</l> +<l>have special application to Christian Scientists; namely,</l> +<l><q>It is not good to marry.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To build on selfishness is to build on sand. When [15]</l> +<l>Jesus received the material rite of water baptism, he did</l> +<l>not say that it was God's command; but implied that</l> +<l>the period demanded it. Trials purify mortals and deliver</l> +<l>them from themselves,—all the claims of sensuality.</l> +<l>Abide by the <hi rend='italic'>morale</hi> of absolute Christian Science,— +[20]</l> +<l>self-abnegation and purity; then Truth delivers you from</l> +<l>the seeming power of error, and faith vested in righteous-</l> +<l>ness triumphs!</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Advice To Students</head> + +<lg> +<l>The true consciousness is the true health. One says, [25]</l> +<l><q>I find relief from pain in unconscious sleep.</q> I say,</l> +<l>You mistake; through unconsciousness one no more</l> +<l>gains freedom from pain than immunity from evil. When</l> +<l>unconscious of a mistake, one thinks he is not mistaken;</l> +<l>but this false consciousness does not change the fact, or [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='299'/><anchor id='Pg299'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 299.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>its results; suffering and mistakes recur until one is awake [1]</l> +<l>to their cause and character. To know the what, when,</l> +<l>and how of error, destroys error. The error that is seen</l> +<l>aright as error, has received its death-blow; but never</l> +<l>until then. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let us look through the lens of Christian Science,</l> +<l>not of <q>self,</q> at the following mistake, which demands</l> +<l>our present attention. I have no time for detailed report</l> +<l>of this matter, but simply answer the following question</l> +<l>sent to me; glad, indeed, that this query has finally come [10]</l> +<l>with the courage of conviction to the minds of many</l> +<l>students.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Is it right to copy your works and read them for our</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>public services?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The good which the material senses see not is the only [15]</l> +<l>absolute good; the evil which these senses see not is the</l> +<l>only absolute evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If I enter Mr. Smith's store and take from it his gar-</l> +<l>ments that are on sale, array myself in them, and put</l> +<l>myself and them on exhibition, can I make this right [20]</l> +<l>by saying, These garments are Mr. Smith's; he manu-</l> +<l>factured them and owns them, but you must pay me,</l> +<l>not him, for this exhibit?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The spectators may ask, Did he give you permission</l> +<l>to do this, did he sell them or loan them to you? No. [25]</l> +<l>Then have you asked yourself this question on the sub-</l> +<l>ject, namely, What right have I to do this? True, it</l> +<l>saves your purchasing these garments, and gives to the</l> +<l>public new patterns which are useful to them; but does</l> +<l>this silence your conscience? or, because you have con- [30]</l> +<l>fessed that they are the property of a noted firm, and</l> +<l>you wished to handle them, does it justify you in appro-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='300'/><anchor id='Pg300'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 300.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>priating them, and so avoiding the cost of hiring or [1]</l> +<l>purchasing?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Copying my published works <hi rend='italic'>verbatim</hi>, compiling them</l> +<l>in connection with the Scriptures, taking this copy into</l> +<l>the pulpit, announcing the author's name, then reading [5]</l> +<l>it publicly as your own compilation, is—what?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We answer, It is a mistake; in common parlance, it</l> +<l>is an <emph>ignorant</emph> wrong.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If you should print and publish your copy of my works,</l> +<l>you would be liable to arrest for infringement of copy- [10]</l> +<l>right, which the law defines and punishes as theft. Read-</l> +<l>ing in the pulpit from copies of my publications gives</l> +<l>you the clergyman's salary and spares you the printer's</l> +<l>bill, but does it spare you our Master's condemnation?</l> +<l>You literally publish my works through the pulpit, instead [15]</l> +<l>of the press, and thus evade the law, <emph>but not the gospel</emph>.</l> +<l>When I consent to this act, you will then be justified</l> +<l>in it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Your manuscript copy is liable, in some way, to be</l> +<l>printed as your original writings, thus incurring the pen- [20]</l> +<l>alty of the law, and increasing the record of theft in the</l> +<l>United States Circuit Court.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To The Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, which I</l> +<l>had organized and of which I had for many years been</l> +<l>pastor, I gave permission to cite, in the <hi rend='italic'>Christian Science</hi> +[25]</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Quarterly</hi>, from my work Science and Health, passages</l> +<l>giving the spiritual meaning of Bible texts; but this was</l> +<l>a special privilege, and the author's gift.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science demonstrates that the patient who</l> +<l>pays whatever he is able to pay for being healed, is more [30]</l> +<l>apt to recover than he who withholds a slight equiva-</l> +<l>lent for health. Healing morally and physically are one.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='301'/><anchor id='Pg301'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 301.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Then, is compiling and delivering that sermon for which [1]</l> +<l>you pay nothing, and which you deliver without the</l> +<l>author's consent, and receive pay therefor, the <emph>precedent</emph></l> +<l>for preaching Christian Science,—and are you doing</l> +<l>to the author of the above-named book as you would [5]</l> +<l>have others do unto you?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Those authors and editors of pamphlets and periodi-</l> +<l>cals whose substance is made up of my publications, are</l> +<l>morally responsible for what the law construes as crime.</l> +<l>There are startling instances of the above-named law- [10]</l> +<l>breaking and gospel-opposing system of authorship, which</l> +<l>characterize the writings of a few professed Christian</l> +<l>Scientists. My Christian students who have read copies</l> +<l>of my works in the pulpit require only a word to be wise;</l> +<l>too sincere and morally statuesque are they to be long [15]</l> +<l>led into temptation; but I must not leave persistent</l> +<l>plagiarists without this word of warning in public, since</l> +<l>my private counsel they disregard.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To the question of my true-hearted students, <q rend='pre'>Is it</q></l> +<l>right to copy your works and read them for our public [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>services?</q> I answer: It is not right to copy my book</l> +<l>and read it publicly <emph>without my consent</emph>. My reasons are</l> +<l>as follows:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>First:</hi> This method is an unseen form of injustice</l> +<l>standing in a holy place. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Second:</hi> It breaks the Golden Rule,—a divine rule</l> +<l>for human conduct.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Third:</hi> All error tends to harden the heart, blind</l> +<l>the eyes, stop the ears of understanding, and inflate</l> +<l>self; counter to the commands of our hillside Priest, to [30]</l> +<l>whom Isaiah alluded thus: <q rend='pre'>I have trodden the wine-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>press alone; and of the people there was none with me.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='302'/><anchor id='Pg302'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 302.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Behind the scenes lurks an evil which you can prevent: [1]</l> +<l>it is a purpose to kill the reformation begun and increas-</l> +<l>ing through the instructions of <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Key to the Scriptures;</q> it encourages infringement of my</l> +<l>copyright, and seeks again to <q>cast lots for his vesture,</q>—while [5]</l> +<l>the perverter preserves in his own consciousness</l> +<l>and teaching the name without the Spirit, the skeleton</l> +<l>without the heart, the form without the comeliness, the</l> +<l>sense without the Science, of Christ's healing. My stu-</l> +<l>dents are expected to know the teaching of Christian Sci- [10]</l> +<l>ence sufficiently to discriminate between error and Truth,</l> +<l>thus sparing their teacher a task and themselves the</l> +<l>temptation to be misled.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Much good has been accomplished through Christian</l> +<l>Science Sunday services. If Christian Scientists occasion- [15]</l> +<l>ally mistake in interpreting revealed Truth, of two evils</l> +<l>the less would be <emph>not</emph> to leave the Word unspoken and</l> +<l>untaught. I allowed, till this permission was <emph>withdrawn</emph>,</l> +<l>students working faithfully for Christ's cause on earth,</l> +<l>the privilege of copying and reading my works for Sunday [20]</l> +<l>service; <emph>provided</emph>, they each and all destroyed the copies</l> +<l>at once after said service. When I should so elect and</l> +<l>give suitable notice, they were to desist from further copy-</l> +<l>ing of my writings as aforesaid.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This injunction did not curtail the benefit which the [25]</l> +<l>student derived from making his copy, nor detract from</l> +<l>the good that his hearers received from his reading thereof;</l> +<l>but it was intended to forestall the possible evil of putting</l> +<l>the divine teachings contained in <q rend='pre'>Science and Health</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>with Key to the Scriptures</q> into human hands, to sub- [30]</l> +<l>vert or to liquidate.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I recommend that students stay within their own fields</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='303'/><anchor id='Pg303'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 303.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>of labor, to work for the race; they are lights that can- [1]</l> +<l>not be hid, and need only to shine from their home sum-</l> +<l>mits to be sought and found as healers physical and</l> +<l>moral.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The kindly shepherd has his own fold and tends his [5]</l> +<l>own flock. Christian students should have their own</l> +<l>institutes and, <emph>unmolested</emph>, be governed by divine Love</l> +<l>alone in teaching and guiding their students. When</l> +<l>wisdom garrisons these strongholds of Christian Science,</l> +<l>peace and joy, the fruits of Spirit, will rest upon us all. [10]</l> +<l>We are brethren in the fullest sense of that word; there-</l> +<l>fore no queries should arise as to <q rend='pre'>who shall be great-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>est.</q> Let us serve instead of rule, knock instead of</l> +<l>push at the door of human hearts, and allow to each</l> +<l>and every one the same rights and privileges that we [15]</l> +<l>claim for ourselves. If ever I wear out from serving</l> +<l>students, it shall be in the effort to help them to obey</l> +<l>the Ten Commandments and imbibe the spirit of Christ's</l> +<l>Beatitudes.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Notice</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Editor of Christian Science Journal</hi>:—You will oblige</l> +<l>me by giving place in your <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> to the following notice.</l> +<l>The idea and purpose of a Liberty Bell is pleasing, and</l> +<l>can be made profitable to the heart of our country. I feel</l> +<l>assured that many Christian Scientists will respond to this [25]</l> +<l>letter by contributions.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Baker Eddy</hi></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='304'/><anchor id='Pg304'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 304.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Columbian Liberty Bell Committee,</hi> [1]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>1505 Penna. Ave., Washington, D. C.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>To the Daughters of the American Revolution:—</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It has been determined to create a Columbian Liberty</l> +<l>Bell, to be placed by the lovers of liberty and peace in [5]</l> +<l>the most appropriate place in the coming World's Expo-</l> +<l>sition at Chicago. After the close of the Exhibition this</l> +<l>bell will pass from place to place throughout the world</l> +<l>as a missionary of freedom, coming first to the capital</l> +<l>of the nation under the care of our society. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Then it will go to Bunker Hill or Liberty Island, to</l> +<l>the battle-field of New Orleans (1812), to San Francisco,</l> +<l>to the place where any great patriotic celebration is being</l> +<l>held, until 1900, when it will be sent to the next World's</l> +<l>Exhibition, which takes place at Paris, France. There it [15]</l> +<l>will continue until that Exhibition closes.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When not in use in other places, it will return to Wash-</l> +<l>ington under the care of the Daughters of the American</l> +<l>Revolution. Washington will be its home, and from there</l> +<l>it will journey from place to place, fulfilling its mission [20]</l> +<l>throughout the world.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The following is the proposed use of the bell: It shall</l> +<l>ring at sunrise and sunset; at nine o'clock in the morn-</l> +<l>ing on the anniversaries of the days on which great events</l> +<l>have occurred marking the world's progress toward liberty; [25]</l> +<l>at twelve o'clock on the birthdays of the <q rend='pre'>creators of</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>liberty;</q> and at four o'clock it will toll on the anniver-</l> +<l>saries of their death. (It will always ring at nine o'clock</l> +<l>on October 11th, in recognition of the organization on</l> +<l>that day of the Daughters of the American Revolution.) [30]</l> +<l>... The responsibility of its production, and the direc-</l> +<l>tion of its use, have been placed in the hands of a</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='305'/><anchor id='Pg305'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 305.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>committee of women representing each State and Ter- [1]</l> +<l>ritory, one representative from each Republic in the</l> +<l>world, and a representative from the patriotic societies,</l> +<l>—Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution,</l> +<l>the Lyceum League of America, the Society of Ger- [5]</l> +<l>man Patriots, the Human Freedom League, and kindred</l> +<l>organizations.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The National Board of Management has placed upon</l> +<l>me the responsibility of representing the National Society</l> +<l>of the Daughters of the American Revolution upon the [10]</l> +<l>General Committee, and this circular is sent to every</l> +<l>member of the society, asking for her personal coopera-</l> +<l>tion in making the undertaking successful. In creating</l> +<l>the bell it is particularly desired that the largest number</l> +<l>of persons possible shall have a part in it. For this reason [15]</l> +<l>small contributions from many persons are to be asked</l> +<l>for, rather than large contributions from a few. They</l> +<l>are to be of two kinds:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>First:</hi> Material that can be made a part of the bell;</l> +<l>articles of historic interest will be particularly appre- [20]</l> +<l>ciated—gold, silver, bronze, copper, and nickel can be</l> +<l>fused.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Second:</hi> Of money with which to pay for the bell.</l> +<l>Each member of the society is asked to contribute one</l> +<l>cent to be fused into the bell, and twenty-five cents to [25]</l> +<l>pay for it. She is also asked to collect two dollars from</l> +<l>others, in pennies, if possible, and send with the amount</l> +<l>the name of each contributor. In order that the bell</l> +<l>shall be cast April 30th, the anniversary of the inaugu-</l> +<l>ration of George Washington as the first President of [30]</l> +<l>the United States, we ask every one receiving this cir-</l> +<l>cular <hi rend='italic'>to act at once</hi>.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='306'/><anchor id='Pg306'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 306.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>In forwarding material to be melted into the bell, please [1]</l> +<l>send fullest historical description. This will be entered</l> +<l>carefully in a book which will accompany the bell wherever</l> +<l>it goes.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>... As the motto has not yet been decided upon, any [5]</l> +<l>ideas on that subject will be gratefully received; we will</l> +<l>also welcome suggestions of events to be celebrated and</l> +<l>names to be commemorated.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Very cordially yours,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 4'><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mary Desha</hi>,</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ex-Vice-President General, D. A. R.</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Contributions should be sent to the Liberty National</l> +<l>Bank, corner Liberty and West Streets, New York, and</l> +<l>a duplicate letter written, as a notification of the same,</l> +<l>to Miss Mary Desha, 1505 Penna. Ave., Washington, [15]</l> +<l>D. C., or to Miss Minnie F. Mickley, Mickleys, Pa.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We would add, as being of interest, that Mrs. Eddy is</l> +<l>a member of the above organization, having been made</l> +<l>such by the special request of the late Mrs. Harrison,</l> +<l>wife of the ex-President, who was at that time the Presi- [20]</l> +<l>dent thereof.—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Ed.</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Angels</head> + +<lg> +<l>When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, [1]</l> +<l>nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but</l> +<l>we know their presence by the love they create in our [25]</l> +<l>hearts. Oh, may you feel <emph>this</emph> touch,—it is not the</l> +<l>clasping of hands, nor a loved person present; it is more</l> +<l>than this: it is a spiritual idea that lights your path!</l> +<l>The Psalmist saith: <q rend='pre'>He shall give His angels charge</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='307'/><anchor id='Pg307'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 307.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>over thee.</q> God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in [1]</l> +<l>turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-</l> +<l>morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present</l> +<l>help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have</l> +<l>all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance [5]</l> +<l>is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent</l> +<l>Love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want:</l> +<l>more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the</l> +<l><q>Peace, be still</q> to all human fears, to suffering of every</l> +<l>sort. [10]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Deification Of Personality</head> + +<lg> +<l>Notwithstanding the rapid sale already of two editions</l> +<l>of <q>Christ and Christmas,</q> and many orders on hand, I</l> +<l>have thought best to stop its publication.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In this revolutionary religious period, the increasing [15]</l> +<l>inquiry of mankind as to Christianity and its unity—</l> +<l>and above all, God's love opening the eyes of the blind—is</l> +<l>fast fitting all minds for the proper reception of</l> +<l>Christian Science healing.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>But I must stand on this absolute basis of Christian [20]</l> +<l>Science; namely, Cast not pearls before the unprepared</l> +<l>thought. Idolatry is an easily-besetting sin of all peoples.</l> +<l>The apostle saith, <q rend='pre'>Little children, keep yourselves from</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>idols.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The illustrations were not intended for a golden calf, [25]</l> +<l>at which the sick may look and be healed. Christian</l> +<l>Scientists should beware of unseen snares, and adhere</l> +<l>to the divine Principle and rules for demonstration.</l> +<l>They must guard against the deification of finite personality.</l> +<l>Every human thought must turn instinctively to [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='308'/><anchor id='Pg308'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 308.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the divine Mind as its sole centre and intelligence. Until [1]</l> +<l>this be done, man will never be found harmonious and</l> +<l>immortal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whosoever looks to me personally for his health or</l> +<l>holiness, mistakes. He that by reason of human love or [5]</l> +<l>hatred or any other cause clings to my material per-</l> +<l>sonality, greatly errs, stops his own progress, and loses</l> +<l>the path to health, happiness, and heaven. The Scrip-</l> +<l>tures and Christian Science reveal <q>the way,</q> and per-</l> +<l>sonal revelators will take their proper place in history, [10]</l> +<l>but will not be deified.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Advanced scientific students are ready for <q rend='pre'>Christ</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and Christmas;</q> but those are a minority of its readers,</l> +<l>and even they know its practicality only by healing</l> +<l>the sick on its divine Principle. In the words of the [15]</l> +<l>prophet, <q rend='pre'>Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Lord.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Friends, strangers, and Christian Scientists, I thank</l> +<l>you, each and all, for your liberal patronage and scholarly,</l> +<l>artistic, and scientific notices of my book. This little [20]</l> +<l>messenger has done its work, fulfilled its mission, retired</l> +<l>with honor (and mayhap taught me more than it has</l> +<l>others), only to reappear in due season. The knowledge</l> +<l>that I have gleaned from its fruitage is, that intensely</l> +<l>contemplating personality impedes spiritual growth; even [25]</l> +<l>as holding in mind the consciousness of disease prevents</l> +<l>the recovery of the sick.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science is taught through its divine Prin-</l> +<l>ciple, which is invisible to corporeal sense. A material</l> +<l>human likeness is the antipode of man in the image and [30]</l> +<l>likeness of God. Hence, a finite person is not the model</l> +<l>for a metaphysician. I earnestly advise all Christian</l> +<l>Scientists to remove from their observation or study</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='309'/><anchor id='Pg309'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 309.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the personal sense of any one, and not to dwell in thought [1]</l> +<l>upon their own or others' corporeality, either as good or</l> +<l>evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>According to Christian Science, material personality is</l> +<l>an error in premise, and must result in erroneous con- [5]</l> +<l>clusions. All will agree with me that material portraiture</l> +<l>often fails to express even mortal man, and this declares</l> +<l>its unfitness for fable or fact to build upon.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The face of Jesus has uniformly been so unnaturally</l> +<l>delineated that it has turned many from the true con- [10]</l> +<l>templation of his character. He advances most in divine</l> +<l>Science who meditates most on infinite spiritual sub-</l> +<l>stance and intelligence. Experience proves this true.</l> +<l>Pondering on the finite personality of Jesus, the son of</l> +<l>man, is not the channel through which we reach the [15]</l> +<l>Christ, or Son of God, the true idea of man's divine</l> +<l>Principle.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I warn students against falling into the error of anti-</l> +<l>Christ. The consciousness of corporeality, and what-</l> +<l>ever is connected therewith, must be outgrown. Corporeal [20]</l> +<l>falsities include all obstacles to health, holiness, and</l> +<l>heaven. Man's individual life is infinitely above a</l> +<l>bodily form of existence, and the human concept an-</l> +<l>tagonizes the divine. <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to the Scriptures,</q> on page 229, third and fourth para- [25]</l> +<l>graphs, elucidates this topic.<note place='foot'>See +the revised edition of 1890, or page 334 in editions subsequent +to 1902.</note></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My Christmas poem and its illustrations are not a text-</l> +<l>book. Scientists sometimes take things too intensely.</l> +<l>Let them soberly adhere to the Bible and Science and</l> +<l>Health, which contain all and much more than they [30]</l> +<l>have yet learned. We should prohibit ourselves the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='310'/><anchor id='Pg310'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 310.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>childish pleasure of studying Truth through the senses, [1]</l> +<l>for this is neither the intent of my works nor possible</l> +<l>in Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Even the teachings of Jesus would be misused by sub-</l> +<l>stituting personality for the Christ, or the impersonal [5]</l> +<l>form of Truth, amplified in this age by the discovery of</l> +<l>Christian Science. To impersonalize scientifically the</l> +<l>material sense of existence—rather than cling to per-</l> +<l>sonality—is the lesson of to-day.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Card</head> + +<lg> +<l>My answer to manifold letters relative to the return</l> +<l>of members that have gone out of The First Church of</l> +<l>Christ, Scientist, in Boston, is this: While my affec-</l> +<l>tions plead for all and every one, and my desire is that</l> +<l>all shall be redeemed, I am not unmindful that the Scrip- [15]</l> +<l>tures enjoin, <q rend='pre'>Let all things be done decently and in</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>order.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To continue one's connection with this church, or to</l> +<l>regain it, one must comply with the church rules. All</l> +<l>who desire its fellowship, and to become members of it, [20]</l> +<l>must send in their petitions to this effect to the Clerk</l> +<l>of the church; and upon a meeting being called, the</l> +<l>First Members will determine the action of the church</l> +<l>on this subject.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Overflowing Thoughts</head> + +<lg> +<l>In this receding year of religious jubilee, 1894, I as [26]</l> +<l>an individual would cordially invite all persons who</l> +<l>have left our fold, together with those who never have</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='311'/><anchor id='Pg311'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 311.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>been in it,—all who love God and keep His command- [1]</l> +<l>ments,—to come and unite with The Mother Church in</l> +<l>Boston. The true Christian Scientists will be welcomed,</l> +<l>greeted as brethren endeavoring to walk with us hand</l> +<l>in hand, as we journey to the celestial city. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Also, I would extend a tender invitation to Christian</l> +<l>Scientists' students, those who are ready for the table of</l> +<l>our Lord: so, should we follow Christ's teachings; so,</l> +<l>bury the dead past; so, loving one another, go forth to</l> +<l>the full vintage-time, exemplifying what we profess. But [10]</l> +<l>some of the older members are not quite ready to take</l> +<l>this advanced step in the full spirit of that charity which</l> +<l>thinketh no evil; and if it be not taken thus, it is impracti-</l> +<l>cal, unfruitful, Soul-less.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My deepest desires and daily labors go to prove that [15]</l> +<l>I love my enemies and would help all to gain the abiding</l> +<l>consciousness of health, happiness, and heaven.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I hate no one; and love others more than they can</l> +<l>love me. As I now understand Christian Science, I would</l> +<l>as soon harm myself as another; since by breaking [20]</l> +<l>Christ's command, <q rend='pre'>Thou shalt love thy neighbor as</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>thyself,</q> I should lose my hope of heaven.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The works I have written on Christian Science con-</l> +<l>tain absolute Truth, and my necessity was to tell it;</l> +<l>therefore I did this even as a surgeon who wounds [25]</l> +<l>to heal. I was a scribe under orders; and who can</l> +<l>refrain from transcribing what God indites, and ought</l> +<l>not that one to take the cup, drink all of it, and give</l> +<l>thanks?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Being often reported as saying what never escaped [30]</l> +<l>from my lips, when rehearsing facts concerning others</l> +<l>who were reporting false charges, I have been sorry that</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='312'/><anchor id='Pg312'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 312.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>I spoke at all, and wished I were wise enough to guard [1]</l> +<l>against that temptation. Oh, may the love that is talked,</l> +<l>be <emph>felt</emph>! and so <emph>lived</emph>, that when weighed in the scale of</l> +<l>God we be not found wanting. Love is consistent, uni-</l> +<l>form, sympathetic, self-sacrificing, unutterably kind; even [5]</l> +<l>that which lays all upon the altar, and, speechless and</l> +<l>alone, bears all burdens, suffers all inflictions, endures</l> +<l>all piercing for the sake of others, and for the kingdom</l> +<l>of heaven's sake.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Great Man And His Saying</head> + +<lg> +<l>Hon. Charles Carrol Bonney, President of the World's [11]</l> +<l>Congress Auxiliary, in his remarks before that body,</l> +<l>said, <q rend='pre'>No more striking manifestation of the interposi-</q></l> +<l>tion of divine Providence in human affairs has come in</l> +<l>recent years, than that shown in the raising up of the [15]</l> +<l>body of people known as Christian Scientists, who are</l> +<l>called to declare the real harmony between religion and</l> +<l>Science, and to restore the waning faith of many in the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>verities of the sacred Scriptures.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In honest utterance of veritable history, and his own [20]</l> +<l>spiritual discernment, this man must have risen above</l> +<l>worldly schemes, human theorems or hypotheses, to</l> +<l>conclusions which reason too supine or misemployed</l> +<l>cannot fasten upon. He spake inspired; he touched a</l> +<l>tone of Truth that will continue to reverberate and renew [25]</l> +<l>its emphasis throughout the entire centuries, into the vast</l> +<l>forever.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='313'/><anchor id='Pg313'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 313.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Words Of Commendation</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Editor of The Christian Science Journal</hi>:—Permit me</l> +<l>to say that your editorial in the August number is <hi rend='italic'>par</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>excellence</hi>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is a digest of good manners, morals, methods, and [5]</l> +<l>means. It points to the scientific spiritual molecule,</l> +<l>pearl, and pinnacle, that everybody needs. May the</l> +<l>Christlikeness it reflects rest on the dear readers, and</l> +<l>throw the light of penetration on the page; even as the</l> +<l>dawn, kindling its glories in the east, lightens earth's [10]</l> +<l>landscape.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I thank the contributors to <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> for their jewels of thought, so adapted to the</l> +<l>hour, and without ill-humor or hyperbolic tumor. I</l> +<l>was impressed by the articles entitled <q rend='pre'>The New Pas-</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>tor,</q> by Rev. Lanson P. Norcross, <q>The Lamp,</q> by</l> +<l>Walter Church, <q>The Temptation,</q> a poem by J. J.</l> +<l>Rome, etc.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The field waves its white ensign, the reapers are strong,</l> +<l>the rich sheaves are ripe, the storehouse is ready: pray [20]</l> +<l>ye therefore the God of harvest to send forth more</l> +<l>laborers of the excellent sort, and garner the supplies</l> +<l>for a world.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Church And School</head> + +<lg> +<l>Humbly, and, as I believe, divinely directed, I hereby [25]</l> +<l>ordain the Bible, and <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to the Scriptures,</q> to be hereafter the only pastor of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='314'/><anchor id='Pg314'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 314.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The Church of Christ, Scientist, throughout our land [1]</l> +<l>and in other lands.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>From this date the Sunday services of our denomina-</l> +<l>tion shall be conducted by Readers in lieu of pastors.</l> +<l>Each church, or society formed for Sunday worship, [5]</l> +<l>shall elect two Readers: a male, and a female. One of</l> +<l>these individuals shall open the meeting by reading the</l> +<l>hymns, and chapter (or portion of the chapter) in the</l> +<l>Bible, lead in silent prayer, and repeat in concert with</l> +<l>the congregation the Lord's Prayer. Also, this First [10]</l> +<l>Reader shall give out any notices from the pulpit, shall</l> +<l>read the Scriptures indicated in the Sunday School Les-</l> +<l>son of the <hi rend='italic'>Christian Science Quarterly</hi>, and shall pro-</l> +<l>nounce the benediction.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The First Reader shall read from my book, <q rend='pre'>Science</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> alternately in</l> +<l>response to the congregation, the spiritual interpreta-</l> +<l>tion of the Lord's Prayer; also, shall read all the selec-</l> +<l>tions from Science and Health referred to in the Sunday</l> +<l>Lessons. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Reader of the Scriptures shall name, at each</l> +<l>reading, the book, chapter, and verses. The Reader of</l> +<l><q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> shall</l> +<l>commence by announcing the full title of this book, with</l> +<l>the name of its author, and add to this announcement, [25]</l> +<l><q>the Christian Science textbook.</q> It is unnecessary to</l> +<l>repeat the title or page. This form shall also be observed</l> +<l>at the Communion service; the selections from both the</l> +<l>Bible and the Christian Science textbook shall be taken</l> +<l>from the <hi rend='italic'>Quarterly</hi>, as heretofore, and this Lesson shall +[30]</l> +<l>be such as is adapted to that service. On the first Sunday</l> +<l>of each month, except Communion Sunday, a sermon</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='315'/><anchor id='Pg315'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 315.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>shall be preached to the children, from selections taken [1]</l> +<l>from the Scriptures and Science and Health, especially</l> +<l>adapted to the occasion, and read after the manner of</l> +<l>the Sunday service. The children's service shall be</l> +<l>held on the Sunday following Communion Day. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No copies from my books are allowed to be written,</l> +<l>and read from manuscripts, either in private or in pub-</l> +<l>lic assemblies, except by their author.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Scientists, all over the world, who are let-</l> +<l>terly fit and specially spiritually fitted for teachers, can [10]</l> +<l>teach annually three classes only. They shall teach</l> +<l>from the Christian Science textbook. Each class shall</l> +<l>consist of not over thirty-three students, carefully selected,</l> +<l>and only of such as have promising proclivities toward</l> +<l>Christian Science. The teacher shall hold himself mor- [15]</l> +<l>ally obligated to look after the welfare of his students,</l> +<l>not only through class term, but after it; and to watch</l> +<l>well that they prove sound in sentiment, health, and</l> +<l>practical Christian Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Teaching Christian Science shall be no question of [20]</l> +<l>money, but of morals and of uplifting the race. Teachers</l> +<l>shall form associations for this purpose; and for the</l> +<l>first few years, convene as often as once in three months.</l> +<l>Teachers shall not silently mentally address the thought,</l> +<l>to handle it, nor allow their students to do thus, except [25]</l> +<l>the individual needing it asks for mental treatment.</l> +<l>They shall steadily and patiently strive to educate their</l> +<l>students in conformity to the unerring wisdom and law</l> +<l>of God, and shall enjoin upon them habitually to study</l> +<l>His revealed Word, the Scriptures, and <q rend='pre'>Science and</q> [30]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>They shall teach their students how to defend them-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='316'/><anchor id='Pg316'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 316.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>selves against mental malpractice, but never to return [1]</l> +<l>evil for evil; never to attack the malpractitioner, but</l> +<l>to know the truth that makes free,—and so to be a law</l> +<l>not unto others, but themselves.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Class, Pulpit, Students' Students</head> + +<lg> +<l>When will you take a class in Christian Science or [6]</l> +<l>speak to your church in Boston? is often asked.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I shall speak to my dear church at Boston very seldom.</l> +<l>The Mother Church must be self-sustained by God.</l> +<l>The date of a class in Christian Science should depend [10]</l> +<l>on the fitness of things, the tide which flows heavenward,</l> +<l>the hour best for the student. Until minds become less</l> +<l>worldly-minded, and depart farther from the primitives</l> +<l>of the race, and have profited up to their present capac-</l> +<l>ity from the written word, they are not ready for the [15]</l> +<l>word spoken at this date.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My juniors can tell others what they know, and turn</l> +<l>them slowly toward the haven. Imperative, accumula-</l> +<l>tive, sweet demands rest on my retirement from life's</l> +<l>bustle. What, then, of continual recapitulation of tired [20]</l> +<l>aphorisms and disappointed ethics; of patching breaches</l> +<l>widened the next hour; of pounding wisdom and love</l> +<l>into sounding brass; of warming marble and quench-</l> +<l>ing volcanoes! Before entering the Massachusetts Meta-</l> +<l>physical College, had my students achieved the point [25]</l> +<l>whence they could have derived most benefit from their</l> +<l>pupilage, to-day there would be on earth paragons of</l> +<l>Christianity, patterns of humility, wisdom, and might</l> +<l>for the world.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='317'/><anchor id='Pg317'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 317.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>To the students whom I have not seen that ask, <q rend='pre'>May</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>I call you mother?</q> my heart replies, <emph>Yes</emph>, if you +are</l> +<l>doing God's work. When born of Truth and Love, we</l> +<l>are all of one kindred.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The hour has struck for Christian Scientists to do their [5]</l> +<l>own work; to appreciate the signs of the times; to dem-</l> +<l>onstrate self-knowledge and self-government; and to</l> +<l>demonstrate, as this period demands, over all sin, disease,</l> +<l>and death. The dear ones whom I would have great</l> +<l>pleasure in instructing, know that the door to my teaching [10]</l> +<l>was shut when my College closed.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Again, it is not absolutely requisite for some people</l> +<l>to be taught in a class, for they can learn by spiritual</l> +<l>growth and by the study of what is written. Scarcely a</l> +<l>moiety, compared with the whole of the Scriptures and [15]</l> +<l>the Christian Science textbook, is yet assimilated spirit-</l> +<l>ually by the most faithful seekers; yet this assimilation is</l> +<l>indispensable to the progress of every Christian Scientist.</l> +<l>These considerations prompt my answers to the above</l> +<l>questions. Human desire is inadequate to adjust the [20]</l> +<l>balance on subjects of such earnest import. These</l> +<l>words of our Master explain this hour: <q rend='pre'>What I do</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My sympathies are deeply enlisted for the students</l> +<l>of students; having already seen in many instances their [25]</l> +<l>talents, culture, and singleness of purpose to uplift the</l> +<l>race. Such students should not pay the penalty for</l> +<l>other people's faults; and divine Love will open the</l> +<l>way for them. My soul abhors injustice, and loves</l> +<l>mercy. St. John writes: <q rend='pre'>Whom God hath sent speaketh</q> [30]</l> +<l>the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by meas-</l> +<l><q rend='post'>ure unto him.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='318'/><anchor id='Pg318'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 318.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>My Students And Thy Students</head> + +<lg> +<l>Mine and thine are obsolete terms in absolute Christian [2]</l> +<l>Science, wherein and whereby the universal brotherhood</l> +<l>of man is stated and demands to be demonstrated. I have</l> +<l>a large affection, not alone for my students, but for thy [5]</l> +<l>students,—for students of the second generation. I can-</l> +<l>not but love some of those devoted students better than</l> +<l>some of mine who are less lovable or Christly. This</l> +<l>natural affection for goodness must go on <hi rend='italic'>ad libitum</hi> unto</l> +<l>the third and fourth and final generation of those who [10]</l> +<l>love God and keep His commandments. Hence the</l> +<l>following is an amendment of the paragraph on page 47<note place='foot'>See +edition of 1909.</note></l> +<l>of <q>Retrospection and Introspection</q>:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Any student, having received instructions in a Primary</l> +<l>class from me, or from a loyal student of Christian Science, [15]</l> +<l>and afterwards studied thoroughly <q rend='pre'>Science and Health</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>with Key to the Scriptures,</q> can enter upon the gospel</l> +<l>work of teaching Christian Science, and so fulfil the command</l> +<l>of Christ. Before entering this sacred field of labor,</l> +<l>the student must have studied faithfully the latest edi- [20]</l> +<l>tions of my works, and be a good Bible scholar and a</l> +<l>devout, consecrated Christian.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>These are the indispensable demands on all those who</l> +<l>become teachers.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Unseen Sin</head> + +<lg> +<l>Two points of danger beset mankind; namely, making [26]</l> +<l>sin seem either too large or too little: if too large, we</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='319'/><anchor id='Pg319'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 319.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>are in the darkness of all the ages, wherein the true sense [1]</l> +<l>of the unity of good and the unreality of evil is lost.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If good is God, even as God is good, then good and</l> +<l>evil can neither be coeval nor coequal, for God is All-in-</l> +<l>all. This closes the argument of aught besides Him, aught [5]</l> +<l>else than good.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If the sense of sin is too little, mortals are in danger</l> +<l>of not seeing their own belief in sin, but of seeing too</l> +<l>keenly their neighbor's. Then they are beset with</l> +<l>egotism and hypocrisy. Here Christian Scientists must [10]</l> +<l>be most watchful. Their habit of mental and audible</l> +<l>protest against the reality of sin, tends to make sin less</l> +<l>or more to them than to other people. They must either</l> +<l>be overcoming sin in themselves, or they must not lose</l> +<l>sight of sin; else they are self-deceived sinners of the [15]</l> +<l>worst sort.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Word To The Wise</head> + +<lg> +<l>Will all the dear Christian Scientists accept my tender</l> +<l>greetings for the forthcoming holidays, and grant me</l> +<l>this request,—let the present season pass without one [20]</l> +<l>gift to me.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Our church edifice must be built in 1894. Take thither</l> +<l>thy saintly offerings, and lay them in the outstretched</l> +<l>hand of God. The object to be won affords ample oppor-</l> +<l>tunity for the grandest achievement to which Christian [25]</l> +<l>Scientists can direct attention, and feel themselves alone</l> +<l>among the stars.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No doubt must intervene between the promise and</l> +<l>event; faith and resolve are friends to Truth; seize them,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='320'/><anchor id='Pg320'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 320.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>trust the divine Providence, push upward our prayer in [1]</l> +<l>stone,—and God will give the benediction.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Christmas</head> + +<lg> +<l>This interesting day, crowned with the history of</l> +<l>Truth's idea,—its earthly advent and nativity,—is [5]</l> +<l>especially dear to the heart of Christian Scientists; to</l> +<l>whom Christ's appearing in a fuller sense is so precious,</l> +<l>and fraught with divine benedictions for mankind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The star that looked lovingly down on the manger of</l> +<l>our Lord, lends its resplendent light to this hour: the [10]</l> +<l>light of Truth, to cheer, guide, and bless man as he</l> +<l>reaches forth for the infant idea of divine perfection</l> +<l>dawning upon human imperfection,—that calms man's</l> +<l>fears, bears his burdens, beckons him on to Truth and</l> +<l>Love and the sweet immunity these bring from sin, sick- [15]</l> +<l>ness, and death.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This polar star, fixed in the heavens of divine Science,</l> +<l>shall be the sign of his appearing who <q rend='pre'>healeth all our</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>diseases;</q> it hath traversed night, wading through</l> +<l>darkness and gloom, on to glory. It doth meet the [20]</l> +<l>antagonism of error; addressing to dull ears and undis-</l> +<l>ciplined beliefs words of Truth and Life.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The star of Bethlehem is the star of Boston, high in</l> +<l>the zenith of Truth's domain, that looketh down on the</l> +<l>long night of human beliefs, to pierce the darkness and [25]</l> +<l>melt into dawn.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The star of Bethlehem is the light of all ages; is the</l> +<l>light of Love, to-day christening religion undefiled, divine</l> +<l>Science; giving to it a new name, and the white stone in</l> +<l>token of purity and permanence. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='321'/><anchor id='Pg321'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 321.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The wise men follow this guiding star; the watchful [1]</l> +<l>shepherd chants his welcome over the cradle of a great</l> +<l>truth, and saith, <q>Unto us a child is born,</q> whose birth</l> +<l>is less of a miracle than eighteen centuries ago; and <q rend='pre'>his</q></l> +<l>name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My heart is filled with joy, that each receding year sees</l> +<l>the steady gain of Truth's idea in Christian Science; that</l> +<l>each recurring year witnesses the balance adjusted more</l> +<l>on the side of God, the supremacy of Spirit; as shown [10]</l> +<l>by the triumphs of Truth over error, of health over sick-</l> +<l>ness, of Life over death, and of Soul over sense.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The hour cometh, and now is, when the true wor-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>shippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.</q></l> +<l><q rend='pre'>For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>me free from the law of sin and death.</q> <q rend='pre'>Fear not, +little</q></l> +<l>flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the kingdom.</q></l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Press on, press on! ye sons of light,</l> +<l>Untiring in your holy fight, [20]</l> +<l>Still treading each temptation down,</l> +<l>And battling for a brighter crown.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Card</head> + +<lg> +<l>In reply to all invitations from Chicago to share the</l> +<l>hospitality of their beautiful homes at any time during [25]</l> +<l>the great wonder of the world, the World's Fair, I say,</l> +<l>Do not expect me. I have no desire to see or to hear</l> +<l>what is to be offered upon this approaching occasion.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I have a world of wisdom and Love to contemplate,</l> +<l>that concerns me, and you, infinitely beyond all earthly [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='322'/><anchor id='Pg322'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 322.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>expositions or exhibitions. In return for your kindness, [1]</l> +<l>I earnestly invite you to its contemplation with me, and</l> +<l>to preparation to behold it.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Message To The Mother Church</head> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Beloved Brethren</hi>:—People coming from a distance [5]</l> +<l>expecting to hear me speak in The Mother Church,</l> +<l>are frequently disappointed. To avoid this, I may here-</l> +<l>after notify the Directors when I shall be present to</l> +<l>address this congregation, and the Clerk of the church</l> +<l>can inform correspondents. Your dual and impersonal [10]</l> +<l>pastor, the Bible, and <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key to</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the Scriptures,</q> is with you; and the Life these give, the</l> +<l>Truth they illustrate, the Love they demonstrate, is</l> +<l>the great Shepherd that feedeth my flock, and leadeth</l> +<l>them <q>beside the still waters.</q> By any personal pres- [15]</l> +<l>ence, or word of mine, your thought must not be diverted</l> +<l>or diverged, your senses satisfied, or self be justified.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Therefore, beloved, my often-coming is unnecessary;</l> +<l>for, though I be present or absent, it is God that feed-</l> +<l>eth the hungry heart, that giveth grace for grace, that [20]</l> +<l>healeth the sick and cleanseth the sinner. For this</l> +<l>consummation He hath given you Christian Science,</l> +<l>and my past poor labors and love. He hath shown you</l> +<l>the amplitude of His mercy, the justice of His judgment,</l> +<l>the omnipotence of His love; and this, to compensate [25]</l> +<l>your zealous affection for seeking good, and for labor-</l> +<l>ing in its widening grooves from the infinitesimal to the</l> +<l>infinite.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +</div> + +<pb n='323'/><anchor id='Pg323'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter IX. The Fruit Of Spirit</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 323.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>An Allegory</head> + +<lg> +<l>Picture to yourself <q>a city set upon a hill,</q> a [2]</l> +<l>celestial city above all clouds, in serene azure and</l> +<l>unfathomable glory: having no temple therein, for God is</l> +<l>the temple thereof; nor need of the sun, neither of the [5]</l> +<l>moon, for God doth lighten it. Then from this sacred</l> +<l>summit behold a Stranger wending his way downward,</l> +<l>to where a few laborers in a valley at the foot of the moun-</l> +<l>tain are working and watching for his coming.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The descent and ascent are beset with peril, priva- [10]</l> +<l>tion, temptation, toil, suffering. Venomous serpents hide</l> +<l>among the rocks, beasts of prey prowl in the path, wolves</l> +<l>in sheep's clothing are ready to devour; but the Stranger</l> +<l>meets and masters their secret and open attacks with</l> +<l>serene confidence. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Stranger eventually stands in the valley at the</l> +<l>foot of the mountain. He saith unto the patient toilers</l> +<l>therein: <q rend='pre'>What do ye here? Would ye ascend the moun-</q></l> +<l>tain,—climbing its rough cliffs, hushing the hissing</l> +<l>serpents, taming the beasts of prey,—and bathe in its [20]</l> +<l>streams, rest in its cool grottos, and drink from its living</l> +<l>fountains? The way winds and widens in the valley;</l> +<l>up the hill it is straight and narrow, and few there be that</l> +<l><q rend='post'>find it.</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='324'/><anchor id='Pg324'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 324.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>His converse with the watchers and workers in the [1]</l> +<l>valley closes, and he makes his way into the streets of a</l> +<l>city made with hands.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Pausing at the threshold of a palatial dwelling, he</l> +<l>knocks and waits. The door is shut. He hears the [5]</l> +<l>sounds of festivity and mirth; youth, manhood, and age</l> +<l>gayly tread the gorgeously tapestried parlors, dancing-</l> +<l>halls, and banquet-rooms. But a little while, and the</l> +<l>music is dull, the wine is unsipped, the footfalls abate,</l> +<l>the laughter ceases. Then from the window of this dwel- [10]</l> +<l>ling a face looks out, anxiously surveying him who waiteth</l> +<l>at the door.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Within this mortal mansion are adulterers, fornicators,</l> +<l>idolaters; drunkenness, witchcraft, variance, envy, emu-</l> +<l>lation, hatred, wrath, murder. Appetites and passions [15]</l> +<l>have so dimmed their sight that he alone who looks from</l> +<l>that dwelling, through the clearer pane of his own heart</l> +<l>tired of sin, can see the Stranger.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Startled beyond measure at beholding him, this mortal</l> +<l>inmate withdraws; but growing more and more troubled, [20]</l> +<l>he seeks to leave the odious company and the cruel walls,</l> +<l>and to find the Stranger. Stealing cautiously away from</l> +<l>his comrades, he departs; then turns back,—he is afraid</l> +<l>to go on and to meet the Stranger. So he returns to the</l> +<l>house, only to find the lights all wasted and the music [25]</l> +<l>fled. Finding no happiness within, he rushes again</l> +<l>into the lonely streets, seeking peace but finding none.</l> +<l>Naked, hungry, athirst, this time he struggles on, and</l> +<l>at length reaches the pleasant path of the valley at the</l> +<l>foot of the mountain, whence he may hopefully look for [30]</l> +<l>the reappearance of the Stranger, and receive his heavenly</l> +<l>guidance.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='325'/><anchor id='Pg325'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 325.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>The Stranger enters a massive carved stone mansion, [1]</l> +<l>and saith unto the dwellers therein, <q rend='pre'>Blessed are the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</q> But</l> +<l>they understand not his saying.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>These are believers of different sects, and of no sect; [5]</l> +<l>some, so-called Christian Scientists in sheep's clothing;</l> +<l>and all <q>drunken without wine.</q> They have small con-</l> +<l>ceptions of spiritual riches, few cravings for the immortal,</l> +<l>but are puffed up with the applause of the world: they</l> +<l>have plenty of pelf, and fear not to fall upon the Stranger, [10]</l> +<l>seize his pearls, throw them away, and afterwards try to</l> +<l>kill him.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Somewhat disheartened, he patiently seeks another</l> +<l>dwelling,—only to find its inmates asleep at noontide!</l> +<l>Robust forms, with manly brow nodding on cushioned [15]</l> +<l>chairs, their feet resting on footstools, or, flat on their</l> +<l>backs, lie stretched on the floor, dreaming away the</l> +<l>hours. Balancing on one foot, with eyes half open,</l> +<l>the porter starts up in blank amazement and looks at</l> +<l>the Stranger, calls out, rubs his eyes,—amazed beyond [20]</l> +<l>measure that anybody is animated with a purpose, and</l> +<l>seen working for it!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>They in this house are those that <q rend='pre'>provoke Him in</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the wilderness, and grieve Him in the desert.</q> Away</l> +<l>from this charnel-house of the so-called living, the Stranger [25]</l> +<l>turns quickly, and wipes off the dust from his feet as a</l> +<l>testimony against sensualism in its myriad forms. As</l> +<l>he departs, he sees robbers finding ready ingress to that</l> +<l>dwelling of sleepers in the midst of murderous hordes,</l> +<l>without watchers and the doors unbarred! [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Next he enters a place of worship, and saith unto them,</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Go ye into all the world; preach the gospel, heal the</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='326'/><anchor id='Pg326'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 326.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>sick, cast out devils, raise the dead; for the Scripture [1]</l> +<l>saith the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath</l> +<l><q rend='post'>made you free from the law of sin and death.</q> +And <emph>they</emph></l> +<l><emph>cast him out</emph>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Once more he seeks the dwelling-place of mortals and [5]</l> +<l>knocks loudly. The door is burst open, and sufferers</l> +<l>shriek for help: that house is on fire! The flames caught</l> +<l>in the dwelling of luxury, where the blind saw them not,</l> +<l>but the flesh at length did feel them; thence they spread</l> +<l>to the house of slumberers who heeded them not, until [10]</l> +<l>they became unmanageable; fed by the fat of hypocrisy</l> +<l>and vainglory, they consumed the next dwelling; then</l> +<l>crept unseen into the synagogue, licking up the blood</l> +<l>of martyrs and wrapping their altars in ruins. <q rend='pre'>God is a</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>consuming fire.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thus are all mortals, under every hue of circumstances,</l> +<l>driven out of their houses of clay and, homeless wan-</l> +<l>derers in a beleaguered city, forced to seek the Father's</l> +<l>house, if they would be led to the valley and up the</l> +<l>mount. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Seeing the wisdom of withdrawing from those who</l> +<l>persistently rejected him, the Stranger returned to the</l> +<l>valley; first, to meet with joy his own, to wash their</l> +<l>feet, and take them up the mountain. Well might this</l> +<l>heavenly messenger exclaim, <q rend='pre'>O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,</q> [25]</l> +<l>thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which</l> +<l>are sent unto thee,... Behold, your house is left unto</l> +<l><q rend='post'>you desolate.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Discerning in his path the penitent one who had groped</l> +<l>his way from the dwelling of luxury, the Stranger saith [30]</l> +<l>unto him, <q>Wherefore comest thou hither?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He answered, <q rend='pre'>The sight of thee unveiled my sins, and</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='327'/><anchor id='Pg327'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 327.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>turned my misnamed joys to sorrow. When I went back [1]</l> +<l>into the house to take something out of it, my misery</l> +<l>increased; so I came hither, hoping that I might follow</l> +<l><q rend='post'>thee whithersoever thou goest.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And the Stranger saith unto him, <q rend='pre'>Wilt thou climb</q> [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the mountain, and take nothing of thine own with thee?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He answered, <q>I will.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Then,</q> saith the Stranger, <q rend='pre'>thou hast chosen the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>good part; follow me.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Many there were who had entered the valley to specu- [10]</l> +<l>late in worldly policy, religion, politics, finance, and to</l> +<l>search for wealth and fame. These had heavy baggage</l> +<l>of their own, and insisted upon taking all of it with them,</l> +<l>which must greatly hinder their ascent.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The journey commences. The encumbered travellers [15]</l> +<l>halt and disagree. They stoutly belay those who, hav-</l> +<l>ing less baggage, ascend faster than themselves, and</l> +<l>betimes burden them with their own. Despairing of</l> +<l>gaining the summit, loaded as they are, they conclude to</l> +<l>stop and lay down a few of the heavy weights,—but [20]</l> +<l>only to take them up again, more than ever determined</l> +<l>not to part with their baggage.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>All this time the Stranger is pointing the way, show-</l> +<l>ing them their folly, rebuking their pride, consoling their</l> +<l>afflictions, and helping them on, saying, <q rend='pre'>He that loseth</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>his life for my sake, shall find it.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Obstinately holding themselves back, and sore-footed,</l> +<l>they fall behind and lose sight of their guide; when,</l> +<l>stumbling and grumbling, and fighting each other, they</l> +<l>plunge headlong over the jagged rocks. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Then he who has no baggage goes back and kindly</l> +<l>binds up their wounds, wipes away the blood stains, and</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='328'/><anchor id='Pg328'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 328.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>would help them on; but suddenly the Stranger shouts, [1]</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Let them alone; they must learn from the things they</q></l> +<l>suffer. Make thine own way; and if thou strayest, listen</l> +<l>for the mountain-horn, and it will call thee back to the</l> +<l><q rend='post'>path that goeth upward.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Dear reader, dost thou suspect that the valley is hu-</l> +<l>mility, that the mountain is heaven-crowned Christianity,</l> +<l>and the Stranger the ever-present Christ, the spiritual</l> +<l>idea which from the summit of bliss surveys the vale of</l> +<l>the flesh, to burst the bubbles of earth with a breath of [10]</l> +<l>heaven, and acquaint sensual mortals with the mystery</l> +<l>of godliness,—unchanging, unquenchable Love? Hast</l> +<l>not thou heard this Christ knock at the door of thine own</l> +<l>heart, and closed it against Truth, to <q rend='pre'>eat and drink</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>with the drunken</q>? Hast thou been driven by suffer- [15]</l> +<l>ing to the foot of the mount, but earth-bound, burdened</l> +<l>by pride, sin, and self, hast thou turned back, stumbled,</l> +<l>and wandered away? Or hast thou tarried in the habita-</l> +<l>tion of the senses, pleased and stupefied, until wakened</l> +<l>through the baptism of fire? [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>He alone ascends the hill of Christian Science who</l> +<l>follows the Way-shower, the spiritual presence and idea</l> +<l>of God. Whatever obstructs the way,—causing to</l> +<l>stumble, fall, or faint, those mortals who are striving</l> +<l>to enter the path,—divine Love will remove; and up- [25]</l> +<l>lift the fallen and strengthen the weak. Therefore, give</l> +<l>up thy earth-weights; and observe the apostle's admoni-</l> +<l>tion, <q rend='pre'>Forgetting those things which are behind, and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>reaching forth unto those which are before.</q> Then,</l> +<l>loving God supremely and thy neighbor as thyself, thou [30]</l> +<l>wilt safely bear thy cross up to the throne of everlasting</l> +<l>glory.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='329'/><anchor id='Pg329'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 329.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Voices Of Spring</head> + +<lg> +<l>Mine is an obstinate <emph>penchant</emph> for nature in all her [2]</l> +<l>moods and forms, a satisfaction with whatever is hers.</l> +<l>And what shall this be named, a weakness, or a—</l> +<l>virtue? [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In spring, nature like a thrifty housewife sets the earth</l> +<l>in order; and between taking up the white carpets and</l> +<l>putting down the green ones, her various apartments are</l> +<l>dismally dirty.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Spring is my sweetheart, whose voices are sad or glad, [10]</l> +<l>even as the heart may be; restoring in memory the sweet</l> +<l>rhythm of unforgotten harmonies, or touching tenderly</l> +<l>its tearful tones.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Spring passes over mountain and meadow, waking up</l> +<l>the world; weaving the wavy grass, nursing the timid [15]</l> +<l>spray, stirring the soft breeze; rippling all nature in</l> +<l>ceaseless flow, with <q>breath all odor and cheek all bloom.</q></l> +<l>Whatever else droops, spring is gay: her little feet trip</l> +<l>lightly on, turning up the daisies, paddling the water-</l> +<l>cresses, rocking the oriole's cradle; challenging the sed- [20]</l> +<l>entary shadows to activity, and the streams to race for the</l> +<l>sea. Her dainty fingers put the fur cap on pussy-willow,</l> +<l>paint in pink the petals of arbutus, and sweep in soft</l> +<l>strains her Orphean lyre. <q rend='pre'>The voice of the turtle is</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>heard in our land.</q> The snow-bird that tarried through [25]</l> +<l>the storm, now chirps to the breeze; the cuckoo sounds</l> +<l>her invisible lute, calling the feathered tribe back to their</l> +<l>summer homes. Old robin, though stricken to the heart</l> +<l>with winter's snow, prophesies of fair earth and sunny</l> +<l>skies. The brooklet sings melting murmurs to merry [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='330'/><anchor id='Pg330'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 330.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>meadows; the leaves clap their hands, and the winds [1]</l> +<l>make melody through dark pine groves.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What is the anthem of human life?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Has love ceased to moan over the new-made grave,</l> +<l>and, looking upward, does it patiently pray for the per- [5]</l> +<l>petual springtide wherein no arrow wounds the dove?</l> +<l>Human hope and faith should join in nature's grand har-</l> +<l>mony, and, if on minor key, make music in the heart.</l> +<l>And man, more friendly, should call his race as gently</l> +<l>to the springtide of Christ's dear love. St. Paul wrote, [10]</l> +<l><q>Rejoice in the Lord always.</q> And why not, since man's</l> +<l>possibilities are infinite, bliss is eternal, and the conscious-</l> +<l>ness thereof is here and now?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The alders bend over the streams to shake out their</l> +<l>tresses in the water-mirrors; let mortals bow before the [15]</l> +<l>creator, and, looking through Love's transparency, behold</l> +<l>man in God's own image and likeness, arranging in the</l> +<l>beauty of holiness each budding thought. It is good to</l> +<l>talk with our past hours, and learn what report they</l> +<l>bear, and how they might have reported more spirit- [20]</l> +<l>ual growth. With each returning year, higher joys,</l> +<l>holier aims, a purer peace and diviner energy, should</l> +<l>freshen the fragrance of being. Nature's first and last</l> +<l>lessons teach man to be kind, and even pride should</l> +<l>sanction what our natures need. Popularity,—what is [25]</l> +<l>it? A mere mendicant that boasts and begs, and God</l> +<l>denies charity.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When gentle violet lifts its blue eye to heaven, and</l> +<l>crown imperial unveils its regal splendor to the sun;</l> +<l>when the modest grass, inhabiting the whole earth, stoops [30]</l> +<l>meekly before the blast; when the patient corn waits</l> +<l>on the elements to put forth its slender blade, construct</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='331'/><anchor id='Pg331'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 331.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the stalk, instruct the ear, and crown the full corn in the [1]</l> +<l>ear,—then, are mortals looking up, waiting on God,</l> +<l>and committing their way unto Him who tosses earth's</l> +<l>mass of wonders into their hands? When downtrodden</l> +<l>like the grass, did it make them humble, loving, obedi- [5]</l> +<l>ent, full of good odor, and cause them to wait patiently</l> +<l>on God for man's rich heritage,—<q rend='pre'>dominion over all</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the earth</q>? Thus abiding in Truth, the warmth and</l> +<l>sunlight of prayer and praise and understanding will</l> +<l>ripen the fruits of Spirit, and goodness will have its spring- [10]</l> +<l>tide of freedom and greatness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the white-winged dove feeds her callow brood,</l> +<l>nestles them under her wings, and, in tones tremulous</l> +<l>with tenderness, calls them to her breast, do mortals</l> +<l>remember <emph>their</emph> cradle hymns, and thank God for those [15]</l> +<l>redemptive words from a mother's lips which taught</l> +<l>them the Lord's Prayer?</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>O gentle presence, peace and joy and power;</l> +<l>O Life divine, that owns each waiting hour;</l> +<l>Thou Love that guards the nestling's faltering flight! [20]</l> +<l>Keep Thou my child on upward wing to-night.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<lg> +<l>Midst the falling leaves of old-time faiths, above the</l> +<l>frozen crust of creed and dogma, the divine Mind-force,</l> +<l>filling all space and having all power, upheaves the earth.</l> +<l>In sacred solitude divine Science evolved nature as thought, [25]</l> +<l>and thought as things. This supreme potential Principle</l> +<l>reigns in the realm of the real, and is <q>God with us,</q></l> +<l>the <hi rend='smallcaps'>I am</hi>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As mortals awake from their dream of material sen-</l> +<l>sation, this adorable, all-inclusive God, and all earth's [30]</l> +<l>hieroglyphics of Love, are understood; and infinite Mind</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='332'/><anchor id='Pg332'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 332.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>is seen kindling the stars, rolling the worlds, reflecting [1]</l> +<l>all space and Life,—but not life in matter. Wisely</l> +<l>governing, informing the universe, this Mind is Truth,—</l> +<l>not laws of matter. Infinitely just, merciful, and wise,</l> +<l>this Mind is Love,—but not fallible love. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Spring is here! and doors that closed on Christian</l> +<l>Science in <q>the long winter of our discontent,</q> are open</l> +<l>flung. Its seedtime has come to enrich earth and en-</l> +<l>robe man in righteousness; may its sober-suited autumn</l> +<l>follow with hues of heaven, ripened sheaves, and harvest [10]</l> +<l>songs.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>Where Art Thou?</q></head> + +<lg> +<l>In the allegory of Genesis, third chapter and ninth</l> +<l>verse, two mortals, walking in the cool of the day midst</l> +<l>the stately palms, many-hued blossoms, perfume-laden [15]</l> +<l>breezes, and crystal streams of the Orient, pondered the</l> +<l>things of man and God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A sense of evil is supposed to have spoken, been listened</l> +<l>to, and afterwards to have formed an evil sense that</l> +<l>blinded the eyes of reason, masked with deformity the [20]</l> +<l>glories of revelation, and shamed the face of mortals.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What was this sense? Error versus Truth: first, a</l> +<l>supposition; second, a false belief; third, suffering;</l> +<l>fourth, death.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is man the supposer, false believer, sufferer? [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Not man, but a mortal—the antipode of immortal</l> +<l>man. Supposing, false believing, suffering are not fac-</l> +<l>ulties of Mind, but are qualities of error.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The supposition is, that God and His idea are not all-</l> +<l>power; that there is something besides Him; that this [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='333'/><anchor id='Pg333'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 333.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>something is intelligent matter; that sin—yea, self- [1]</l> +<l>hood—is apart from God, where pleasure and pain,</l> +<l>good and evil, life and death, commingle, and are for-</l> +<l>ever at strife; even that every ray of Truth, of infinity,</l> +<l>omnipotence, omnipresence, goodness, could be absorbed [5]</l> +<l>in error! God cannot be obscured, and this renders error</l> +<l>a palpable falsity, yea, nothingness; on the basis that</l> +<l>black is not a color because it absorbs all the rays of</l> +<l>light.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The <q>Alpha and Omega</q> of Christian Science voices [10]</l> +<l>this question: Where do we hold intelligence to be? Is</l> +<l>it in both evil and good, in matter as well as Spirit?</l> +<l>If so, we are literally and practically denying that God,</l> +<l>good, is supreme, <emph>all</emph> power and presence, and are turn-</l> +<l>ing away from the only living and true God, to <q rend='pre'>lords</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>many and gods many.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Where art thou, O mortal! who turnest away from</l> +<l>the divine source of being,—calling on matter to work</l> +<l>out the problem of Mind, to aid in understanding and</l> +<l>securing the sweet harmonies of Spirit that relate to the [20]</l> +<l>universe, including man?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Paul asked: <q rend='pre'>What communion hath light with dark-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>ness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?</q> The</l> +<l>worshippers of Baal worshipped the sun. They believed</l> +<l>that something besides God had authority and power, [25]</l> +<l>could heal and bless; that God wrought through matter</l> +<l>—by means of that which does not reflect Him in a single</l> +<l>quality or quantity!—the grand realities of Mind, thus</l> +<l>to exemplify the power of Truth and Love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The ancient Chaldee hung his destiny out upon the [30]</l> +<l>heavens; but ancient or modern Christians, instructed in</l> +<l>divine Science, know that the prophet better understood</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='334'/><anchor id='Pg334'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 334.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Him who said: <q rend='pre'>He doeth according to His will in the</q> [1]</l> +<l>army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth;</l> +<l>and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Thou?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Astrology is well in its place, but this place is second- [5]</l> +<l>ary. Necromancy has no foundation,—in fact, no</l> +<l>intelligence; and the belief that it has, deceives itself.</l> +<l>Whatever simulates power and Truth in matter, does this</l> +<l>as a lie declaring itself, that mortals' faith in matter may</l> +<l>have the effect of power; but when the whole fabrication [10]</l> +<l>is found to be a lie, away goes all its supposed power and</l> +<l>prestige.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Why do Christian Scientists treat disease <emph>as</emph> disease,</l> +<l>since there is no disease?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This is done only as one gives the lie to a lie; because [15]</l> +<l>it is a lie, without one word of Truth in it. You must</l> +<l>find error to be <emph>nothing</emph>: then, and <emph>only</emph> then, do you</l> +<l>handle it in Science. The diabolism of suppositional</l> +<l>evil at work in the name of good, is a lie of the highest</l> +<l>degree of nothingness: just reduce this falsity to its proper [20]</l> +<l>denomination, and you have done with it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>How shall we treat a negation, or error—by means</l> +<l>of matter, or Mind? Is matter Truth? No! Then it</l> +<l>cannot antidote error.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Can belief destroy belief? No: understanding is re- [25]</l> +<l>quired to do this. By the substitution of Truth demon-</l> +<l>strated, Science remedies the ills of material beliefs.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Because I have uncovered evil, and dis-covered for</l> +<l>you divine Science, which saith, <q rend='pre'>Be not overcome of</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>evil, but overcome evil with good,</q> and you have not</l> +<l>loved sufficiently to understand this Golden Rule and</l> +<l>demonstrate the might of perfect Love that casteth out</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='335'/><anchor id='Pg335'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 335.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>all fear, shall you turn away from this divine Principle [1]</l> +<l>to graven images? Remember the Scripture:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart,</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>My lord delayeth his coming;</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>And shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to</q> [5]</l> +<l>eat and drink with the drunken;</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The lord of that servant shall come in a day when</q></l> +<l>he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not</l> +<l>aware of,</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his por-</q> [10]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>tion with the hypocrites.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>One mercilessly assails me for opposing the subtle lie,</l> +<l>others charge upon me with full-fledged invective for, as</l> +<l>they say, having too much charity; but neither moves</l> +<l>me from the path made luminous by divine Love. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In my public works I lay bare the ability, in belief, of</l> +<l>evil to break the Decalogue,—to murder, steal, commit</l> +<l>adultery, and so on. Those who deny my wisdom or</l> +<l>right to expose error, are either willing participants in</l> +<l>wrong, afraid of its supposed power, or ignorant of it. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The notion that one is covering iniquity by asserting</l> +<l>its nothingness, is a fault of zealots, who, like Peter,</l> +<l>sleep when the Watcher bids them watch, and when the</l> +<l>hour of trial comes would cut off somebody's ears. Such</l> +<l>people say, <q rend='pre'>Would you have me get out of a burning</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>house, or stay in it?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I would have you already out, and <emph>know</emph> that you are</l> +<l>out; also, to remember the Scripture concerning those</l> +<l>who do evil that good may come,—<q rend='pre'>whose damnation</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>is just;</q> and that whoso departeth from divine Science, [30]</l> +<l>seeking power or good aside from God, has done himself</l> +<l>harm.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='336'/><anchor id='Pg336'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 336.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Mind is supreme: Love is the master of hate; Truth, [1]</l> +<l>the victor over a lie. Hath not Science voiced this les-</l> +<l>son to you,—that evil is powerless, that a lie is never</l> +<l>true? It is your province to wrestle with error, to handle</l> +<l>the serpent and bruise its head; but you cannot, as a [5]</l> +<l>Christian Scientist, resort to stones and clubs,—yea, to</l> +<l>matter,—to kill the serpent of a material mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Do you love that which represents God most, His highest</l> +<l>idea as seen to-day? No!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Then you would hate Jesus if you saw him personally, [10]</l> +<l>and knew your right obligations towards him. He would</l> +<l>insist on the rule and demonstration of divine Science:</l> +<l>even that you first cast out your own dislike and hatred</l> +<l>of God's idea,—the beam in your own eye that hinders</l> +<l>your seeing clearly how to cast the mote of evil out of [15]</l> +<l>other eyes. You cannot demonstrate the Principle of</l> +<l>Christian Science and not love its idea: we gather not</l> +<l>grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Where art thou?</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Divine Science</head> + +<lg> +<l>What is it but another name for Christian Science, [21]</l> +<l>the cognomen of all true religion, the quintessence of</l> +<l>Christianity, that heals disease and sin and destroys</l> +<l>death! Part and parcel of Truth and Love, wherever</l> +<l>one ray of its effulgence looks in upon the heart, behold [25]</l> +<l>a better man, woman, or child.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Science is the fiat of divine intelligence, which, hoary</l> +<l>with eternity, touches time only to take away its frailty.</l> +<l>That it rests on everlasting foundations, the sequence</l> +<l>proves. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='337'/><anchor id='Pg337'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 337.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Have I discovered and founded at this period Chris- [1]</l> +<l>tian Science, that which reveals the truth of Love,—is</l> +<l>the question.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And how can you be certain of so momentous an</l> +<l>affirmative? By proving its effect on yourself to be— [5]</l> +<l>divine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>What is the Principle and rule of Christian Science?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Infinite query! Wonder in heaven and on earth,—</l> +<l>who shall say? The immaculate Son of the Blessed</l> +<l>has spoken of them as the Golden Rule and its Principle, [10]</l> +<l>God who is Love. Listen, and <emph>he</emph> illustrates the rule:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the</q></l> +<l>midst of them, and said,... Whosoever ... shall</l> +<l>humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest</l> +<l><q rend='post'>in the kingdom of heaven.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Harmony is heaven. Science brings out harmony;</l> +<l>but this harmony is not understood unless it produces a</l> +<l>growing affection for all good, and consequent disaffec-</l> +<l>tion for all evil, hypocrisy, evil-speaking, lust, envy, hate.</l> +<l>Where these exist, Christian Science has no sure foot- [20]</l> +<l>hold: they obscure its divine element, and thus seem</l> +<l>to extinguish it. Even the life of Jesus was belittled</l> +<l>and belied by personalities possessing these defacing de-</l> +<l>formities. Only the devout Marys, and such as lived</l> +<l>according to his precepts, understood the concrete char- [25]</l> +<l>acter of him who taught—by the wayside, in humble</l> +<l>homes, to itching ears and to dull disciples—the words</l> +<l>of Life.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The ineffable Life and light which he reflected through</l> +<l>divine Science is again reproduced in the character which [30]</l> +<l>sensualism, as heretofore, would hide or besmear. Sin</l> +<l>of any sort tends to hide from an individual this grand</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='338'/><anchor id='Pg338'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 338.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>verity in Science, that the appearing of good in an in- [1]</l> +<l>dividual involves the disappearing of evil. He who first</l> +<l>brings to humanity some great good, must have gained</l> +<l>its height beforehand, to be able to lift others toward</l> +<l>it. I first proved to myself, not by <q>words,</q>—these [5]</l> +<l>afford no proof,—but by demonstration of Christian</l> +<l>Science, that its Principle is divine. All must go and do</l> +<l>likewise.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Faith illumined by works; the spiritual understanding</l> +<l>which cannot choose but to labor and love; hope hold- [10]</l> +<l>ing steadfastly to good in the midst of seething evil;</l> +<l>charity that suffereth long and is kind, but cancels not</l> +<l>sin until it be destroyed,—these afford the only rule I</l> +<l>have found which demonstrates Christian Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And remember, a pure faith in humanity will subject [15]</l> +<l>one to deception; the uses of good, to abuses from evil;</l> +<l>and calm strength will enrage evil. But the very heavens</l> +<l>shall laugh at them, and move majestically to your defense</l> +<l>when the armies of earth press hard upon you.</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Thou must be true thyself,</q> [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>If thou the truth wouldst teach;</l> +<l>Thy soul must overflow, if thou</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Another's soul wouldst reach;</l> +<l>It needs the overflow of heart,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='post'>To give the lips full speech.</q> [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Think truly, and thy thoughts</q></l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Shall the world's famine feed;</l> +<l>Speak truly, and each word of thine</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Shall be a fruitful seed;</l> +<l>Live truly, and thy life shall be [30]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='post'>A great and noble creed.</q></l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='339'/><anchor id='Pg339'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 339.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Fidelity</head> + +<lg> +<l>If people would confine their talk to subjects that are [2]</l> +<l>profitable, that which St. John informs us took place</l> +<l>once in heaven, would happen very frequently on earth,—</l> +<l>silence for the space of half an hour. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Experience is victor, never the vanquished; and out</l> +<l>of defeat comes the secret of victory. That to-morrow</l> +<l>starts from to-day and is one day beyond it, robes the</l> +<l>future with hope's rainbow hues.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the battle of life, good is made more industrious [10]</l> +<l>and persistent because of the supposed activity of evil.</l> +<l>The elbowing of the crowd plants our feet more firmly.</l> +<l>In the mental collisions of mortals and the strain of in-</l> +<l>tellectual wrestlings, moral tension is tested, and, if it</l> +<l>yields not, grows stronger. The past admonishes us: [15]</l> +<l>with finger grim and cold it points to every mortal mistake;</l> +<l>or smiling saith, <q rend='pre'>Thou hast been faithful over a few</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>things.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Art thou a child, and hast added one furrow to the</l> +<l>brow of care? Art thou a husband, and hast pierced [20]</l> +<l>the heart venturing its all of happiness to thy keeping?</l> +<l>Art thou a wife, and hast bowed the o'erburdened head</l> +<l>of thy husband? Hast thou a friend, and forgettest to be</l> +<l>grateful? Remember, that for all this thou alone canst</l> +<l>and must atone. Carelessly or remorselessly thou mayest [25]</l> +<l>have sent along the ocean of events a wave that will some</l> +<l>time flood thy memory, surge dolefully at the door of con-</l> +<l>science, and pour forth the unavailing tear.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Change and the grave may part us; the wisdom that</l> +<l>might have blessed the past may come too late. One [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='340'/><anchor id='Pg340'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 340.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>backward step, one relinquishment of right in an evil [1]</l> +<l>hour, one faithless tarrying, has torn the laurel from many</l> +<l>a brow and repose from many a heart. Good is never</l> +<l>the reward of evil, and <hi rend='italic'>vice versa</hi>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>There is no excellence without labor; and the time to [5]</l> +<l>work, is <emph>now</emph>. Only by persistent, unremitting, straight-</l> +<l>forward toil; by turning neither to the right nor to the</l> +<l>left, seeking no other pursuit or pleasure than that which</l> +<l>cometh from God, can you win and wear the crown of the</l> +<l>faithful. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That law-school is not at fault which sends forth a</l> +<l>barrister who never brings out a brief. Why? Because</l> +<l>he followed agriculture instead of litigation, forsook</l> +<l>Blackstone for gray stone, dug into soils instead of delv-</l> +<l>ing into suits, raised potatoes instead of pleas, and drew [15]</l> +<l>up logs instead of leases. He has not been faithful over</l> +<l>a few things.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Is a musician made by his teacher? He makes him-</l> +<l>self a musician by practising what he was taught. The</l> +<l>conscientious are successful. They follow faithfully; [20]</l> +<l>through evil or through good report, they work on to the</l> +<l>achievement of good; by patience, they inherit the prom-</l> +<l>ise. Be active, and, however slow, thy success is sure:</l> +<l>toil is triumph; and—thou hast been faithful over a few</l> +<l>things. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The lives of great men and women are miracles of pa-</l> +<l>tience and perseverance. Every luminary in the constel-</l> +<l>lation of human greatness, like the stars, comes out in</l> +<l>the darkness to shine with the reflected light of God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Material philosophy, human ethics, scholastic theology, [30]</l> +<l>and physics have not sufficiently enlightened mankind.</l> +<l>Human wrong, sickness, sin, and death still appear in</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='341'/><anchor id='Pg341'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 341.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>mortal belief, and they never bring out the right action [1]</l> +<l>of mind or body. When will the whole human race have</l> +<l>one God,—an undivided affection that leaves the unreal</l> +<l>material basis of things, for the spiritual foundation and</l> +<l>superstructure that is real, right, and eternal? [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>First purify thought, then put thought into words,</l> +<l>and words into deeds; and after much slipping and</l> +<l>clambering, you will go up the scale of Science to the</l> +<l>second rule, and be made ruler over many things. Fidelity</l> +<l>finds its reward and its strength in exalted purpose. Seek- [10]</l> +<l>ing is not sufficient whereby to arrive at the results of</l> +<l>Science: you must strive; and the glory of the strife</l> +<l>comes of honesty and humility.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Do human hopes deceive? is joy a trembler? Then,</l> +<l>weary pilgrim, unloose the latchet of thy sandals; for the [15]</l> +<l>place whereon thou standest is sacred. By that, you may</l> +<l>know you are parting with a material sense of life and</l> +<l>happiness to win the spiritual sense of good. O learn to</l> +<l>lose with God! and you find Life eternal: you gain all.</l> +<l>To doubt this is implicit treason to divine decree. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The parable of <q>the ten virgins</q> serves to illustrate</l> +<l>the evil of inaction and delay. This parable is drawn</l> +<l>from the sad history of Vesta,—a little girl of eight</l> +<l>years, who takes the most solemn vow of celibacy for thirty</l> +<l>years, and is subject to terrible torture if the lamp she [25]</l> +<l>tends is not replenished with oil day and night, so that the</l> +<l>flame never expires. The moral of the parable is pointed,</l> +<l>and the diction purely Oriental.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We learn from this parable that neither the cares of</l> +<l>this world nor the so-called pleasures or pains of mate- [30]</l> +<l>rial sense are adequate to plead for the neglect of spiritual</l> +<l>light, that must be tended to keep aglow the flame of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='342'/><anchor id='Pg342'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 342.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>devotion whereby to enter into the joy of divine Science [1]</l> +<l>demonstrated.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The foolish virgins had no oil in their lamps: their</l> +<l>way was material; thus they were in doubt and dark-</l> +<l>ness. They heeded not their sloth, their fading warmth [5]</l> +<l>of action; hence the steady decline of spiritual light,</l> +<l>until, the midnight gloom upon them, they must borrow</l> +<l>the better-tended lamps of the faithful. By entering</l> +<l>the guest-chamber of Truth, and beholding the bridal</l> +<l>of Life and Love, they would be wedded to a higher [10]</l> +<l>understanding of God. Each moment's fair expect-</l> +<l>ancy was to behold the bridegroom, the One <q rend='pre'>altogether</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>lovely.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It was midnight: darkness profound brooded over</l> +<l>earth's lazy sleepers. With no oil in their lamps, no [15]</l> +<l>spiritual illumination to look upon him whom they had</l> +<l>pierced, they heard the shout, <q>The bridegroom cometh!</q></l> +<l>But how could they behold him? Hear that human</l> +<l>cry: <q rend='pre'>Oh, lend us your oil! our lamps have gone out,—</q></l> +<l>no light! earth's fables flee, and heaven is afar [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>off.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The door is shut. The wise virgins had no oil to spare,</l> +<l>and they said to the foolish, <q rend='pre'>Go to them that sell, and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>buy for yourselves.</q> Seek Truth, and pursue it. It should</l> +<l>cost you something: you are willing to pay for error [25]</l> +<l>and receive nothing in return; but if you pay the price of</l> +<l>Truth, you shall receive <emph>all</emph>.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The children of this world are in their generation</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>wiser than the children of light;</q> they watch the market,</l> +<l>acquaint themselves with the etiquette of the exchange, [30]</l> +<l>and are ready for the next move. How much more should</l> +<l>we be faithful over the few things of Spirit, that are able</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='343'/><anchor id='Pg343'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 343.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>to make us wise unto salvation! Let us watch and pray [1]</l> +<l>that we enter not into the temptation of ease in sin; and</l> +<l>let us not forget that others before us have laid upon the</l> +<l>altar all that we have to sacrifice, and have passed to</l> +<l>their reward. Too soon we cannot turn from disease [5]</l> +<l>in the body to find disease in the mortal mind, and its cure,</l> +<l>in working for God. Thought must be made better, and</l> +<l>human life more fruitful, for the divine energy to move</l> +<l>it onward and upward.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Warmed by the sunshine of Truth, watered by the [10]</l> +<l>heavenly dews of Love, the fruits of Christian Science</l> +<l>spring upward, and away from the sordid soil of self and</l> +<l>matter. Are we clearing the gardens of thought by up-</l> +<l>rooting the noxious weeds of passion, malice, envy, and</l> +<l>strife? Are we picking away the cold, hard pebbles of [15]</l> +<l>selfishness, uncovering the secrets of sin and burnishing</l> +<l>anew the hidden gems of Love, that their pure perfection</l> +<l>shall appear? Are we feeling the vernal freshness and</l> +<l>sunshine of enlightened faith?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The weeds of mortal mind are not always destroyed [20]</l> +<l>by the first uprooting; they reappear, like devastating</l> +<l>witch-grass, to choke the coming clover. O stupid gar-</l> +<l>dener! watch their reappearing, and tear them away from</l> +<l>their native soil, until no seedling be left to propagate—</l> +<l>and rot.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Among the manifold soft chimes that will fill the haunted [25]</l> +<l>chambers of memory, this is the sweetest: <q rend='pre'>Thou hast</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>been faithful!</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='344'/><anchor id='Pg344'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 344.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>True Philosophy And Communion</head> + +<lg> +<l>It is related of Justin Martyr that, hearing of a Pythag- [2]</l> +<l>orean professor of ethics, he expressed the wish to be-</l> +<l>come one of his disciples. <q>Very well,</q> the teacher</l> +<l>replied; <q rend='pre'>but have you studied music, astronomy, and</q> [5]</l> +<l>geometry, and do you think it possible for you to under-</l> +<l>stand aught of that which leads to bliss, without hav-</l> +<l>ing mastered the sciences that disengage the soul from</l> +<l>objects of sense, so rendering it a fit habitation for</l> +<l><q rend='post'>the intelligences?</q> On Justin's confessing that he had [10]</l> +<l>not studied those branches, he was dismissed by the</l> +<l>professor.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Alas for such a material science of life! Of what</l> +<l>avail would geometry be to a poor sinner struggling with</l> +<l>temptation, or to a man with the smallpox? [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Ancient and modern philosophies are spoiled by lack</l> +<l>of Science. They would place Soul wholly inside of body,</l> +<l>intelligence in matter; and from error of premise would</l> +<l>seek a correct conclusion. Such philosophy can never</l> +<l>demonstrate the Science of Life,—the Science which [20]</l> +<l>Paul understood when he spoke of willingness <q rend='pre'>to be</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>absent from the body, and present with the Lord.</q> Such</l> +<l>philosophy is far from the rules of the mighty Nazarene</l> +<l>Prophet. His words, living in our hearts, were these:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>a little child, shall in no wise enter therein.</q> Not through</l> +<l>astronomy did he point out the way to heaven and the</l> +<l>reign of harmony.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We need the spirit of St. Paul, when he stood on Mars'</l> +<l>hill at Athens, bringing Christianity for the first time [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='345'/><anchor id='Pg345'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 345.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>into Europe. The Spirit bestows spiritual gifts, God's [1]</l> +<l>presence and providence. St. Paul stood where Socrates</l> +<l>had stood four hundred years before, defending himself</l> +<l>against the charge of atheism; in the place where De-</l> +<l>mosthenes had pleaded for freedom in immortal strains [5]</l> +<l>of eloquence.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We need the spirit of the pious Polycarp, who, when</l> +<l>the proconsul said to him, <q rend='pre'>I will set the beasts upon</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>you, unless you yield your religion,</q> replied: <q rend='pre'>Let +them</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>come; I cannot change from good to bad.</q> Then they [10]</l> +<l>bound him to the stake, set fire to the fagots, and his</l> +<l>pure and strong faith rose higher through the baptism</l> +<l>of flame.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Methinks the infidel was blind who said, <q rend='pre'>Christianity</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>is fit only for women and weak men;</q> but even infidels [15]</l> +<l>may disagree. Bonaparte declared, <q rend='pre'>Ever since the</q></l> +<l>reign of Christianity began the loftiest intellects have had</l> +<l><q rend='post'>a practical faith in God.</q> Daniel Webster said, +<q rend='pre'>My</q></l> +<l>heart has always assured and reassured me that Chris-</l> +<l><q rend='post'>tianity must be a divine reality.</q> [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To turn the popular indignation against an advanced</l> +<l>form of religion, the pagan slanderers affirmed that</l> +<l>Christians took their infants to a place of worship in</l> +<l>order to offer them in sacrifice,—a baptism not of</l> +<l>water but of blood, thus distorting or misapprehending [25]</l> +<l>the purpose of Christian sacraments. Christians met</l> +<l>in midnight feasts in the early days, and talked of the</l> +<l>crucified Saviour; thence arose the rumor that it was</l> +<l>a part of Christian worship to kill and eat a human</l> +<l>being. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Really, Christianity turned men away from the thought</l> +<l>of fleshly sacrifice, and directed them to spiritual attain-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='346'/><anchor id='Pg346'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 346.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ments. Life, not death, was and is the very centre of [1]</l> +<l>its faith. Christian Science carries this thought even</l> +<l>higher, and insists on the demonstration of moral and</l> +<l>spiritual healing as eminent proof that God is understood</l> +<l>and illustrated. [5]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Origin Of Evil</head> + +<lg> +<l>The origin of evil is the problem of ages. It confronts</l> +<l>each generation anew. It confronts Christian Science.</l> +<l>The question is often asked, If God created only the</l> +<l>good, whence comes the evil? [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To this question Christian Science replies: Evil never</l> +<l>did exist as an entity. It is but a belief that there is an</l> +<l>opposite intelligence to God. This belief is a species of</l> +<l>idolatry, and is not more true or real than that an image</l> +<l>graven on wood or stone is God. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The mortal admission of the reality of evil perpetuates</l> +<l>faith in evil; and the Scriptures declare that <q rend='pre'>to whom</q></l> +<l>ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye</l> +<l><q rend='post'>are.</q> This leading, self-evident proposition of Christian</l> +<l>Science, that, good being real, its opposite is necessarily [20]</l> +<l>unreal, needs to be grasped in all its divine requirements.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Truth Versus Error</head> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of silver.</q> It is a rule in Christian Science never to re-</l> +<l>peat error unless it becomes requisite to bring out Truth. [25]</l> +<l>Then lift the curtain, let in the light, and countermand</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='347'/><anchor id='Pg347'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 347.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>this first command of Solomon, <q rend='pre'>Answer not a fool accord-</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>ing to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him,</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A distant rumbling and quivering of the earth foretell</l> +<l>the internal action of pent-up gas. To avoid danger from</l> +<l>this source people have to escape from their houses to the [5]</l> +<l>open space. A conical cloud, hanging like a horoscope</l> +<l>in the air, foreshadows a cyclone. To escape from this</l> +<l>calamity people prepare shelter in caves of the earth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>They who discern the face of the skies cannot always</l> +<l>discern the mental signs of these times, and peer through [10]</l> +<l>the opaque error. Where my vision begins and is clear,</l> +<l>theirs grows indistinct and ends.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>There are diversities of operation by the same spirit.</l> +<l>Two individuals, with all the goodness of generous na-</l> +<l>tures, advise me. One says, Go this way; the other [15]</l> +<l>says, Take the opposite direction! Between the two I</l> +<l>stand still; or, accepting the premonition of one of them,</l> +<l>I follow his counsel, take a few steps, then halt. A true</l> +<l>sense not unfamiliar has been awakened. I see the way</l> +<l>now. The guardians of His presence go before me. I [20]</l> +<l>enter the path. It may be smooth, or it may be rugged;</l> +<l>but it is always straight and narrow; and if it be up-</l> +<l>hill all the way, the ascent is easy and the summit can</l> +<l>be gained.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is responsible for the mission of those whom He [25]</l> +<l>has anointed. Those who know no will but His take</l> +<l>His hand, and from the night He leads to light. None</l> +<l>can say unto Him, What doest Thou?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi> was the oldest and</l> +<l>only authenticated organ of Christian Science up to [30]</l> +<l>1898. Loyal Scientists are targets for envy, rivalry,</l> +<l>slander; and whoever hits this mark is well paid by the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='348'/><anchor id='Pg348'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 348.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>umpire. But the Scientists aim highest. They press for- [1]</l> +<l>ward towards the mark of a high calling. They recog-</l> +<l>nize the claims of the law and the gospel. They know</l> +<l>that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. They</l> +<l>infringe neither the books nor the business of others; and [5]</l> +<l>with hearts overflowing with love for God, they help on the</l> +<l>brotherhood of men. It is not <emph>mine</emph> but <emph>Thine</emph> they seek.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When God bids one uncover iniquity, in order to</l> +<l>exterminate it, one should lay it bare; and divine Love</l> +<l>will bless this endeavor and those whom it reaches. [10]</l> +<l><q>Nothing is hid that shall not be revealed.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is only a question of time when God shall reveal His</l> +<l>rod, and show the plan of battle. Error, left to itself,</l> +<l>accumulates. Hence, Solomon's transverse command:</l> +<l><q rend='pre'>Answer a fool according, to his folly, lest he be wise in</q> [15]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>his own conceit.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To quench the growing flames of falsehood, once in</l> +<l>about seven years I have to repeat this,—that I use no</l> +<l>drugs whatever, not even coffea (coffee), thea (tea), cap-</l> +<l>sicum (red pepper); though every day, and especially at [20]</l> +<l>dinner, I indulge in homœopathic doses of <hi rend='italic'>Natrum muri-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>aticum</hi> (common salt).</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When I found myself under this new <hi rend='italic'>régime</hi> of medi-</l> +<l>cine, the medicine of Mind, I wanted to satisfy my curi-</l> +<l>osity as to the effect of drugs on one who had lost all [25]</l> +<l>faith in them. Hence I tried several doses of medicine,</l> +<l>and so proved to myself that drugs have no beneficial</l> +<l>effect on an individual in a proper state of mind.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I have by no means encouraged students of the Massa-</l> +<l>chusetts Metaphysical College to enter medical schools, [30]</l> +<l>and afterwards denied this and objected to their entering</l> +<l>those schools. A student who consulted me on this sub-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='349'/><anchor id='Pg349'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 349.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ject, received my consent and even the offer of pecuniary [1]</l> +<l>assistance to take lessons outside of my College, provided</l> +<l>he received these lessons of a certain regular-school physi-</l> +<l>cian, whose instructions included about twelve lessons,</l> +<l>three weeks' time, and the surgical part of midwifery. I [5]</l> +<l>have students with the degree of M. D., who are skilful</l> +<l>obstetricians. Such a course with such a teacher would</l> +<l>not necessitate essential materialization of a student's</l> +<l>thought, nor detract from the metaphysical mode of</l> +<l>obstetrics taught in my College. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This student had taken the above-named course in</l> +<l>obstetrics when he consulted me on the feasibility of enter-</l> +<l>ing a medical school; and to this I objected on the ground</l> +<l>that it was inconsistent with Christian Science, which he</l> +<l>claimed to be practising; but I was willing, and said [15]</l> +<l>so, that, notwithstanding my objection, he should do as</l> +<l>he deemed best, for I claim no jurisdiction over any stu-</l> +<l>dents. He entered the medical school, and several other</l> +<l>students with him. My counsel to all of them was in</l> +<l>substance the same as the foregoing, and some of these [20]</l> +<l>students have openly acknowledged this.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In answer to a question on the following subject, I</l> +<l>will state that I preached four years, and built up the</l> +<l>church, before I would accept the slightest remuneration.</l> +<l>When the church had sufficient members and means to [25]</l> +<l>pay a salary, and refused to give me up or to receive my</l> +<l>gratuitous services, I accepted, for a time, fifteen dollars</l> +<l>each Sunday when I preached. I never received more</l> +<l>than this; and the contributions, when I preached,</l> +<l>doubled that amount. I have accepted no pay from my [30]</l> +<l>church for about three years, and believe that I have</l> +<l>put into the church-fund about two thousand dollars of</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='350'/><anchor id='Pg350'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 350.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>my own contributions. I hold receipts for $1,489.50 paid [1]</l> +<l>in, and the balance was never receipted for.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I temporarily organized a secret society known as the</l> +<l>P. M., the workings whereof were not <q rend='pre'>terrible and too</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>shocking to relate.</q> By and with advice of the very [5]</l> +<l>student who brings up the question of this society, it</l> +<l>was formed. The P. M. (Private Meeting) Society met</l> +<l>only twice. The first subject given out for considera-</l> +<l>tion was this: <q>There is no Animal Magnetism.</q> There</l> +<l>was no advice given, no mental work, and there were [10]</l> +<l>no transactions at those meetings which I would hesitate</l> +<l>to have known. On the contrary, our deliberations</l> +<l>were, as usual, Christian, and like my public instruction.</l> +<l>The second P. M. convened in about one week from the</l> +<l>first. The subject given out at that meeting was, in sub- [15]</l> +<l>stance, <q>God is All; there is none beside Him.</q> This</l> +<l>proved to be our last meeting. I dissolved the society,</l> +<l>and we have not met since. If harm could come from</l> +<l>the consideration of these two topics, it was because of</l> +<l>the misconception of those subjects in the mind that [20]</l> +<l>handled them. An individual state of mind sometimes</l> +<l>occasions effects on patients which are not in harmony</l> +<l>with Science and the soundness of the argument used.</l> +<l>Hence it prevents the normal action, and the benefit that +would otherwise accrue. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I issue no arguments, and cause none to be used in</l> +<l>mental practice, which consign people to suffering. On</l> +<l>the contrary, I cannot serve two masters; therefore I</l> +<l>teach the use of such arguments only as promote health</l> +<l>and spiritual growth. My life, consecrated to humanity [30]</l> +<l>through nameless suffering and sacrifice, furnishes its</l> +<l>own proof of my practice.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='351'/><anchor id='Pg351'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 351.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>I have sometimes called on students to test their ability [1]</l> +<l>and meet the mental malpractice, so as to lift the burdens</l> +<l>imposed by students.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The fact is, that for want of time, and for the purpose</l> +<l>of blessing even my enemies, I neglect myself. I never [5]</l> +<l>have practised by arguments which, perverted, are the</l> +<l>weapons of the silent mental malpractice. I have no skill</l> +<l>in occultism; and I could not if I would, and would not</l> +<l>if I could, harm any one through the mental method of</l> +<l>Mind-healing, or in any manner. [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The late much-ado-about-nothing arose solely from</l> +<l>mental malicious practice, and the audible falsehood</l> +<l>designed to stir up strife between brethren, for the purpose</l> +<l>of placing Christian Science in the hands of aspirants</l> +<l>for place and power. These repeated attempts of mad [15]</l> +<l>ambition may retard our Cause, but they never can place</l> +<l>it in the wrong hands and hold it there, nor benefit</l> +<l>mankind by such endeavors.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Fallibility Of Human Concepts</head> + +<lg> +<l>Evil counterfeits good: it says, <q>I am Truth,</q> though [20]</l> +<l>it is a lie; it says, <q>I am Love,</q>—but Love is spirit-</l> +<l>ual, and sensuous love is material, wherefore it is hate</l> +<l>instead of Love; for the five senses give to mortals pain,</l> +<l>sickness, sin, and death,—pleasure that is false, life that</l> +<l>leads unto death, joy that becomes sorrow. Love that is [25]</l> +<l>not the procurator of happiness, declares itself the anti-</l> +<l>pode of Love; and Love divine punishes the joys of this</l> +<l>false sense of love, chastens its affection, purifies it, and</l> +<l>turns it into the opposite channels.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Material life is the antipode of spiritual life; it mocks [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='352'/><anchor id='Pg352'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 352.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>the bliss of spiritual being; it is bereft of permanence and [1]</l> +<l>peace.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When human sense is quickened to behold aright the</l> +<l>error,—the error of regarding Life, Truth, Love as</l> +<l>material and not spiritual, or as both material and spirit- [5]</l> +<l>ual,—it is able for the first time to discern the Science</l> +<l>of good. But it must first see the error of its present</l> +<l>erroneous course, to be able to behold the facts of Truth</l> +<l>outside of the error; and, <hi rend='italic'>vice versa</hi>, when it discovers</l> +<l>the truth, this uncovers the error and quickens the true [10]</l> +<l>consciousness of God, good. May the human shadows of</l> +<l>thought lengthen as they approach the light, until they</l> +<l>are lost in light and no night is there!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In Science, sickness is healed upon the same Principle</l> +<l>and by the same rule that sin is healed. To know the [15]</l> +<l>supposed bodily belief of the patient and what has claimed</l> +<l>to produce it, enables the practitioner to act more under-</l> +<l>standingly in destroying this belief. Thus it is in heal-</l> +<l>ing the moral sickness; the malicious mental operation</l> +<l>must be understood in order to enable one to destroy [20]</l> +<l>it and its effects. There is not sufficient spiritual power</l> +<l>in the human thought to heal the sick or the sinful.</l> +<l>Through the divine energies alone one must either get</l> +<l>out of himself and into God so far that his consciousness</l> +<l>is the reflection of the divine, or he must, through argu- [25]</l> +<l>ment and the human consciousness of both evil and good,</l> +<l>overcome evil.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The only difference between the healing of sin and the</l> +<l>healing of sickness is, that sin must be <emph>un</emph>covered before</l> +<l>it can be destroyed, and the moral sense be aroused to [30]</l> +<l>reject the sense of error; while sickness must be cov-</l> +<l>ered with the veil of harmony, and the consciousness be</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='353'/><anchor id='Pg353'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 353.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>allowed to rejoice in the sense that it has nothing to mourn [1]</l> +<l>over, but something to forget.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Human concepts run in extremes; they are like the</l> +<l>action of sickness, which is either an excess of action or</l> +<l>not action enough; they are fallible; they are neither [5]</l> +<l>standards nor models.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If one asks me, Is my concept of you right? I reply, The</l> +<l>human concept is always imperfect; relinquish your human</l> +<l>concept of me, or of any one, and find the divine, and you</l> +<l>have gained the right one—and never until then. People [10]</l> +<l>give me too much attention of the misguided, fallible sort,</l> +<l>and this misrepresents one through malice or ignorance.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My brother was a manufacturer; and one day a work-</l> +<l>man in his mills, a practical joker, set a man who applied</l> +<l>for work, in the overseer's absence, to pour a bucket of [15]</l> +<l>water every ten minutes on the regulator. When my</l> +<l>brother returned and saw it, he said to the jester, <q rend='pre'>You</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>must pay that man.</q> Some people try to tend folks, as</l> +<l>if they should steer the regulator of mankind. God makes</l> +<l><emph>us</emph> pay for tending the action that He adjusts. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The regulator is governed by the principle that makes</l> +<l>the machinery work rightly; and because it <emph>is</emph> thus gov-</l> +<l>erned, the folly of tending it is no mere jest. The divine</l> +<l>Principle carries on His harmony.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Now turn from the metaphor of the mill to the Mother's [25]</l> +<l>four thousand children, most of whom, at about three</l> +<l>years of scientific age, set up housekeeping alone. Certain</l> +<l>students, being too much interested in themselves to think</l> +<l>of helping others, go their way. They do not love Mother,</l> +<l>but pretend to; they constantly go to her for help, interrupt [30]</l> +<l>the home-harmony, criticise and disobey her; then <q rend='pre'>return</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to their vomit,</q>—world worship, pleasure seeking, and</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='354'/><anchor id='Pg354'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 354.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>sense indulgence,—meantime declaring they <q rend='pre'>never dis-</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>obey Mother</q>! It exceeds my conception of human</l> +<l>nature. Sin in its very nature is marvellous! Who but a</l> +<l>moral idiot, sanguine of success in sin, can steal, and lie</l> +<l>and lie, and lead the innocent to doom? History needs it, [5]</l> +<l>and it has the grandeur of the loyal, self-forgetful, faith-</l> +<l>ful Christian Scientists to overbalance this foul stuff.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the Mother's love can no longer promote peace</l> +<l>in the family, wisdom is not <q>justified of her children.</q></l> +<l>When depraved reason is preferred to revelation, error [10]</l> +<l>to Truth, and evil to good, and sense seams sounder than</l> +<l>Soul, the children are tending the regulator; they are</l> +<l>indeed losing the knowledge of the divine Principle and</l> +<l>rules of Christian Science, whose fruits prove the nature</l> +<l>of their source. A little more grace, a motive made pure, [15]</l> +<l>a few truths tenderly told, a heart softened, a character</l> +<l>subdued, a life consecrated, would restore the right action</l> +<l>of the mental mechanism, and make manifest the move-</l> +<l>ment of body and soul in accord with God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Instead of relying on the Principle of all that really [20]</l> +<l>exists,—to govern His own creation,—self-conceit, igno-</l> +<l>rance, and pride would regulate God's action. Expe-</l> +<l>rience shows that humility is the first step in Christian</l> +<l>Science, wherein all is controlled, not by man or laws</l> +<l>material, but by wisdom, Truth, and Love. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Go gaze on the eagle, his eye on the sun,</l> +<l>Fast gathering strength for a flight well begun,</l> +<l>As rising he rests in a liberty higher</l> +<l>Than genius inflated with worldly desire.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No tear dims his eye, nor his pinions lose power [30]</l> +<l>To gaze on the lark in her emerald bower—</l> +<l>Whenever he soareth to fashion his nest,</l> +<l>No vision more bright than the dream in his breast.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='355'/><anchor id='Pg355'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 355.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>The Way</head> + +<lg> +<l>The present stage of progress in Christian Science pre- [2]</l> +<l>sents two opposite aspects,—a full-orbed promise, and</l> +<l>a gaunt want. The need, however, is not of the letter,</l> +<l>but the spirit. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Less teaching and good healing is to-day the acme of</l> +<l><q>well done;</q> a healing that is not guesswork,—chronic</l> +<l>recovery ebbing and flowing,—but instantaneous cure.</l> +<l>This absolute demonstration of Science must be revived.</l> +<l>To consummate this <hi rend='italic'>desideratum</hi>, mortal mind must pass [10]</l> +<l>through three stages of growth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>First, self-knowledge. The physician must know him-</l> +<l>self and understand the mental state of his patient. Error</l> +<l>found out is two-thirds destroyed, and the last third</l> +<l>pierces itself, for the remainder only stimulates and gives [15]</l> +<l>scope to higher demonstration. To strike out right and</l> +<l>left against the mist, never clears the vision; but to lift</l> +<l>your head above it, is a sovereign panacea. Mental dark-</l> +<l>ness is senseless error, neither intelligence nor power, and</l> +<l>its victim is responsible for its supposititious presence. [20]</l> +<l><q>Cast the beam out of thine own eye.</q> Learn what in</l> +<l>thine own mentality is unlike <q>the anointed,</q> and cast</l> +<l>it out; then thou wilt discern the error in thy patient's</l> +<l>mind that makes his body sick, and remove it, and rest</l> +<l>like the dove from the deluge. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Physician, heal thyself.</q> Let no clouds of sin gather</l> +<l>and fall in mist and showers from thine own mental</l> +<l>atmosphere. Hold thy gaze to the light, and the iris of</l> +<l>faith, more beautiful than the rainbow seen from my</l> +<l>window at the close of a balmy autumnal day, will span [30]</l> +<l>thy heavens of thought.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='356'/><anchor id='Pg356'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 356.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>A radiant sunset, beautiful as blessings when they take [1]</l> +<l>their flight, dilates and kindles into rest. Thus will a</l> +<l>life corrected illumine its own atmosphere with spiritual</l> +<l>glow and understanding.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The pent-up elements of mortal mind need no terrible [5]</l> +<l>detonation to free them. Envy, rivalry, hate need no</l> +<l>temporary indulgence that they be destroyed through</l> +<l>suffering; they should be stifled from lack of air and</l> +<l>freedom.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My students, with cultured intellects, chastened affec- [10]</l> +<l>tions, and costly hopes, give promise of grand careers.</l> +<l>But they must remember that the seedtime is passed,</l> +<l>the harvest hour has come; and songs should ascend</l> +<l>from the mount of revelation, sweeter than the sound of</l> +<l>vintage bells. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The seed of Christian Science, which when sown was</l> +<l><q>the least of all seeds,</q> has sprung up, borne fruit, and</l> +<l>the birds of the air, the uplifted desires of the human</l> +<l>heart, have lodged in its branches. Now let my faithful</l> +<l>students carry the fruit of this tree into the rock-ribbed [20]</l> +<l>nests of the raven's callow brood.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The second stage of mental development is humility.</l> +<l>This virtue triumphs over the flesh; it is the genius of</l> +<l>Christian Science. One can never go up, until one has</l> +<l>gone down in his own esteem. Humility is lens and [25]</l> +<l>prism to the understanding of Mind-healing; it must be</l> +<l>had to understand our textbook; it is indispensable to</l> +<l>personal growth, and points out the chart of its divine</l> +<l>Principle and rule of practice.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Cherish humility, <q>watch,</q> and <q>pray without ceasing,</q> [30]</l> +<l>or you will miss the way of Truth and Love. Humility</l> +<l>is no busybody: it has no moments for trafficking</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='357'/><anchor id='Pg357'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 357.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>in other people's business, no place for envy, no time for [1]</l> +<l>idle words, vain amusements, and all the <hi rend='italic'>et cetera</hi> of the</l> +<l>ways and means of personal sense.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Let Christian Scientists minister to the sick; the school-</l> +<l>room is the <hi rend='italic'>dernier ressort</hi>. Let them seek the lost sheep +[5]</l> +<l>who, having strayed from the true fold, have lost their</l> +<l>great Shepherd and yearn to find living pastures and</l> +<l>rest beside still waters. These long for the Christlike-</l> +<l>ness that is above the present status of religion and be-</l> +<l>yond the walks of common life, quite on the verge of [10]</l> +<l>heaven. Without the cross and healing, Christianity has</l> +<l>no central emblem, no history.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The seeds of Truth fall by the wayside, on artless</l> +<l>listeners. They fall on stony ground and shallow soil.</l> +<l>The fowls of the air pick them up. Much of what has [15]</l> +<l>been sown has withered away, but what remaineth has</l> +<l>fallen into the good and honest hearts and is bearing</l> +<l>fruit.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The third stage of mental growth is manifested in <emph>love</emph>,</l> +<l>the greatest of all stages and states of being; love that [20]</l> +<l>is irrespective of self, rank, or following. For some time</l> +<l>it has been clear to my thought that those students of</l> +<l>Christian Science whose Christian characters and lives</l> +<l>recommend them, should receive full fellowship from us,</l> +<l>no matter who has taught them. If they have been taught [25]</l> +<l>wrongly, they are not morally responsible for this, and</l> +<l>need special help. They are as lambs that have sought</l> +<l>the true fold and the great Shepherd, and strayed inno-</l> +<l>cently; hence we should be ready and glad to help them</l> +<l>and point the way. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Divine Love is the substance of Christian Science, the</l> +<l>basis of its demonstration, yea, its foundation and super-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='358'/><anchor id='Pg358'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 358.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>structure. Love impels good works. Love is greatly [1]</l> +<l>needed, and must be had to mark the way in divine</l> +<l>Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The student who heals by teaching and teaches by</l> +<l>healing, will graduate under divine honors, which are [5]</l> +<l>the only appropriate seals for Christian Science. State</l> +<l>honors perish, and their gain is loss to the Christian</l> +<l>Scientist. They include for him at present naught but</l> +<l>tardy justice, hounded footsteps, false laurels. God</l> +<l>alone is his help, his shield and great reward. He that [10]</l> +<l>seeketh aught besides God, loseth in Life, Truth, and</l> +<l>Love. All men shall be satisfied when they <q rend='pre'>awake in</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>His likeness,</q> and they never should be until then. Hu-</l> +<l>man pride is human weakness. Self-knowledge, humility,</l> +<l>and love are divine strength. Christ's vestures are put [15]</l> +<l>on only when mortals are <q rend='pre'>washed in the blood of the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Lamb;</q> we must walk in the way which Jesus marked</l> +<l>out, if we would reach the heaven-crowned summit of</l> +<l>Christian Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Be it understood that I do not require Christian Sci- [20]</l> +<l>entists to stop teaching, to dissolve their organizations,</l> +<l>or to desist from organizing churches and associations.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Massachusetts Metaphysical College, the first</l> +<l>and only College for teaching Christian Science Mind-</l> +<l>healing, after accomplishing the greatest work of the [25]</l> +<l>ages, and at the pinnacle of prosperity, is closed. Let</l> +<l>Scientists who have grown to self-sacrifice do their</l> +<l>present work, awaiting, with staff in hand, God's</l> +<l>commands.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When students have fulfilled all the good ends of [30]</l> +<l>organization, and are convinced that by leaving the</l> +<l>material forms thereof a higher spiritual unity is won,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='359'/><anchor id='Pg359'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 359.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>then is the time to follow the example of the <hi rend='italic'>Alma Mater</hi>. +[1]</l> +<l>Material organization is requisite in the beginning; but</l> +<l>when it has done its work, the purely Christly method</l> +<l>of teaching and preaching must be adopted. On the same</l> +<l>principle, you continue the mental argument in the prac- [5]</l> +<l>tice of Christian healing until you can cure without it</l> +<l>instantaneously, and through Spirit alone.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>St. Paul says: <q rend='pre'>When I was a child, I spake as a</q></l> +<l>child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but</l> +<l>when I became a man, I put away childish things. For [10]</l> +<l>now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to</l> +<l><q rend='post'>face.</q> Growth is restricted by forcing humanity out of</l> +<l>the proper channels for development, or by holding it in</l> +<l>fetters.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>For Jesus to walk the water was scientific, insomuch [15]</l> +<l>as he was able to do this; but it is neither wisdom nor</l> +<l>Science for poor humanity to step upon the Atlantic until</l> +<l>we can walk on the water.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Peter's impetuosity was rebuked. He had to learn</l> +<l>from experience; so have we. The methods of our [20]</l> +<l>Master were in advance of the period in which he per-</l> +<l>sonally appeared; but his example was right, and is</l> +<l>available at the right time. The <emph>way</emph> is absolute divine</l> +<l>Science: walk ye in it; but remember that Science is</l> +<l>demonstrated by degrees, and our demonstration rises [25]</l> +<l>only as we rise in the scale of being.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Science And Philosophy</head> + +<lg> +<l>Men give counsel; but they give not the wisdom to</l> +<l>profit by it. To ask wisdom of God, is the beginning of</l> +<l>wisdom. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='360'/><anchor id='Pg360'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 360.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Meekness, moderating human desire, inspires wisdom [1]</l> +<l>and procures divine power. Human lives are yet un-</l> +<l>carved,—in the rough marble, encumbered with crude,</l> +<l>rude fragments, and awaiting the hammering, chiselling,</l> +<l>and transfiguration from His hand. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Great only as good, because fashioned divinely, were</l> +<l>those unpretentious yet colossal characters, Paul and</l> +<l>Jesus. Theirs were modes of mind cast in the moulds</l> +<l>of Christian Science: Paul's, by the supremely natural</l> +<l>transforming power of Truth; and the character of [10]</l> +<l>Jesus, by his original scientific sonship with God. Phi-</l> +<l>losophy never has produced, nor can it reproduce, these</l> +<l>stars of the first magnitude—fixed stars in the heavens</l> +<l>of Soul. When shall earth be crowned with the true</l> +<l>knowledge of Christ? [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When Christian Science has melted away the cloud of</l> +<l>false witnesses; and the dews of divine grace, fall-</l> +<l>ing upon the blighted flowers of fleeting joys, shall</l> +<l>lift every thought-leaflet Spiritward; and <q rend='pre'>Israel after</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>the flesh,</q> who partaketh of its own altars, shall be [20]</l> +<l>no more,—then, <q>the Israel according to Spirit</q></l> +<l>shall fill earth with the divine energies, understanding,</l> +<l>and ever-flowing tides of spiritual sensation and consciousness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When mortal mind is silenced by the <q>still, small voice</q> [25]</l> +<l>of Truth that regenerates philosophy and logic; and</l> +<l>Jesus, as the true idea of Him, is heard as of yore saying</l> +<l>to sensitive ears and dark disciples, <q rend='pre'>I came from the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Father,</q> <q>Before Abraham was, I am,</q> coexistent and</l> +<l>coeternal with God,—and this idea is understood,— [30]</l> +<l>then will the earth be filled with the true knowledge of</l> +<l>Christ. No advancing modes of human mind made</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='361'/><anchor id='Pg361'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 361.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>Jesus; rather was it their subjugation, and the pure [1]</l> +<l>heart that sees God.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the belief in material origin, mortal mind, sen-</l> +<l>sual conception, dissolves through self-imposed suffering,</l> +<l>and its substances are found substanceless,—then its [5]</l> +<l>miscalled life ends in death, and death itself is swallowed</l> +<l>up in Life,—spiritual Life, whose myriad forms are</l> +<l>neither material nor mortal.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When every form and mode of evil disappear to hu-</l> +<l>man thought, and mollusk and radiate are spiritual con- [10]</l> +<l>cepts testifying to one creator,—then, earth is full of</l> +<l>His glory, and Christian Science has overshadowed all</l> +<l>human philosophy, and being is understood in startling</l> +<l>contradiction of human hypotheses; and Socrates, Plato,</l> +<l>Kant, Locke, Berkeley, Tyndall, Darwin, and Spencer [15]</l> +<l>sit at the feet of Jesus.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To this great end, Paul admonished, <q rend='pre'>Let us lay aside</q></l> +<l>every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,</l> +<l>and let us run with patience the race that is set before</l> +<l>us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>faith.</q> So shall mortals soar to final freedom, and rest</l> +<l>from the subtlety of speculative wisdom and human</l> +<l>woe.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>God is the only Mind, and His manifestation is the</l> +<l>spiritual universe, including man and all eternal indi- [25]</l> +<l>viduality. God, the only substance and divine Principle</l> +<l>of creation, is by no means a creative partner in the firm</l> +<l>of error, named matter, or mortal mind. He elucidates</l> +<l>His own idea, wherein Principle and idea, God and man,</l> +<l>are not one, but are inseparable as cause and effect. If [30]</l> +<l>one, who could say which that <q>one</q> was?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>His ways are not as our ways. The divine modes</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='362'/><anchor id='Pg362'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 362.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and manifestations are not those of the material senses; [1]</l> +<l>for instance, intelligent matter, or mortal mind, material</l> +<l>birth, growth, and decay: they are the forever-existing</l> +<l>realities of divine Science; wherein God and man are</l> +<l>perfect, and man's reason is at rest in God's wisdom,— [5]</l> +<l>who comprehends and reflects all real mode, form, indi-</l> +<l>viduality, identity.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Scholastic dogma has made men blind. Christ's <hi rend='italic'>logos</hi></l> +<l>gives sight to these blind, ears to these deaf, feet to these</l> +<l>lame,—physically, morally, spiritually. Theologians [10]</l> +<l>make the mortal mistake of believing that God, having</l> +<l>made <emph>all</emph>, made evil; but the Scriptures declare that all</l> +<l>that He made was good. Then, was evil part and parcel</l> +<l>of His creation?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Philosophy hypothetically regards creation as its own [15]</l> +<l>creator, puts cause into effect, and out of nothing would</l> +<l>create something, whose noumenon is mortal mind,</l> +<l>with its phenomenon matter,—an evil mind already</l> +<l>doomed, whose modes are material manifestations of</l> +<l>evil, and that continually, until self-extinguished by [20]</l> +<l>suffering!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Here revelation must come to the rescue of mortals,</l> +<l>to remove this mental millstone that is dragging them</l> +<l>downward, and refute erring reason with the spiritual</l> +<l>cosmos and Science of Soul. We all must find shelter [25]</l> +<l>from the storm and tempest in the tabernacle of Spirit.</l> +<l>Truth is won through Science or suffering: O vain mor-</l> +<l>tals! which shall it be? And suffering has no reward,</l> +<l>except when it is necessary to prevent sin or reform</l> +<l>the sinner. And pleasure is no crime except when it [30]</l> +<l>strengthens the influence of bad inclinations or lessens</l> +<l>the activities of virtue. The more nearly an erring so-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='363'/><anchor id='Pg363'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 363.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>called mind approaches purity, the more conscious it [1]</l> +<l>becomes of its own unreality, and of the great reality of</l> +<l>divine Mind and true happiness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The <q>ego</q> that claims selfhood in error, and passes</l> +<l>from molecule and monkey up to man, is no ego, but is [5]</l> +<l>simply the supposition that the absence of good is mind</l> +<l>and makes men,—when its greatest flatterer, identifica-</l> +<l>tion, is piqued by Him who compensateth vanity with</l> +<l>nothingness, dust with dust!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The mythology of evil and mortality is but the ma- [10]</l> +<l>terial mode of a suppositional mind; while the immortal</l> +<l>modes of Mind are spiritual, and pass through none of</l> +<l>the changes of matter, or evil. Truth said, and said from</l> +<l>the beginning, <q>Let us [Spirit] make man perfect;</q> and</l> +<l>there is no other Maker: a perfect man would not desire [15]</l> +<l>to make himself imperfect, and God is not chargeable</l> +<l>with imperfection. His modes declare the beauty of holi-</l> +<l>ness, and His manifold wisdom shines through the visible</l> +<l>world in glimpses of the eternal verities. Even through</l> +<l>the mists of mortality is seen the brightness of His [20]</l> +<l>coming.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>We must avoid the shoals of a sensual religion or</l> +<l>philosophy that misguides reason and affection, and</l> +<l>hold fast to the Principle of Christian Science as the</l> +<l>Word that <emph>is</emph> God, Spirit, and Truth. This Word cor- [25]</l> +<l>rects the philosopher, confutes the astronomer, exposes</l> +<l>the subtle sophist, and drives diviners mad. The Bible</l> +<l>is the learned man's masterpiece, the ignorant man's</l> +<l>dictionary, the wise man's directory.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I foresee and foresay that every advancing epoch of so [30]</l> +<l>Truth will be characterized by a more spiritual appre-</l> +<l>hension of the Scriptures, that will show their marked</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='364'/><anchor id='Pg364'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 364.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>consonance with the textbook of Christian Science Mind- [1]</l> +<l>healing, <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q></l> +<l>Interpreting the Word in the <q>new tongue,</q> whereby</l> +<l>the sick are healed, naturally evokes new paraphrase</l> +<l>from the world of letters. <q rend='pre'>Wait patiently on the Lord,</q> [5]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>and He will renew your strength.</q> In return for indi-</l> +<l>vidual sacrifice, what a recompense to have healed, through</l> +<l>Truth, the sick and sinful, made the public your friend,</l> +<l>and posterity your familiar!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science refutes everything that is not a [10]</l> +<l>postulate of the divine Principle, God. It is the soul of</l> +<l>divine philosophy, and there is no other philosophy. It</l> +<l>is not a search after wisdom, it <emph>is</emph> wisdom: it is God's</l> +<l>right hand grasping the universe,—all time, space,</l> +<l>immortality, thought, extension, cause, and effect; con- [15]</l> +<l>stituting and governing all identity, individuality, law,</l> +<l>and power. It stands on this Scriptural platform:</l> +<l>that He made all that was made, and it is good, reflects</l> +<l>the divine Mind, is governed by it; and that nothing</l> +<l>apart from this Mind, one God, is self-created or evolves [20]</l> +<l>the universe.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Human hypotheses predicate matter of Spirit and</l> +<l>evil of good; hence these opposites must either cooperate</l> +<l>or quarrel throughout time and eternity,—or until</l> +<l>this impossible partnership is dissolved. If Spirit is the [25]</l> +<l>lawgiver to matter, and good has the same power or</l> +<l>modes as evil, it has the same consciousness, and there</l> +<l>is no absolute good. This error, carried to its ultimate,</l> +<l>would either extinguish God and His modes, or give</l> +<l>reality and power to evil <hi rend='italic'>ad infinitum</hi>. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science rends this veil of the temple of gods,</l> +<l>and reproduces the divine philosophy of Jesus and Paul.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='365'/><anchor id='Pg365'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 365.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>This philosophy alone will bear the strain of time and [1]</l> +<l>bring out the glories of eternity; for <q rend='pre'>other founda-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>tion can no man lay than that is laid,</q> which is Christ,</l> +<l>Truth.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Human theories weighed in the balances of God are [5]</l> +<l>found wanting; and their highest endeavors are to Science</l> +<l>what a child's love of pictures is to art. The school whose</l> +<l>schoolmaster is not Christ, gets things wrong, and is ignorant</l> +<l>thereof.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If Christian Science lacked the proof of its goodness [10]</l> +<l>and utility, it would destroy itself; for it rests alone on</l> +<l>demonstration. Its genius is right thinking and right</l> +<l>acting, physical and moral harmony; and the secret of</l> +<l>its success lies in supplying the universal need of better</l> +<l>health and better men. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Good health and a more spiritual religion form the</l> +<l>common want, and this want has worked out a moral</l> +<l>result; namely, that mortal mind is calling for what im-</l> +<l>mortal Mind alone can supply. If the uniform moral</l> +<l>and spiritual, as well as physical, effects of divine Science [20]</l> +<l>were lacking, the demand would diminish; but it con-</l> +<l>tinues, and increases, which shows the real value of</l> +<l>Christian Science to the race. Even doctors agree that</l> +<l>infidelity, bigotry, or sham has never met the growing</l> +<l>wants of humanity. [25]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>As a literature, Christian metaphysics is hampered by</l> +<l>lack of proper terms in which to express what it means.</l> +<l>As a Science, it is held back by the common ignorance</l> +<l>of what it is and of what it does,—and more than all</l> +<l>else, by the impostors that come in its name. To be [30]</l> +<l>appreciated, it must be conscientiously understood and</l> +<l>introduced.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='366'/><anchor id='Pg366'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 366.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>If the Bible and <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key to the</q> [1]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Scriptures</q> had in our schools the time or attention that</l> +<l>human hypotheses consume, they would advance the</l> +<l>world. True, it requires more study to understand and</l> +<l>demonstrate what they teach than to learn the doctrine [5]</l> +<l>of theology, philosophy, or physics, because they con-</l> +<l>tain and offer Science, with fixed Principle, given rule,</l> +<l>and unmistakable proof.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The Scriptures give the keynote of Christian Science</l> +<l>from Genesis to Revelation, and this is the prolonged [10]</l> +<l>tone: <q rend='pre'>For the Lord He is God, and there is</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'><emph>none beside Him</emph>.</q> And because He is All-in-all,</l> +<l>He is in nothing unlike Himself; and nothing that</l> +<l>worketh or maketh a lie is in Him, or can be divine con-</l> +<l>sciousness. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>At this date, poor jaded humanity needs to get her</l> +<l>eyes open to a new style of imposition in the field of</l> +<l>medicine and of religion, and to <q rend='pre'>beware of the leaven</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>of the scribes and Pharisees,</q> the doctrines of men, even</l> +<l>as Jesus admonished. From first to last, evil insists on [20]</l> +<l>the unity of good and evil as the purpose of God; and</l> +<l>on drugs, electricity, and animal magnetism as modes</l> +<l>of medicine. To a greater or less extent, all mortal conclusions</l> +<l>start from this false premise, and they necessarily</l> +<l>culminate in sickness, sin, disease, and death. [25]</l> +<l>Erroneous doctrines never have abated and never will</l> +<l>abate dishonesty, self-will, envy, and lust. To destroy</l> +<l>sin and its sequence, is the office of Christ, Truth,—ac-</l> +<l>cording to His mode of Christian Science; and this is</l> +<l>being done daily. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The false theories whose names are legion, gilded with</l> +<l>sophistry and what Jesus had not, namely, mere book-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='367'/><anchor id='Pg367'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 367.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>learning,—letter without law, gospel, or demonstration, [1]</l> +<l>—have no place in Christian Science. This Science re-</l> +<l>quires man to be honest, just, pure; to love his neighbor</l> +<l>as himself, and to love God supremely.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Matter and evil are subjective states of error or mortal [5]</l> +<l>mind. But Mind is immortal; and the fact of there</l> +<l>being no mortal mind, exposes the lie of suppositional</l> +<l>evil, showing that error is not Mind, substance, or</l> +<l>Life. Thus, whatever is wrongfully-minded will dis-</l> +<l>appear in the proportion that Science is understood, [10]</l> +<l>and the reality of being—goodness and harmony—is</l> +<l>demonstrated.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Error says that knowing all things implies the neces-</l> +<l>sity of knowing evil, that it dishonors God to claim that</l> +<l>He is ignorant of anything; but God says of this fruit [15]</l> +<l>of the tree of knowledge of <emph>both</emph> good and evil, <q rend='pre'>In +the</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.</q> If</l> +<l>God is infinite good, He knows nothing but good; if He</l> +<l>did know aught else, He would not be infinite. Infinite</l> +<l>Mind knows nothing beyond Himself or Herself. To [20]</l> +<l>good, evil is never present; for evil is a different state of</l> +<l>consciousness. It was not against evil, but against <hi rend='italic'>know-</hi></l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>ing</hi> evil, that God forewarned. He dwelleth in light;</l> +<l>and in the light He sees light, and cannot see darkness.</l> +<l>The opposite conclusion, that darkness dwelleth in light, [25]</l> +<l>has neither precedent nor foundation in nature, in logic,</l> +<l>or in the character of Christ.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The senses would say that whatever saves from sin,</l> +<l>must know sin. Truth replies that God is too pure</l> +<l>to behold iniquity; and by virtue of His ignorance of [30]</l> +<l>that which is not, He knoweth that which <emph>is</emph>, and</l> +<l>abideth in Himself, the only Life, Truth, and Love,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='368'/><anchor id='Pg368'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 368.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>—and is reflected by a universe in His own image [1]</l> +<l>and likeness.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Even so, Father, let the light that shineth in dark-</l> +<l>ness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not, dispel this</l> +<l>illusion of the senses, open the eyes of the blind, and cause [5]</l> +<l>the deaf to hear.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne.</q></l> +<l>Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown,</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.</q></l> +<l rend='margin-left: 20'><hi rend='smallcaps'>Lowell</hi></l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>Take Heed!</q></head> + +<lg> +<l>We regret to be obliged to say that all are not meta-</l> +<l>physicians, or Christian Scientists, who call themselves</l> +<l>so. Charlatanism, fraud, and malice are getting into</l> +<l>the ranks of the good and pure, sending forth a poison [15]</l> +<l>more deadly than the upas-tree in the eastern archi-</l> +<l>pelago. This evil obtains in the present false teaching</l> +<l>and false practice of the Science of treating disease through</l> +<l>Mind. The silent address of a mental malpractitioner</l> +<l>can only be portrayed in these words of the apostle, [20]</l> +<l><q>whisperers,</q> and <q rend='pre'>the poison of asps is under their</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>tongue.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Some of the mere puppets of the hour are playing</l> +<l>only for money, and at a fearful stake. Others, from</l> +<l>malice and envy, are working out the destinies of the [25]</l> +<l>damned. But while the best, perverted, on the mortal</l> +<l>plane may become the worst, let us not forget that the</l> +<l>Lord reigns, and that this earth shall some time rejoice</l> +<l>in His supreme rule,—that the tired watchmen on the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='369'/><anchor id='Pg369'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 369.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>walls of Zion, and the true Christian Scientist at the foot [1]</l> +<l>of the mount of revelation, shall look up with shouts and</l> +<l>thanksgiving,—that God's law, as in divine Science,</l> +<l>shall be finally understood; and the gospel of glad tidings</l> +<l>bring <q>on earth peace, good will toward men.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>The Cry Of Christmas-Tide</head> + +<lg> +<l>Metaphysics, not physics, enables us to stand erect</l> +<l>on sublime heights, surveying the immeasurable universe</l> +<l>of Mind, peering into the cause which governs all effects,</l> +<l>while we are strong in the unity of God and man. There [10]</l> +<l>is <q>method</q> in the <q>madness</q> of this system,—since</l> +<l>madness it seems to many onlookers. This method sits</l> +<l>serene at the portals of the temple of thought, while</l> +<l>the leaders of materialistic schools indulge in mad</l> +<l>antics. Metaphysical healing seeks a wisdom that is [15]</l> +<l>higher than a rhubarb tincture or an ipecacuanha pill.</l> +<l>This method is devout enough to trust Christ more than</l> +<l>it does drugs.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Meekly we kneel at our Master's feet, for even a crumb</l> +<l>that falleth from his table. We are hungry for Love, [20]</l> +<l>for the white-winged charity that heals and saves; we</l> +<l>are tired of theoretic husks,—as tired as was the prodi-</l> +<l>gal son of the carobs which he shared with the swine,</l> +<l>to whom he fed that wholesome but unattractive food.</l> +<l>Like him, we would find our Father's house again— [25]</l> +<l>the perfect and eternal Principle of man. We thirst</l> +<l>for inspiring wine from the vine which our Father tends.</l> +<l>We crave the privilege of saying to the sick, when their</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='370'/><anchor id='Pg370'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 370.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>feebleness calls for help, <q>Rise and walk.</q> We rejoice [1]</l> +<l>to say, in the spirit of our Master, <q rend='pre'>Stretch forth thy</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>hand, and be whole!</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When the Pharisees saw Jesus do such deeds of mercy,</l> +<l>they went away and took counsel how they might remove [5]</l> +<l>him. The antagonistic spirit of evil is still abroad; but</l> +<l>the greater spirit of Christ is also abroad,—risen from</l> +<l>the grave-clothes of tradition and the cave of ignorance.</l> +<l>Let the sentinels of Zion's watch-towers shout once</l> +<l>again, <q rend='pre'>Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is</q> [10]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>given.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In different ages the divine idea assumes different</l> +<l>forms, according to humanity's needs. In this age it</l> +<l>assumes, more intelligently than ever before, the form</l> +<l>of Christian healing. This is the babe we are to cherish. [15]</l> +<l>This is the babe that twines its loving arms about the</l> +<l>neck of omnipotence, and calls forth infinite care from</l> +<l>His loving heart.</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Blind Leaders</head> + +<lg> +<l>What figure is less favorable than a wolf in sheep's [20]</l> +<l>clothing? The braying donkey whose ears stick out is</l> +<l>less troublesome. What manner of man is it that has</l> +<l>discovered an improvement on Christian Science, a <q rend='pre'>met-</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>aphysical healing</q> by which error destroys error, and</l> +<l>would gather all sorts into a <q>national convention</q> by [25]</l> +<l>the sophistry that such is the true fold for Christian heal-</l> +<l>ers, since the good shepherd cares for all?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Yes; the <emph>good</emph> Shepherd does care for all, and His</l> +<l>first care is to separate the sheep from the goats; and</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='371'/><anchor id='Pg371'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 371.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>this is among the first lessons on healing taught by our [1]</l> +<l>great Master.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If, as the gentleman aforesaid states, large flocks of</l> +<l>metaphysicians are wandering about without a leader,</l> +<l>what has opened his eyes to see the need of taking them [5]</l> +<l>out of the care of the great Shepherd, and behold the</l> +<l>remedy, to help them by his own leadership? Is it that</l> +<l>he can guide Christian Scientists better than they, through</l> +<l>the guidance of our common Father, can guide them-</l> +<l>selves? or is it that they are incapable of helping them- [10]</l> +<l>selves thus?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I as their teacher can say, They know far more of</l> +<l>Christian Science than he who deprecates their condition</l> +<l>appears to, and my heart pleads for them to possess</l> +<l>more and more of Truth and Love; but mixing all grades [15]</l> +<l>of persons is not productive of the better sort, although</l> +<l>he who has self-interest in this mixing is apt to pro-</l> +<l>pose it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whoever desires to say, <q>good right, and good wrong,</q></l> +<l>has no truth to defend. It is a wise saying that <q rend='pre'>men</q> [20]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>are known by their enemies.</q> To sympathize in any</l> +<l>degree with error, is not to rectify it; but error always</l> +<l>strives to unite, in a definition of purpose, with Truth,</l> +<l>to give it buoyancy. What is under the mask, but error</l> +<l>in borrowed plumes? [25]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>Christ And Christmas</q></head> + +<lg> +<l>An Illustrated Poem</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>This poem and its illustrations are as hopelessly origi-</l> +<l>nal as is <q rend='pre'>Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='372'/><anchor id='Pg372'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 372.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>tures.</q> When the latter was first issued, critics declared [1]</l> +<l>that it was incorrect, contradictory, unscientific, unchris-</l> +<l>tian; but those human opinions had not one feather's</l> +<l>weight in the scales of God. The fact remains, that</l> +<l>the textbook of Christian Science is transforming the [5]</l> +<l>universe.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q>Christ and Christmas</q> voices Christian Science</l> +<l>through song and object-lesson. In two weeks from the</l> +<l>date of its publication in December, 1893, letters extoll-</l> +<l>ing it were pouring in from artists and poets. A mother [10]</l> +<l>wrote, <q rend='pre'>Looking at the pictures in your wonderful book</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>has healed my child.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Knowing that this book would produce a stir, I sought</l> +<l>the judgment of sound critics familiar with the works</l> +<l>of masters in France and Italy. From them came such [15]</l> +<l>replies as the following: <q rend='pre'>The illustrations of your poem</q></l> +<l>are truly a work of art, and the artist seems quite familiar</l> +<l><q rend='post'>with delineations from the old masters.</q> I am delighted</l> +<l>to find <q>Christ and Christmas</q> in accord with the</l> +<l>ancient and most distinguished artists. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi> gives no uncertain dec-</l> +<l>laration concerning the spirit and mission of <q rend='pre'>Christ and</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>Christmas.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I aimed to reproduce, with reverent touch, the modest</l> +<l>glory of divine Science. Not by aid of foreign device [25]</l> +<l>or environment could I copy art,—never having seen</l> +<l>the painter's masterpieces; but the <emph>art</emph> of Christian</l> +<l>Science, with true hue and character of the living God,</l> +<l>is akin to its <emph>Science</emph>: and Science and Health gives</l> +<l>scopes and shades to the shadows of divinity, thus im- [30]</l> +<l>parting to humanity the true sense of meekness and</l> +<l>might.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='373'/><anchor id='Pg373'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 373.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>One incident serves to illustrate the simple nature of [1]</l> +<l>art.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I insisted upon placing the serpent behind the woman</l> +<l>in the picture <q>Seeking and Finding.</q> My artist at the</l> +<l>easel objected, as he often did, to my sense of Soul's [5]</l> +<l>expression through the brush; but, as usual, he finally</l> +<l>yielded. A few days afterward, the following from Roth-</l> +<l>erham's translation of the New Testament was handed</l> +<l>to me,—I had never before seen it: <q rend='pre'>And the serpent</q></l> +<l>cast out of his mouth, <emph>behind</emph> the woman, water as a [10]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>river, that he might cause her to be river-borne.</q> Neither</l> +<l>material finesse, standpoint, nor perspective guides the</l> +<l>infinite Mind and spiritual vision that should, does, guide</l> +<l>His children.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>One great master clearly delineates Christ's appear- [15]</l> +<l>ing in the flesh, and his healing power, as clad not in</l> +<l>soft raiment or gorgeous apparel; and when forced out</l> +<l>of its proper channel, as living feebly, in kings' courts.</l> +<l>This master's thought presents a sketch of Christian-</l> +<l>ity's state, in the early part of the Christian era, as [20]</l> +<l>homelessness in a wilderness. But in due time Chris-</l> +<l>tianity entered into synagogues, and, as St. Mark</l> +<l>writes, it has rich possession here, with houses and</l> +<l>lands. In Genesis we read that God gave man do-</l> +<l>minion over all things; and this assurance is followed [25]</l> +<l>by Jesus' declaration, <q rend='pre'>All power is given unto me</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>in heaven and in earth,</q> and by his promise that the</l> +<l>Christlike shall finally sit down at the right hand of the</l> +<l>Father.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Christian Science is more than a prophet or a proph- [30]</l> +<l>ecy: it presents not words alone, but works,—the daily</l> +<l>demonstration of Truth and Love. Its healing and sav-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='374'/><anchor id='Pg374'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 374.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ing power was so great a proof of Immanuel and the [1]</l> +<l>realism of Christianity, that it caused even the publi-</l> +<l>cans to justify God. Although clad in panoply of power,</l> +<l>the Pharisees scorned the spirit of Christ in most of its</l> +<l>varied manifestations. To them it was cant and carica- [5]</l> +<l>ture,—always the opposite of what it was. Keen and</l> +<l>alert was their indignation at whatever rebuked hypocrisy</l> +<l>and demanded Christianity in life and religion. In view</l> +<l>of this, Jesus said, <q rend='pre'>Wisdom is justified of all her</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>children.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Above the fogs of sense and storms of passion, Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science and its art will rise triumphant; ignorance,</l> +<l>envy, and hatred—earth's harmless thunder—pluck</l> +<l>not their heaven-born wings. Angels, with overtures,</l> +<l>hold charge over both, and announce their Principle and [15]</l> +<l>idea.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It is most fitting that Christian Scientists memorize</l> +<l>the nativity of Jesus. To him who brought a great light</l> +<l>to all ages, and named his burdens light, homage is in-</l> +<l>deed due,—but is bankrupt. I never looked on my [20]</l> +<l>ideal of the face of the Nazarite Prophet; but the one</l> +<l>illustrating my poem approximates it.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Extremists in every age either doggedly deny or fran-</l> +<l>tically affirm what is what: one renders not unto Cæsar</l> +<l><q>the things that are Cæsar's;</q> the other sees <q rend='pre'>Helen's</q> [25]</l> +<l><q rend='post'>beauty in a brow of Egypt.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Pictures are portions of one's ideal, but this ideal is</l> +<l>not one's personality. Looking behind the veil, he that</l> +<l>perceives a semblance between the thinker and his thought</l> +<l>on canvas, blames him not. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Because my ideal of an angel is a woman without</l> +<l><emph>feathers</emph> on her wings,—is it less artistic or less natu-</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='375'/><anchor id='Pg375'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 375.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ral? Pictures which present disordered phases of ma- [1]</l> +<l>terial conceptions and personality blind with animality,</l> +<l>are not my concepts of angels. What is the material ego,</l> +<l>but the counterfeit of the spiritual?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The truest art of Christian Science is to be a Chris- [5]</l> +<l>tian Scientist; and it demands more than a Raphael to</l> +<l>delineate <emph>this</emph> art.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The following is an extract from a letter reverting to</l> +<l>the illustrations of <q>Christ and Christmas</q>:—</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>In my last letter, I did not utter all I felt about the</q> [10]</l> +<l>wonderful new book you have given us. Years ago,</l> +<l>while in Italy, I studied the old masters and their great</l> +<l>works of art thoroughly, and so got quite an idea of</l> +<l>what constitutes true art. Then I spent two years in</l> +<l>Paris, devoting every moment to the study of music and [15]</l> +<l>art.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The first thing that impressed me in your illustra-</q></l> +<l>tions was the conscientious application to detail, which is</l> +<l>is the foundation of true art. From that, I went on to</l> +<l>study each illustration thoroughly, and to my amazement [20]</l> +<l>and delight I find an almost identical resemblance, in</l> +<l>many things, to the old masters! In other words, the art</l> +<l>is perfect.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The hands and feet of the figures—how many times</q></l> +<l>have I seen these hands and feet in Angelico's <q>Jesus,</q> [25]</l> +<l>or Botticelli's <q>Madonna</q>!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>It gave me such a thrill of joy as no words can ex-</q></l> +<l>press, to see produced to-day that art—the only true</l> +<l>art—that we have identified with the old masters, and</l> +<l>mourned as belonging to them exclusively,—a thing of [30]</l> +<l>the past, impossible of reproduction.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>All that I can say to you, as one who gives no mean</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='376'/><anchor id='Pg376'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 376.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>attention to such matters, is that the art is perfect. It [1]</l> +<l>is the true art of the oldest, most revered, most authen-</l> +<l>tic Italian school, revived. I use the words <emph>most au-</emph></l> +<l><emph>thentic</emph> in the following sense: the face, figure, and</l> +<l>drapery of Jesus, very closely resemble in detail the [5]</l> +<l>face, figure, and drapery of that Jesus portrayed by the</l> +<l>oldest of the old masters, and said to have been authen-</l> +<l>tic; the face having been taken by Fra Angelico from</l> +<l>Cæsar's Cameo, the figure and garments from a descrip-</l> +<l>tion, in <hi rend='italic'>The Galaxy</hi>, of a small sketch handed down [10]</l> +<l>from the <emph>living reality</emph>. <emph>Their</emph> productions are expres-</l> +<l>sionless copies of an engraving cut in a stone. <emph>Yours</emph></l> +<l>is a palpitating, living Saviour engraven on the heart.</l> +<l>You have given us back our Jesus, and in a much better</l> +<l><q rend='post'>is form.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Sunrise At Pleasant View</head> + +<lg> +<l>Who shall describe the brave splendor of a November</l> +<l>sky that this morning burst through the lattice for me,</l> +<l>on my bed? According to terrestrial calculations, above</l> +<l>the horizon, in the east, there rose one rod of rainbow [20]</l> +<l>hues, crowned with an acre of eldritch ebony. Little</l> +<l>by little this topmost pall, drooping over a deeply daz-</l> +<l>zling sunlight, softened, grew gray, then gay, and glided</l> +<l>into a glory of mottled marvels. Fleecy, faint, fairy</l> +<l>blue and golden flecks came out on a background of [25]</l> +<l>cerulean hue; while the lower lines of light kindled into</l> +<l>gold, orange, pink, crimson, violet; and diamond, topaz,</l> +<l>opal, garnet, turquoise, and sapphire spangled the gloom</l> +<l>in celestial space as with the brightness of His glory.</l> +<l>Then thought I, What are we, that He who fashions for- [30]</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='377'/><anchor id='Pg377'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 377.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>ever such forms and hues of heaven, should move our [1]</l> +<l>brush or pen to paint frail fairness or to weave a web</l> +<l>of words that glow with gladdening gleams of God, so</l> +<l>unapproachable, and yet so near and full of radiant relief</l> +<l>in clouds and darkness! [5]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +</div> + +<pb n='378'/><anchor id='Pg378'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter X. Inklings Historic</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 378.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>About the year 1862, while the author of this work [1]</l> +<l>was at Dr. Vail's Hydropathic Institute in New</l> +<l>Hampshire, this occurred: A patient considered incur-</l> +<l>able left that institution, and in a few weeks returned</l> +<l>apparently well, having been healed, as he informed [5]</l> +<l>the patients, by one Mr. P. P. Quimby of Portland,</l> +<l>Maine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>After much consultation among ourselves, and a struggle</l> +<l>with pride, the author, in company with several other</l> +<l>patients, left the water-cure, <hi rend='italic'>en route</hi> for the aforesaid +[10]</l> +<l>doctor in Portland. He proved to be a magnetic practi-</l> +<l>tioner. His treatment seemed at first to relieve her, but</l> +<l>signally failed in healing her case.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Having practised homœopathy, it never occurred to the</l> +<l>author to learn his practice, but she did ask him how [15]</l> +<l>manipulation could benefit the sick. He answered kindly</l> +<l>and squarely, in substance, <q rend='pre'>Because it conveys +<emph>electricity</emph></q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to them.</q> That was the sum of what he taught her of</l> +<l>his medical profession.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The readers of my books cannot fail to see that meta- [20]</l> +<l>physical therapeutics, as in Christian Science, are farther</l> +<l>removed from such thoughts than the nebulous system</l> +<l>is from the earth.</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='379'/><anchor id='Pg379'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 379.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>After treating his patients, Mr. Quimby would retire [1]</l> +<l>to an anteroom and write at his desk. I had a curiosity</l> +<l>to know if he indited anything pathological relative to</l> +<l>his patients, and asked if I could see his pennings on</l> +<l>my case. He immediately presented them. I read the [5]</l> +<l>copy in his presence, and returned it to him. The com-</l> +<l>position was commonplace, mostly descriptive of the gen-</l> +<l>eral appearance, height, and complexion of the individual,</l> +<l>and the nature of the case: it was not at all metaphysi-</l> +<l>cal or scientific; and from his remarks I inferred that [10]</l> +<l>his writings usually ran in the vein of thought presented</l> +<l>by these. He was neither a scholar nor a metaphysician.</l> +<l>I never heard him say that matter was not as real as Mind,</l> +<l>or that electricity was not as potential or remedial, or</l> +<l>allude to God as the divine Principle of all healing. He [15]</l> +<l>certainly had advanced views of his own, but they com-</l> +<l>mingled error with truth, and were not Science. On</l> +<l>his rare humanity and sympathy one could write a</l> +<l>sonnet.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>I had already experimented in medicine beyond the [20]</l> +<l>basis of <hi rend='italic'>materia medica</hi>,—up to the highest attenuation</l> +<l>in homoeopathy, thence to a mental standpoint not un-</l> +<l>derstood and with phenomenally good results;<note place='foot'>See Science +and Health, p. 47, revised edition of 1890, and +pp. 152, 153 in late editions.</note> mean-</l> +<l>while assiduously pondering the solution of this great</l> +<l>question: Is it matter, or is it Mind, that heals the [25]</l> +<l>sick?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It was after Mr. Quimby's death that I discovered,</l> +<l>in 1866, the momentous facts relating to Mind and its</l> +<l>superiority over matter, and named my discovery Chris-</l> +<l>tian Science. Yet, there remained the difficulty of ad- [30]</l> +<l>justing in the scale of Science a metaphysical <emph>practice</emph>,</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='380'/><anchor id='Pg380'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 380.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>and settling the question, What shall be the outward [1]</l> +<l>sign of such a practice: if a divine Principle alone heals,</l> +<l>what is the human modus for demonstrating this,—in</l> +<l>short, how can sinful mortals prove that a divine Principle</l> +<l>heals the sick, as well as governs the universe, time, [5]</l> +<l>space, immortality, man?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When contemplating the majesty and magnitude of</l> +<l>this query, it looked as if centuries of spiritual growth</l> +<l>were requisite to enable me to elucidate or to dem-</l> +<l>onstrate what I had discovered: but an unlooked-for, [10]</l> +<l>imperative call for help impelled me to begin this stu-</l> +<l>pendous work at once, and teach the first student in</l> +<l>Christian Science. Even as when an accident, called</l> +<l>fatal to life, had driven me to discover the Science of</l> +<l>Life, I again, in faith, turned to divine help,—and com- [15]</l> +<l>menced teaching.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My students at first practised in slightly differing</l> +<l>forms. Although <emph>I</emph> could heal mentally, without a sign</l> +<l>save the immediate recovery of the sick, my students'</l> +<l>patients, and people generally, called for a sign—a ma- [20]</l> +<l>terial evidence wherewith to satisfy the sick that something</l> +<l>was being done for them; and I said, <q rend='pre'>Suffer it</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>to be so now,</q> for thus saith our Master. Experience,</l> +<l>however, taught me the impossibility of demonstrating</l> +<l>the Science of metaphysical healing by any outward form [25]</l> +<l>of practice.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In April, 1883, a bill in equity was filed in the United</l> +<l>States Circuit Court in Boston, to restrain, by decree and</l> +<l>order of the Court, the unlawful publishing and use of an</l> +<l>infringing pamphlet printed and issued by a student of [30]</l> +<l>Christian Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Answer was filed by the defendant, alleging that the</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='381'/><anchor id='Pg381'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 381.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>copyrighted works of Mrs. Eddy were not original with [1]</l> +<l>her, but had been copied by her, or by her direction,</l> +<l>from manuscripts originally composed by Dr. P. P.</l> +<l>Quimby.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Testimony was taken on the part of Mrs. Eddy, the [5]</l> +<l>defendant being present personally and by counsel. The</l> +<l>time for taking testimony on the part of the defendant</l> +<l>having nearly expired, he gave notice through his counsel</l> +<l>that he should not put in testimony. Later, Mrs.</l> +<l>Eddy requested her lawyer to inquire of defendant's [10]</l> +<l>counsel why he did not present evidence to support his</l> +<l>claim that Dr. Quimby was the author of her writings!</l> +<l>Accordingly, her counsel asked the defendant's counsel</l> +<l>this question, and he replied, in substance, <q rend='pre'>There is</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>no evidence to present.</q> [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The stipulation for a judgment and a decree in favor</l> +<l>of Mrs. Eddy was drawn up and signed by counsel.</l> +<l>It was ordered that the complainant (Mrs. Eddy)</l> +<l>recover of the defendant her cost of suit, taxed at</l> +<l>($113.09) one hundred thirteen and 9/100 dollars. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>A writ of injunction was issued under the seal of the</l> +<l>said Court, restraining the defendant from directly or</l> +<l>indirectly printing, publishing, selling, giving away,</l> +<l>distributing, or in any way or manner disposing of,</l> +<l>the enjoined pamphlet, on penalty of ten thousand [25]</l> +<l>dollars.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The infringing books, to the number of thirty-eight</l> +<l>hundred or thereabouts, were put under the edge of</l> +<l>the knife, and their unlawful existence destroyed, in</l> +<l>Boston, Massachusetts. [30]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>It has been written that <q rend='pre'>nobody can be both founder</q></l> +<l><q rend='post'>and discoverer of the same thing.</q> If this declaration</l> +</lg> + +<pb n='382'/><anchor id='Pg382'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 382.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l>were either a truism or a rule, my experience would [1]</l> +<l>contradict it and prove an exception.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No works on the subject of Christian Science existed,</l> +<l>prior to my discovery of this Science. Before the publi-</l> +<l>cation of my first work on this doctrine, a few manu- [5]</l> +<l>scripts of mine were in circulation. The discovery and</l> +<l>founding of Christian Science has cost more than thirty</l> +<l>years of unremitting toil and unrest; but, comparing those</l> +<l>with the joy of knowing that the sinner and the sick are</l> +<l>helped thereby, that time and eternity bear witness to [10]</l> +<l>this gift of God to the race, I am the debtor.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In the latter half of the nineteenth century I discov-</l> +<l>ered the Science of Christianity, and restored the first</l> +<l>patient healed in this age by Christian Science. I taught</l> +<l>the first student in Christian Science Mind-healing; was [15]</l> +<l>author and publisher of the first books on this subject;</l> +<l>obtained the first charter for the first Christian Science</l> +<l>church, originated its form of government, and was its</l> +<l>first pastor. I donated to this church the land on which</l> +<l>in 1894 was erected the first church edifice of this denomination [20]</l> +<l>in Boston; obtained the first and only charter</l> +<l>for a metaphysical medical college,—was its first and</l> +<l>only president; was editor and proprietor of the first</l> +<l>Christian Science periodical; organized the first Christian</l> +<l>Scientist Association, wrote its constitution and by- [25]</l> +<l>laws,—as also the constitution and by-laws of the</l> +<l>National Christian Science Association; and gave it</l> +<l><hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi>; inaugurated our denom-</l> +<l>inational form of Sunday services, Sunday School, and</l> +<l>so the entire system of teaching and practising Christian [30]</l> +<l>Science.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In 1895 I ordained that the Bible, and <q rend='pre'>Science and</q></l> +</lg> + +<pb n='383'/><anchor id='Pg383'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 383.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='post'>Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> the Christian Science [1]</l> +<l>textbook, be the pastor, on this planet, of all the churches</l> +<l>of the Christian Science denomination. This ordinance</l> +<l>took effect the same year, and met with the universal ap-</l> +<l>proval and support of Christian Scientists. Whenever [5]</l> +<l>and wherever a church of Christian Science is established,</l> +<l>its pastor is the Bible and my book.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>In 1896 it goes without saying, preeminent over igno-</l> +<l>rance or envy, that Christian Science <emph>is founded by its</emph></l> +<l><emph>discoverer</emph>, and built upon the rock of Christ. The el- [10]</l> +<l>ements of earth beat in vain against the immortal parapets</l> +<l>of this Science. Erect and eternal, it will go on with the</l> +<l>ages, go down the dim posterns of time unharmed, and</l> +<l>on every battle-field rise higher in the estimation of</l> +<l>thinkers and in the hearts of Christians. [15]</l> +</lg> + +</div> + +<pb n='384'/><anchor id='Pg384'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter XI. Poems</head> + +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 384.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Come Thou</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Come, in the minstrel's lay; [2]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>When two hearts meet,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And true hearts greet,</l> +<l>And all is morn and May. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Come Thou! and now, anew,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>To thought and deed</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Give sober speed,</l> +<l>Thy will to know, and do.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Stay! till the storms are o'er— [10]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The cold blasts done,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The reign of heaven begun,</l> +<l>And Love, the evermore.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Be patient, waiting heart:</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Light, Love divine [15]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Is here, and thine;</l> +<l>You therefore cannot part.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>The seasons come and go:</q></l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Love, like the sea,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Rolls on with thee,— [20]</l> +<l>But knows no ebb and flow.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='385'/><anchor id='Pg385'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 385.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Faith, hope, and tears, triune,</q> [1]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Above the sod</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Find peace in God,</l> +<l><q rend='post'>And one eternal noon.</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Oh, Thou hast heard my prayer; [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And I am blest!</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>This is Thy high behest:</l> +<l>Thou, here and <hi rend='italic'>everywhere</hi>.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Meeting Of My Departed Mother And Husband</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Joy for thee, happy friend! thy bark is past</q> [10]</l> +<l>The dangerous sea, and safely moored at last—</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Beyond rough foam.</l> +<l>Soft gales celestial, in sweet music bore—</l> +<l>Spirit emancipate for this far shore—</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Thee to thy home. [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>You've travelled long, and far from mortal joys,</q></l> +<l>To Soul's diviner sense, that spurns such toys,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Brave wrestler, lone.</l> +<l>Now see thy ever-self; Life never fled;</l> +<l>Man is not mortal, never of the dead: [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The dark unknown.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>When hope soared high, and joy was eagle-plumed,</q></l> +<l>Thy pinions drooped; the flesh was weak, and doomed</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>To pass away.</l> +<l>But faith triumphant round thy death-couch shed [25]</l> +<l>Majestic forms; and radiant glory sped</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The dawning day.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='386'/><anchor id='Pg386'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 386.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Intensely grand and glorious life's sphere,—</q> [1]</l> +<l>Beyond the shadow, infinite appear</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Life, Love divine,—</l> +<l>Where mortal yearnings come not, sighs are stilled,</l> +<l>And home and peace and hearts are found and filled, [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Thine, ever thine.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Bearest thou no tidings from our loved on earth,</q></l> +<l>The toiler tireless for Truth's new birth</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>All-unbeguiled?</l> +<l>Our joy is gathered from her parting sigh: [10]</l> +<l>This hour looks on her heart with pitying eye,—</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='post'>What of my child?</q></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>When, severed by death's dream, I woke to Life,</q></l> +<l>She deemed I died, and could not know the strife</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>At first to fill [15]</l> +<l>That waking with a love that steady turns</l> +<l>To God; a hope that ever upward yearns,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Bowed to His will.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>Years had passed o'er thy broken household band,</q></l> +<l>When angels beckoned me to this bright land, [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>With thee to meet.</l> +<l>She that has wept o'er thee, kissed my cold brow,</l> +<l>Rears the sad marble to our memory now,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>In lone retreat.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>By the remembrance of her loyal life,</q> [25]</l> +<l>And parting prayer, I only know my wife,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Thy child, shall come—</l> +<l>Where farewells cloud not o'er our ransomed rest—</l> +<l>Hither to reap, with all the crowned and blest,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Of bliss the sum. [30]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='387'/><anchor id='Pg387'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 387.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><q rend='pre'>When Love's rapt sense the heart-strings gently sweep,</q> [1]</l> +<l>With joy divinely fair, the high and deep,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>To call her home,</l> +<l>She shall mount upward unto purer skies;</l> +<l>We shall be waiting, in what glad surprise, [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='post'>Our spirits' own!</q></l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Love</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Brood o'er us with Thy shelt'ring wing,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>'Neath which our spirits blend</l> +<l>Like brother birds, that soar and sing, [10]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And on the same branch bend.</l> +<l>The arrow that doth wound the dove</l> +<l>Darts not from those who watch and love.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>If thou the bending reed wouldst break</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>By thought or word unkind, [15]</l> +<l>Pray that his spirit you partake,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Who loved and healed mankind:</l> +<l>Seek holy thoughts and heavenly strain,</l> +<l>That make men one in love remain.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Learn, too, that wisdom's rod is given [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>For faith to kiss, and know;</l> +<l>That greetings glorious from high heaven,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Whence joys supernal flow,</l> +<l>Come from that Love, divinely near,</l> +<l>Which chastens pride and earth-born fear, [25]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='388'/><anchor id='Pg388'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 388.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Through God, who gave that word of might [1]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Which swelled creation's lay:</l> +<l><q>Let there be light, and there was light.</q></l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>What chased the clouds away?</l> +<l>'Twas Love whose finger traced aloud [5]</l> +<l>A bow of promise on the cloud.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thou to whose power our hope we give,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Free us from human strife.</l> +<l>Fed by Thy love divine we live, [10]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>For Love alone is Life;</l> +<l>And life most sweet, as heart to heart</l> +<l>Speaks kindly when we meet and part.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Woman's Rights</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Grave on her monumental pile:</l> +<l>She won from vice, by virtue's smile, [15]</l> +<l>Her dazzling crown, her sceptred throne,</l> +<l>Affection's wreath, a happy home;</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The right to worship deep and pure,</l> +<l>To bless the orphan, feed the poor;</l> +<l>Last at the cross to mourn her Lord, [20]</l> +<l>First at the tomb to hear his word:</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>To fold an angel's wings below;</l> +<l>And hover o'er the couch of woe;</l> +<l>To nurse the Bethlehem babe so sweet,</l> +<l>The right to sit at Jesus' feet; [25]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='389'/><anchor id='Pg389'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 389.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>To form the bud for bursting bloom, [1]</l> +<l>The hoary head with joy to crown;</l> +<l>In short, the right to work and pray,</l> +<l><q>To point to heaven and lead the way.</q></l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>The Mother's Evening Prayer</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>O gentle presence, peace and joy and power;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>O Life divine, that owns each waiting hour,</l> +<l>Thou Love that guards the nestling's faltering flight!</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Keep Thou my child on upward wing to-night.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Love is our refuge; only with mine eye [10]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Can I behold the snare, the pit, the fall:</l> +<l>His habitation high is here, and nigh,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>His arm encircles me, and mine, and all.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>O make me glad for every scalding tear,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>For hope deferred, ingratitude, disdain! [15]</l> +<l>Wait, and love more for every hate, and fear</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>No ill,—since God is good, and loss is gain.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Beneath the shadow of His mighty wing;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>In that sweet secret of the narrow way,</l> +<l>Seeking and finding, with the angels sing: [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q>Lo, I am with you alway,</q>—watch and pray.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>No snare, no fowler, pestilence or pain;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>No night drops down upon the troubled breast,</l> +<l>When heaven's aftersmile earth's tear-drops gain,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And mother finds her home and heavenly rest. [25]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='390'/><anchor id='Pg390'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 390.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>June</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Whence are thy wooings, gentle June?</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Thou hast a Naiad's charm;</l> +<l>Thy breezes scent the rose's breath;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Old Time gives thee her palm. [5]</l> +<l>The lark's shrill song doth wake the dawn;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The eve-bird's forest flute</l> +<l>Gives back some maiden melody,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Too pure for aught so mute.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The fairy-peopled world of flowers, [10]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Enraptured by thy spell,</l> +<l>Looks love unto the laughing hours,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Through woodland, grove, and dell;</l> +<l>And soft thy footstep falls upon</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The verdant grass it weaves; [15]</l> +<l>To melting murmurs ye have stirred</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The timid, trembling leaves.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>When sunshine beautifies the shower,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>As smiles through teardrops seen,</l> +<l>Ask of its June, the long-hushed heart, [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>What hath the record been?</l> +<l>And thou wilt find that harmonies,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>In which the Soul hath part,</l> +<l>Ne'er perish young, like things of earth,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>In records of the heart. [25]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='391'/><anchor id='Pg391'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 391.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Wish And Item</head> + +<lg> +<l>Written to the Editor of the <hi rend='italic'>Item</hi>, Lynn, Mass.</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>I hope the heart that's hungry</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>For things above the floor,</l> +<l>Will find within its portals [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>An item rich in store;</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That melancholy mortals</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Will count their mercies o'er,</l> +<l>And learn that Truth and wisdom</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Have many items more; [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That when a wrong is done us,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>It stirs no thought of strife;</l> +<l>And Love becomes the substance,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>As item, of our life;</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>That every ragged urchin, [15]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>With bare feet soiled or sore,</l> +<l>Share God's most tender mercies,—</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Find items at our door.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Then if we've done to others</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Some good ne'er told before, [20]</l> +<l>When angels shall repeat it,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>'T will be an item more.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='392'/><anchor id='Pg392'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 392.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>The Oak On The Mountain's Summit</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Oh, mountain monarch, at whose feet I stand,—</l> +<l>Clouds to adorn thy brow, skies clasp thy hand,—</l> +<l>Nature divine, in harmony profound,</l> +<l>With peaceful presence hath begirt thee round. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And thou, majestic oak, from yon high place</l> +<l>Guard'st thou the earth, asleep in night's embrace,—</l> +<l>And from thy lofty summit, pouring down</l> +<l>Thy sheltering shade, her noonday glories crown?</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Whate'er thy mission, mountain sentinel, [10]</l> +<l>To my lone heart thou art a power and spell;</l> +<l>A lesson grave, of life, that teacheth me</l> +<l>To love the Hebrew figure of a tree.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Faithful and patient be my life as thine;</l> +<l>As strong to wrestle with the storms of time; [15]</l> +<l>As deeply rooted in a soil of love;</l> +<l>As grandly rising to the heavens above.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Isle Of Wight</head> + +<lg> +<l>Written on receiving a painting of the Isle</l> +</lg> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Isle of beauty, thou art singing [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>To my sense a sweet refrain;</l> +<l>To my busy mem'ry bringing</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Scenes that I would see again.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='393'/><anchor id='Pg393'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 393.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Chief, the charm of thy reflecting, [1]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Is the moral that it brings;</l> +<l>Nature, with the mind connecting,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Gives the artist's fancy wings.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Soul, sublime 'mid human <hi rend='italic'>débris</hi>, [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Paints the limner's work, I ween,</l> +<l>Art and Science, all unweary,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Lighting up this mortal dream.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Work ill-done within the misty</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Mine of human thoughts, we see [10]</l> +<l>Soon abandoned when the Master</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Crowns life's Cliff for such as we.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Students wise, he maketh now thus</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Those who fish in waters deep,</l> +<l>When the buried Master hails us [15]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>From the shores afar, complete.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Art hath bathed this isthmus-lordling</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>In a beauty strong and meek</l> +<l>As the rock, whose upward tending</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Points the plane of power to seek. [20]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Isle of beauty, thou art teaching</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Lessons long and grand, to-night,</l> +<l>To my heart that would be bleaching</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>To thy whiteness, Cliff of Wight.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='394'/><anchor id='Pg394'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 394.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Hope</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>'T is borne on the zephyr at eventide's hour;</l> +<l>It falls on the heart like the dew on the flower,—</l> +<l>An infinite essence from tropic to pole,</l> +<l>The promise, the home, and the heaven of Soul. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Hope happifies life, at the altar or bower,</l> +<l>And loosens the fetters of pride and of power;</l> +<l>It comes through our tears, as the soft summer rain,</l> +<l>To beautify, bless, and make joyful again.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The harp of the minstrel, the treasure of time; [10]</l> +<l>A rainbow of rapture, o'erarching, divine;</l> +<l>The God-given mandate that speaks from above,—</l> +<l>No place for earth's idols, but hope thou, and love.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Rondelet</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='pre'>The flowers of June</q></l> +<l>The gates of memory unbar:</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The flowers of June</l> +<l>Such old-time harmonies <hi rend='italic'>re</hi>tune,</l> +<l>I fain would keep the gates ajar,—</l> +<l>So full of sweet enchantment are [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><q rend='post'>The flowers of June.</q></l> +<l rend='margin-left: 4'><hi rend='smallcaps'>James T. White</hi></l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='395'/><anchor id='Pg395'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 395.]</l></then></pgIf> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>To Mr. James T. White</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Who loves not June [2]</l> +<l>Is out of tune</l> +<l>With love and God;</l> +<l>The rose his rival reigns, [5]</l> +<l>The stars reject his pains,</l> +<l>His home the clod!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And yet I trow,</l> +<l>When sweet <hi rend='italic'>rondeau</hi></l> +<l>Doth play a part, [10]</l> +<l>The curtain drops on June;</l> +<l>Veiled is the modest moon—</l> +<l>Hushed is the heart.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Autumn</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Written in childhood, in a maple grove [15]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Quickly earth's jewels disappear;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The turf, whereon I tread,</l> +<l>Ere autumn blanch another year,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>May rest above my head.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Touched by the finger of decay [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Is every earthly love;</l> +<l>For joy, to shun my weary way,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Is registered above.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The languid brooklets yield their sighs,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>A requiem o'er the tomb [25]</l> +<l>Of sunny days and cloudless skies,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Enhancing autumn's gloom.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='396'/><anchor id='Pg396'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 396.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>The wild winds mutter, howl, and moan, [1]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>To scare my woodland walk,</l> +<l>And frightened fancy flees, to roam</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Where ghosts and goblins stalk.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>The cricket's sharp, discordant scream [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Fills mortal sense with dread;</l> +<l>More sorrowful it scarce could seem;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>It voices beauty fled.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Yet here, upon this faded sod,—</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>O happy hours and fleet,— [10]</l> +<l>When songsters' matin hymns to God</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Are poured in strains so sweet,</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My heart unbidden joins rehearse;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>I hope it's better made,</l> +<l>When mingling with the universe, [15]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Beneath the maple's shade.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Christ My Refuge</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>There sweeps a strain,</l> +<l>Low, sad, and sweet, whose measures bind [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>The power of pain,</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And wake a white-winged angel throng</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Of thoughts, illumed</l> +<l>By faith, and breathed in raptured song,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>With love perfumed. [25]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='397'/><anchor id='Pg397'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 397.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Then His unveiled, sweet mercies show [1]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Life's burdens light.</l> +<l>I kiss the cross, and wake to know</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>A world more bright.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>And o'er earth's troubled, angry sea [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>I see Christ walk,</l> +<l>And come to me, and tenderly,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Divinely talk.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thus Truth engrounds me on the rock,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Upon Life's shore, [10]</l> +<l>'Gainst which the winds and waves can shock,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Oh, nevermore!</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>From tired joy and grief afar,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And nearer Thee,—</l> +<l>Father, where Thine own children are, [15]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>I love to be.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>My prayer, some daily good to do</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>To Thine, for Thee;</l> +<l>An offering pure of Love, whereto</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>God leadeth me. [20]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head><q>Feed My Sheep</q></head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Shepherd, show me how to go</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>O'er the hillside steep,</l> +<l>How to gather, how to sow,—</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>How to feed Thy sheep;</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='398'/><anchor id='Pg398'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 398.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>I will listen for Thy voice, [1]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Lest my footsteps stray;</l> +<l>I will follow and rejoice</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>All the rugged way.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Thou wilt bind the stubborn will, [5]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Wound the callous breast,</l> +<l>Make self-righteousness be still,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Break earth's stupid rest.</l> +<l>Strangers on a barren shore,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Lab'ring long and lone, [10]</l> +<l>We would enter by the door,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>And Thou know'st Thine own;</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>So, when day grows dark and cold,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Tear or triumph harms,</l> +<l>Lead Thy lambkins to the fold, [15]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Take them in Thine arms;</l> +<l>Feed the hungry, heal the heart,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Till the morning's beam;</l> +<l>White as wool, ere they depart,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Shepherd, wash them clean.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Communion Hymn</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Saw ye my Saviour? Heard ye the glad sound?</l> +<l>Felt ye the power of the Word?</l> +<l>'T was the Truth that made us free,</l> +<l>And was found by you and me [25]</l> +<l>In the life and the love of our Lord.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='399'/><anchor id='Pg399'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 399.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Mourner, it calls you,—<q rend='pre'>Come to my bosom,</q> [1]</l> +<l>Love wipes your tears all away,</l> +<l>And will lift the shade of gloom,</l> +<l>And for you make radiant room</l> +<l><q rend='post'>Midst the glories of one endless day.</q> [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Sinner, it calls you,—<q rend='pre'>Come to this fountain,</q></l> +<l>Cleanse the foul senses within;</l> +<l>'Tis the Spirit that makes pure,</l> +<l>That exalts thee, and will cure</l> +<l><q rend='post'>All thy sorrow and sickness and sin.</q> [10]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Strongest deliverer, friend of the friendless,</l> +<l>Life of all being divine:</l> +<l>Thou the Christ, and not the creed;</l> +<l>Thou the Truth in thought and deed;</l> +<l>Thou the water, the bread, and the wine. [15]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>Laus Deo!</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l>Written on laying the corner-stone of The Mother Church</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Laus Deo</hi>, it is done!</l> +<l>Rolled away from loving heart</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Is a stone. [20]</l> +<l>Lifted higher, we depart,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Having one.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Laus Deo</hi>,—on this rock</l> +<l>(Heaven chiselled squarely good)</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Stands His church,— [25]</l> +<l>God is Love, and understood</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>By His flock.</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +<pb n='400'/><anchor id='Pg400'/> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><l>[Page 400.]</l></then></pgIf> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><hi rend='italic'>Laus Deo</hi>, night star-lit [1]</l> +<l>Slumbers not in God's embrace;</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Be awake;</l> +<l>Like this stone, be in thy place:</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Stand, not sit. [5]</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Grave, silent, steadfast stone,</l> +<l>Dirge and song and shoutings low</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>In thy heart</l> +<l>Dwell serene,—and sorrow? No,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>It has none, [10]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'><hi rend='italic'>Laus Deo!</hi></l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +<div> +<index index='toc'/> +<head>A Verse</head> + +<quote rend='display'> +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>Mother's New Year Gift to the Little Children</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Father-Mother God,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Loving me,— [15]</l> +<l>Guard me when I sleep;</l> +<l>Guide my little feet</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Up to Thee.</l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l><hi rend='smallcaps'>To the Big Children</hi></l> +</lg> + +<lg> +<l>Father-Mother good, lovingly [20]</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Thee I seek,—</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Patient, meek,</l> +<l>In the way Thou hast,—</l> +<l>Be it slow or fast,</l> +<l rend='margin-left: 2'>Up to Thee. [25]</l> +</lg> +</quote> + +</div> + +</div> + +<pb n='401'/><anchor id='Pg401'/> + +<div rend='page-break-before: always'> +<index index='toc'/> +<index index='pdf'/> +<head>Chapter XII. Testimonials</head> + +<p> +Letters From Those Healed By Reading <q>Science +And Health With Key To The Scriptures</q> +</p> + +<p> +The Editor of <hi rend='italic'>The Christian Science Journal</hi> (Falmouth and St. +Paul Streets, Boston, Mass.) holds the original of most of the letters +that authenticate these. +</p> + +<p> +It is something more than a year and a half since I was +cured of a complication of diseases through reading +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Becoming at an early age disgusted with drugs, I learned +hygiene, and practised it faithfully for over twenty years; +then I began to lose all faith in its efficacy, became +greatly discouraged, and, as I had never been cured of +a single ailment, I rapidly grew worse in health. Hearing +of this, a dear sister brought me Science and Health. +Her admonition was, <q>Now read it, E——; I have heard +that just the reading of that book has been known to heal +the sick.</q> +</p> + +<p> +I had read to, and through, the chapter on Healing and +Teaching,<note place='foot'>Page 292 of the revised edition of 1890.</note> +and was so deeply interested that I began +reading that blessed chapter over again,—when I found +I was cured of my dyspepsia, that I could use my strength +in lifting without feeling the old distressing pain in my +side, and also that the pain in the kidneys only came on +<pb n='402'/><anchor id='Pg402'/> +at night, waking me out of sleep. Then I began my first +conscious treatments: of course I followed no formula, +and I needed none. A cry for help, knowing it would +be answered; precious texts from the Bible, which had +already become like a new book to me; sweet assurance +of faith by the witnessing Spirit; strong logical conclusions, +learned from Science and Health: what a wealth +of material! Before finishing the book, all tendency to +my old aches and pains had left me, and I have been a +strong, healthy woman ever since. +</p> + +<p> +My first demonstration with another than myself was +also before I had finished my first reading. My husband +was cured of the belief of bilious fever by not over ten +minutes' treatment; the fever and pain in head and limbs +disappearing in that instantaneous way as soon as I +could summon sufficient courage to offer my services in +this, to us, new but glorious work. He slept soundly +that night (the treatment was given about 10 <hi rend='smallcaps'>a. m.</hi>), and +ate and worked as usual the next day, with no symptoms +of a relapse then or afterward. That was in March, 1888; +in the following August I met in one of our Rocky Mountain +berry patches a lady who complained so bitterly that +I felt compelled to offer her treatment. Her words, when +I visited her at her home during Christmas week, will +give some idea of the result:— +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I am doing three women's work,—attending to +my own and my son's housework, and caring for his wife +and new-born babe; but I am equal to it, when I think +of all the Lord has done for me! Why, Mrs. S., I was +cured with that first treatment you gave me, I know; +because I went out to gather berries that day and was +caught in a drenching shower,—and for ten years before +<pb n='403'/><anchor id='Pg403'/> +I could not bear the least exposure without suffering +from those dreadful headaches I told you about, and +from dysentery,—but that day I had neither. I had +once been laid out for dead,—lying there perfectly conscious, +hearing my friends grieving over me,—but I did +not want to come to, I suffered so. No, I never have any +of those ailments. I am a well, hearty woman,—and +that is not all. I had been seeking religion for more than +twenty years, but I never knew how Christians felt till I +told you I was cured that day on the camp-ground.</q> +</p> + +<p> +On the first of this year I was so blessed as to receive +a course of lessons from one of our teacher's students. +Now I am only trusting that the time will come when I +may be enabled to teach others the way of Truth, as well +as to add to the many demonstrations God has given +me.—E. D. S. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +A student of Christian Science was employed in the +Massachusetts State Prison at Charlestown, to teach the +prisoners to make shoes. He carried his copy of <q>Science +and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> and the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> +with him, and as he had the opportunity would tell the +men what this wonderful truth could do for them, setting +them free in a larger and higher sense than they had +dreamed of. +</p> + +<p> +We make extracts from a number of letters that one +of the prisoners has written to those who are interesting +themselves in this work. +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'><hi rend='italic'>Editor of The Christian Science Journal</hi>:—At the +prison, once a week, there are Christian papers given +to the inmates. But none of those papers point out so +<pb n='404'/><anchor id='Pg404'/> +clearly the fallibility of the mortal or carnal mind, and +the infallibility of the divine Mind, as does the teaching +of Christian Science.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>I was strangely blind and stupid. I loved sin, and +it seemed as though I never would be able to forsake it. +I did everything that would be expected of one entirely +ignorant of God.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>I also had a complication of diseases. I could not +begin to describe the medicines I have taken.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>I no longer look for material treatment, but humbly +seek for the divine assistance of Jesus, through the +way Christian Science has taught me. I am, indeed, +an altered man. I now have no more doubt of the +way of salvation than I have of the way to the prison +workshop.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>I am very grateful to the students of Christian Science, +for the interest they have taken in me and my fellow-prisoners. +Their letters and books have been of great +profit, and in accordance with their wish I have done what +I could for the others.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>I gave the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> to every man who would accept +it, and related my experience to those who would listen. +I told them they need go no farther than myself to see +what the demonstration was; for not only have my eyes +been healed, but many other ailments have disappeared.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>Some of the fellows told me I was becoming religiously +insane, but acting upon your advice, I did not stop +to argue with those opposed; and I am glad to be able to +tell you that those who expressed interest were more than +those who opposed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>The chaplain told me I could keep Science and +Health until I got through with it. I never should +<pb n='405'/><anchor id='Pg405'/> +get through with that book, but, as others were waiting +for it, I did not like to keep it too long. God bless the +author!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend='pre'>I need have no fear after leaving here; I feel that +I can make an honest living. I can honestly add, that +my bad reputation is largely due to my lack of education. +What little I do know, I learned here and in the +House of Correction. I tell you this, for I feel that I +must be honest with the kind friends who have done so +much for me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Providing I should not be paroled, I shall remain +here until the 24th of next December. God bless you +all.—J. C.</q> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I am glad to tell how I was healed. Beliefs of consumption, +dyspepsia, neuralgia, piles, tobacco, and bad +language held me in bondage for many years. Doctors +that were consulted did nothing to relieve me, and I +constantly grew worse. Nearly two years ago a lady +told me that if I would read a book called <q>Science and +Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> I would be healed. +I told her I would <q>go into it for all it is worth,</q> and +I have found that it is worth all. I got the book, and +read day and night. I saw that it must be true, and believed +that what I could not then understand would be +made clear later. +</p> + +<p> +After some days' reading I was affected with drowsiness, +followed by vomiting. This lasted several hours; +when I fell into a sleep, and awoke healed. The good I +have received, and that I have been able to do in healing +others, has all come from Science and Health. I received +some instructions from teachers; but they did me more +<pb n='406'/><anchor id='Pg406'/> +harm than good: I asked for bread, but they gave me a +stone. I held to what I could understand of Science and +Health; and the truth does not forsake me, but enables +me to heal others. +</p> + +<p> +Last February, I was called to treat a child that the +M. D.'s said was dying from lung fever; after the third +treatment the child got up and ran about, completely +healed. Another child was brought to me, with rupture; +after the second treatment the truss was thrown away. +An aged lady was healed of heart disease and chills, in +one treatment. These cases brought me many more, that +were also healed. +</p> + +<p> +The husband of a lady in the State Lunatic Asylum +asked me to treat her; she had been for two years and +a half in the asylum, and though taken home in this time +once or twice, she had had to be taken back. After two +weeks of absent treatment, the husband visited her, and +the doctor reported great improvement during the preceding +two weeks. At the end of another two weeks I +went with the husband to the asylum, and the doctor told +us that she was well enough to go home. The husband +asked the doctor how it was that she had improved so +rapidly, and he said that he could not account for it. We +said nothing about the Christian Science treatment, and +took the lady home. This was about a year ago, and she +has remained perfectly well. +</p> + +<p> +Many cases as striking as this can be referred to in +this town, as evidence that Truth is the healer of sickness +as well as of sin.—J. B. H. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +No. 1. A lady friend, who was found to have a severe +attack of dysentery, was assured that such attacks could +<pb n='407'/><anchor id='Pg407'/> +be cured without medicine, and advised to take no more. +She was more than astonished at the result; for in less +than an hour all pain and other symptoms of the trouble +ceased, and she felt perfectly well the next day. +</p> + +<p> +No. 2. While she was visiting relatives in the country, +an infant of theirs was attacked severely with croup, +and appeared to be on the verge of suffocation, giving +its parents much alarm. The infant was taken in +the arms of the lady, in thirty minutes was completely +relieved, went to sleep, and awoke in good health the +next morning. +</p> + +<p> +No. 3. The mother of this child was subsequently +attacked with a scrofulous swelling on the neck, just +under the ear, which was very painful and disfiguring; +the side of the face, also, being badly swollen. It was +feared that this would develop into and undergo the +usual phenomenon of abscess, as other similar swellings +had done previously. She had great faith in the metaphysical +treatment, because of the experience which she +had had with her baby, and wrote a letter describing her +case. This was immediately answered, and absent +treatment was begun. In twenty-four hours after receipt +of the letter, to the astonishment of herself and family, +the tumor had entirely disappeared: there was not a +trace of it left; although the day before it was fully as +large as a hen's egg; red, and tender to the touch. +</p> + +<p> +These instances are only a few of the many cures which +have been performed in this way, and they are mentioned +simply to show what good work may be done by any +earnest, conscientious person who has gained by reading +my works the proper understanding of the Principle of +Christian Science. +</p> + +<pb n='408'/><anchor id='Pg408'/> + +<p> +What a wonderful field for enlightenment and profit +lies open to those who seek after Truth. Alas, that the +feet of so few enter it! +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Rev. M. B. G. Eddy</hi>:—Will you kindly spare me a few +moments for the perusal of these lines from a stranger,— +one who feels under a debt of gratitude to you,—for, +through the divine Science brought to light by you, I have +been <q>made whole.</q> I have been cured of a malignant +cancer since I began to study Christian Science, and have +<emph>demonstrated the truth</emph> of it in a number of cases. I have +only studied your good books, having been <emph>unable</emph> to take +the lectures for want of means. I dare not think of these, +for there is no prospect that I shall be in a position to +take the course at all. I do not allow myself to complain, +but cheerfully take up my books and study, and +feel thankful for this light. +</p> + +<p> +M. E. W., Cañon City, Col. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Dear Madam</hi>:—May I thank you for your book, +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> and +say how much I owe to it—almost my very life—at a +most critical time.... +</p> + +<p> +If it were not for the heat of your American summers +(I had nine attacks of dysentery in the last one), and the +expense, I should dearly like to learn from you personally; +but I must forego this,—at any rate, for the present. +If you would write me what the cost would be for a +course on divine metaphysics, I would try to manage it +later on. +</p> + +<pb n='409'/><anchor id='Pg409'/> + +<p> +Meanwhile, I should be grateful if you would refer me +to any one in this country who is interested similarly, +for I get more kicks than halfpence in discussing it. +</p> + +<p> +Your obliged friend, +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>(Rev.) I. G. W. Bishop</hi>,<lb/> +Bovington Vicarage, Hemel Hempstead,<lb/> +Herts, England +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Extract from a letter to Rev. M. B. G. Eddy +</p> + +<p> +A gentleman here had hired all the most skilled doctors +in the United States—nothing helped him. He was a +ghost to look upon. I told him just to read my copies +of your books. I talked to him, told him what he could +do for himself if he but tried. He laughed at me. I was +willing he should laugh, for it was very unusual for him +to do this. He had your books two months, and last Sunday +he returned them. I wish you could see him: <emph>he is +well</emph>. He is happy, and told me he was going to write to +you for the books for himself this week.—E. E. B. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Dear Madam</hi>:—I have been a sickly person all my +life, until a few months ago, and was confined to my +bed every little while. It was during one of many attacks +that your book, <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures,</q> was handed me. I read it only a very short +time, when I arose, well, went out into the kitchen, prepared +a large dinner, and ate heartily of it. +</p> + +<p> +I have been up and well ever since,—a marvel to my +friends and family, and sometimes they can hardly believe +it is I; and feeling so grateful, I must tell you of +<pb n='410'/><anchor id='Pg410'/> +it. I wish everybody in the world would read your book, +for all would be benefited by it. +</p> + +<p> +Gratefully yours, <hi rend='smallcaps'>Anna M. Smith</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Dear Madam</hi>:—About seven years ago I was compelled +to go to an oculist and have an operation performed +upon my eyes. He fitted me with glasses, which I wore +for a considerable time, and then removed; but the pain +and difficulty returned, and I was obliged to go again to +the oculist, who advised me never to take my glasses off +again. +</p> + +<p> +I continued wearing them for fully five years longer, +until some time in last January, when, upon reading your +book, <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> +I again took them off. Since that time, though I have been +in the courts reporting, and reading fine notes frequently, +I have experienced no difficulty with my eyes. +</p> + +<p> +Very respectfully,<lb/> +William A. Smith, Wilmington, Del. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Dear Mrs. Eddy</hi>:—We have been studying <q>Science +and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> for a year, and +I cannot tell you how much it has done for us; giving us +health instead of sickness, and giving us such an understanding +of God as we never had before. Christian +Science was our only help two weeks ago, when our baby +was born. My husband and myself were alone. I dressed +myself the next day; commenced doing my work the +third day, and am well and strong. It must be pleasing +to you to know how much good your work is doing. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Kittie Beck</hi>, Elmwood, Cass Co., Neb. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<pb n='411'/><anchor id='Pg411'/> + +<p> +I was a helpless sufferer in August, 1883, and had been +so for many years. The physicians said I had cancer +of the uterus. I heard of your book, <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures,</q> bought a copy, began reading +it, and a great light seemed to break through the +darkness. I cried aloud in joy, <q>This is what I have +been hungering for, these many years!</q> I studied it +closely, and healed myself and several of my friends before +I had taken instruction of any teacher. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. S. A. McMahon</hi>, Wyandotte, Kans. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I was healed thoroughly of the belief of chronic hepatitis +and kidney disease, by reading <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures.</q> I have never, to this day, +had the slightest return of it. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>J. P. Filbert</hi>, Council Bluffs, Iowa +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +You, dear Mrs. Eddy, have saved my life, through +Science and Health; and I feel that the patients healed +through me should give the first thanks to God and to +you.—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. D. S. Harriman</hi>, Kansas City, Mo. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +How grand your book, <q>Science and Health with Key +to the Scriptures,</q> is! It is a translation of Truth. No +amount of money could buy the book of me, if I could not +get another. No matter what suffering comes, physical +or mental, I have only to take Science and Health, and +almost invariably the first sentence brings relief. It +<pb n='412'/><anchor id='Pg412'/> +seems to steady the thought. I do not think any student +old enough to neglect reading it. When we think we are +advanced far enough to let that book alone, then are +we in danger. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. Ellen P. Clark</hi>, Dorchester, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Many thanks for the good received from your books. +When I commenced reading them, I was carrying about +a very sick body. Your books have healed me. I am +now in perfect health. People look at me with surprise, +and say they do not understand it; but when they see +the sick ones made well, they are not always willing to +believe it. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. Joseph Tillson</hi>, South Hanson, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Rev. M. B. G. Eddy:</hi>—I add one more testimony of +a cure from reading your book, <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures.</q> Five years ago I lay prostrate +with piles and inflammation of the bowels. All +the coating came off, apparently. A stricture was formed, +beyond medical reach. I then lived in Chicago; one +of the best physicians, who made a specialty of treating +piles, attended me. The pain was relieved, but my +bowels were inactive, and remained so until New Year's +eve. +</p> + +<p> +I determined to trust all to God, or die before I would +take any more medicine, as I never had an action unless +I took a free dose of some laxative. If I forgot to take +the medicine one night, or allowed myself to be without +it, I had a terrible sick headache for two or three days, +and terrible backache. I never had backache at any +<pb n='413'/><anchor id='Pg413'/> +other time, and the piles would be so much inflamed, in +two days' time, that I could hardly tell where I suffered +the worst. +</p> + +<p> +Since I have learned to trust all to God, I have not +had the least trouble with the piles, nor one twinge of +the backache. I have an easy action of the bowels each +morning. It was five days after I resolved to leave medicine +alone, before a natural movement took place; and +ever since I have been perfectly regular. It was a great +effort for me to take that step, for I knew I was running +the risk of throwing myself back into all misery, and +perhaps into a worse state than before. By reading +Science and Health, I learned that God was able to save +the body as well as the soul, and I believed His promises +were for me. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mattie E. Mayfield</hi>, Des Moines, Iowa +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +For the Cause of Truth, I submit the following testimonial +for publication; may it bring <emph>one</emph> more, at least, +into the fold of divine Science! The truth, as it is stated +in <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> +has done much towards making our home the abiding-place +of peace and harmony. I now write of the wonderful +demonstration of Truth over the birth of my baby +boy, two weeks ago. Sunday, September 23, we went +for a long drive of three hours; at night I retired at the +usual hour; toward morning I was given a little warning; +when I awoke at seven o'clock, the birth took place. +Not more than ten minutes after, I ate a hearty breakfast, +and then had a refreshing sleep; at ten o'clock +walked across the room while my bed was dressed; at +<pb n='414'/><anchor id='Pg414'/> +twelve took a substantial dinner; most of the afternoon +sat up in bed, without any support but Truth; at six +in the evening dressed myself and walked to the dining-room, +and remained up for two hours. Next morning +I arose at the usual hour, and have kept it up ever since,—was +not confined to my bed one whole day. The +second day was out walking in the yard, and the third +day went for a drive in the morning and received callers +in the afternoon. If it had not been for the presence of +my young hopeful, it would have been hard to believe +that there had so recently been a belief of a birth in the +house; but then, I was sustained by Love, and had no +belief of suffering to take my strength away. Before +baby was two weeks old, I cooked, swept, ran the sewing +machine, etc., assisting with the housework generally. +How grateful I am for the obstetrics of this +grand Science! Mothers need no longer listen to the +whispering lies of the old serpent, for the law of mortal +mind is broken by Truth. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. Dora Hossick</hi>, Carrolton, Mo. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +My wife and I have been healed by reading your book, +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> We +both feel very grateful to you. +</p> + +<p> +Five months ago my wife gave birth to a child, without +pain or inconvenience, has done all the housework +since, and has been every minute perfectly well. Neither +she nor the child have been ill,—as was constantly the +case with former children,—so we have thought it right +to name the child Glover Eddy. +</p> + +<p> +We have been reading Science and Health nearly +<pb n='415'/><anchor id='Pg415'/> +two years, and have sold several copies to others. We +are reading the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> also this year. +</p> + +<p> +Yours respectfully, <hi rend='smallcaps'>John B. Housel</hi>, Lincoln, Neb. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Dear Mother:</hi>—The most blessed of women! Oh, +how I long to sit within range of your voice and hear the +truth that comes to you from on high! for none could +speak such wondrous thoughts as have come from your +pen, except it be the Spirit that speaketh in you. +</p> + +<p> +Two years ago last October, while laboring under a +great strain of care and anxiety in regard to financial +affairs, I heard of Christian Science. I borrowed <q>Science +and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> and began +to read. I bless God that I was driven to it by such an +extremity. After reading some one hundred and fifty +pages, I was convinced that it was the truth for which +I had searched during twenty years. While I was reading +the chapter on Imposition and Demonstration,<note place='foot'>Page 234, +revised edition of 1890.</note> I +was healed of endometritis and prolapsus uteri of over +twenty years' standing, pronounced incurable by eminent +physicians. Professor Ludlam, the dean of Hahnemann +Medical College, of Chicago, Ill., was one of my +doctors. +</p> + +<p> +Before I was healed, to walk seven or eight blocks +would so fatigue me that it would take me a week to +recover. I now started out and walked, and was on my +feet all day and for several succeeding days, but felt no +weariness from my labors. +</p> + +<p> +I felt, after being healed, I must have a Science and +Health of my own. I had no money to buy it, so earned +<pb n='416'/><anchor id='Pg416'/> +it by getting subscribers for the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>. It has gone +with me everywhere I have been. I have been well ever +since. +</p> + +<p> +I had suffered from bodily ailments, but they were +nothing compared to my mental trials. Grief, hatred, +jealousy, and revenge had well-nigh bereft me of reason. +I had lost a home of plenty, been reduced to almost abject +poverty, and had become a cheerless woman,—could +not smile without feeling I had sinned. +</p> + +<p> +All my griefs and sorrows are now turned to joy, and +my hatred is changed to love. <q>Glory to God in the +highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.</q> I +read Science and Health, and all your other books, together +with the New Testament, every minute I can +get.—E. B. C., Omaha, Neb. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I must add one more to your great pile of letters, to +tell you what your book, <q>Science and Health with Key +to the Scriptures,</q> has done for me and my family. More +than a year ago, my husband was suffering from an injury +received about a year previous, and he went to Mrs. B. for +treatment. His shoulder had been fractured, his collarbone +broken, and he had sustained internal injuries. Several +M. D.'s had attended him, but had given him very +little relief. Mrs. B. treated him a short time, and he +received much benefit. He bought Science and Health. +From reading it, I was cured of a belief of chronic liver +complaint. I suffered so much from headaches and constipation, +and other beliefs, that I seldom ever saw a well +day; but, thanks to you and divine Principle, I now +seldom ever have a belief of feeling badly. +</p> + +<pb n='417'/><anchor id='Pg417'/> + +<p> +November 4th, last, I was confined. I was alone, +because I knew no one whose thought was in harmony +with Science. I thought I could get along without help, +and I did. My little girl was sleeping in the same room +with me, and after the birth she called a woman who +was asleep upstairs, to take care of the baby. This +woman was much frightened; but, on seeing how composed +I was, she got over her fright. I was sitting up +in bed, holding the child, and feeling as well as I ever +did in my life. I never had seen a Scientist nor been +treated, but got all my ideas from Science and Health. +My baby was born on Sunday morning, and I got up +Monday at noon, and stayed up. I never got along so +well with a baby as I did with this one. +</p> + +<p> +I am very thankful for the knowledge of Science I +have gained through your book. I want so much to be +a Scientist; but we are very poor. My husband is a +brakeman on the railroad; and I have very little education. +There is comfort in the thought that, if I can't be +a Scientist, my children may be. +</p> + +<p> +Yours with much love, C. A. W., Lexington, Mo. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +In the February <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> it appears there is some one +who says that <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures</q> is hard to understand, and who thinks she +can explain it. Perhaps my experience with Science +and Health may help some one who might otherwise +take up this thought, and so be led away from the truth. +After reading and studying it for some time, and talking +to the Scientists I met in my travels, the thought came +to me, <q>Why not try these truths on yourself?</q> I did +<pb n='418'/><anchor id='Pg418'/> +so, and to my surprise and great joy I found immediate +relief. Dyspepsia (the trouble of most commercial travellers), +catarrh, and many lesser beliefs, left me, so that in +a short time I was a <emph>well man</emph>, and by no other means +than trusting to the Saviour's promises as explained in +Science and Health. This took place while I was travelling +about the country. +</p> + +<p> +On my return home, I gave my wife treatments. In +many instances the blessing came before the treatment +was finished, and often we proved that only a thought +of the power of Truth was sufficient to give relief. +</p> + +<p> +One Sunday morning, soon after my return, a friend +called and asked if I could give him anything to relieve +his wife, who, he said, had been suffering for some days +with rheumatism in her shoulder, so severely that she +could neither dress alone nor comb her hair. I told him +that the only medicine we had in the house was Christian +Science. He laughed at the idea; but before he +left, he asked if I would give his wife a treatment. I +told him I was very young in Science, but if she wished +it, I would. He went home, but returned immediately, +saying she wished me to come. Then I asked help from +the fountain of Truth, and started for my first treatment +to be given away from home. When I left their room +fifteen minutes later, she was shaking her hand high +above her head, and exclaiming, <q>I am all right; I am +well!</q> That was in November, 1887, and she has had +no return of the belief since. +</p> + +<p> +A friend told me that his son, twelve years old, had +catarrh so badly that his breath was very offensive, his +throat troubled him all the time, and that he had been +deaf since he had the measles. In less than three weeks +<pb n='419'/><anchor id='Pg419'/> +both beliefs vanished. This was a case of absent treatment. +I could give you other cases, but I think I have +said enough to prove that Science and Health <emph>is not +hard to understand</emph>, for my work has all been done without +my ever attending class. +</p> + +<p> +H. H. B., New York City +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +A lady, with no other instructor than <q>Science and +Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> has demonstrated +beyond many who have taken numerous lessons. Persuaded, +through her reading, of the allness of God,—and +the perfectness of idea,—she would know nothing +else. A daughter, so badly affected by poison oak (ivy) +that for weeks death was feared from blood-poisoning, +had recovered with a terrible dread of that plant. As +the next season's picnic time drew near, she was regretting +that she dared not go again. The mother, with her +new-born faith in the Science of being, said, <q>Certainly +you can go, for nothing can harm you.</q> Assured by +these words, the daughter went, and in her rambles fell +into a mass of the dreaded plant; but trusting to the +word of Truth, she thought nothing of it till one who +knew of her previous trouble said, in her mother's presence, +<q>See, her face is showing red already.</q> But the +mother was prompt in denial and assurance. Next morning, +old symptoms were out in force, but they yielded +at once and finally to the positive and uncompromising +hold on Truth. Another daughter, that was thought +too delicate to raise, from bronchial and nervous troubles, +always dosed with medicine and wrapped in flannels, +now runs free and well without either of these, winter +<pb n='420'/><anchor id='Pg420'/> +and summer. The mother was recently attacked by +mesmerism from the church that believed she was influencing +her daughter to leave. She overcame by the +same unwavering trust in God, seeing Truth clearer than +ever before. Her demonstrations come through no form +of treatment, but by letting the Spirit bear witness,—by +the positive recognition and realization of no reality +but ever-present good. +</p> + +<p> +The other night her husband was attacked with an +old belief, similar to one that some time before had ended +in a congestive chill which the doctor thought very serious, +and from which he had been a long time in recovering. +The wife simply recognized no reality in the belief, +and, seeing only perfect being, felt no fear. She did +nothing,—no <q>treating</q> in the usual sense. There is +nothing to do but to understand that all is harmony, +always. He felt the presence that destroys the sense of +evil, and next morning—there was nothing left to recover +from. +</p> + +<p> +A lady, while doing some starching, thoughtlessly put +her hand into the scalding starch to wring out a collar. +Recalled to mortal sense by the stinging pain, she immediately +realized the all-power of God. At once the pain +began to subside; and as she brushed off the scalding +starch, she could see the blister-swelling go down till +there was but a little redness to show for the accident; +absorbed in her thankfulness, she mechanically wrung +out the collar with the same hand, and with no sense of +pain, thus verifying the demonstration. This woman +(not reading English) only knows Science as she has received +it from her practitioner during the treatments +received within the last month. So much has come to +<pb n='421'/><anchor id='Pg421'/> +her from Spirit through her loyalty to Christ, in so far +as she could understand. +</p> + +<p> +A case of ulcerated tooth and neuralgic belief would +only partially yield after repeated treatments, till it was +discovered that the patient was antagonizing Truth by +holding the thought that her old remedy, laudanum, +would give relief; treated from this standpoint, relief was +immediate and final. +</p> + +<p> +One morning after Rev. —— had been preaching to +thousands for several days, he told them that he had +never felt such a sense of depression nor had so little +showing of results. Some Scientists hearing this, at once +saw his trouble. He had been fearlessly exposing and +denouncing evil; and it had turned on him, till the mesmerism +was likely to overcome him entirely, for he did +not understand the seeming power. The effect of the +silent word to uplift and sustain, was very manifest that +evening in his preaching, and was a beautiful demonstration +of Science. He probably only felt Spirit-inspiration +as he had not before, without a thought as to what +had broken the evil spell; but we never know the what, +or when, or where, of the harvest we can sow—<q>God +giveth the increase.</q>—E. H. B., Sacramento +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I had two German patients who were anxious to have +you publish <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> +in their language. I advised them to buy it and +try to read it. They commenced reading, and now can +<pb n='422'/><anchor id='Pg422'/> +read all of Science and Health, but do not read well any +other book or paper, and they do not need to. With +great love.—M. H. P. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I sold three copies of <q>Science and Health with Key +to the Scriptures</q> to friends, not long ago. One of them, +fifty years of age, said to me, <q>I never had one day's +sickness in my life; but after reading Science and Health +I found that I was bruised and mangled, from the crown +of my head to the soles of my feet. I have been reaching +after something that, before reading Science and +Health, seemed to me unattainable;</q> and with tears +in her eyes, she rejoiced in the God of her salvation. +Did not Jesus say, <q>If these should hold their peace, the +stones would immediately cry out</q>? +</p> + +<p> +P. L., Lexington, Ky. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +For eight years I suffered terribly with my eyes; I +could not read fifteen minutes without the most agonizing +sick headache. Oculists called it a case of double +vision, and said that the only chance for a cure lay in +cutting the muscles of the eyes. This was done, but the +pain was worse than before. One of the most famous +oculists of New York said I would simply have to endure +it for life, as it was a case of severe astigmatism. +</p> + +<p> +I suffered so that my health gave way. A friend spoke +to me of Christian Science, but I scoffed at the idea. +Later on, in desperation, I asked her to lend me <q>Science +and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> thinking I might +be able to read five minutes a day in it. I opened the +<pb n='423'/><anchor id='Pg423'/> +book at the chapter on Physiology, and began. Time +passed unnoticed: every page seemed illuminated. I +said, <q>This is everything or nothing; if everything, then +you need no glasses.</q> I took off the heavy ground glasses, +and went on. What a terrible headache I had the next +morning! but I fought it with the truth laid down in the +book. I said again, <q>This is everything or nothing,</q> +and the truth triumphed. The headache ceased, but I +felt miserably. I recalled what was said about chemicalization, +and persevered. +</p> + +<p> +In four days my eyes were well; I read as many hours +a day as I pleased; my strength returned. I conquered +one belief after another, until now, strong and well, I +meet every belief with confidence. <q>I will fear <emph>no</emph> evil: +for <emph>Thou</emph> art with me.</q> For two years I have realized +the peace and confidence which the knowledge that God +is all-powerful and always present alone can give. Feeling +a great desire to spread Christian Science, that it +may do the good to others that it has to me, not only +physically but spiritually, I ask if you have any missionaries +in the work. Being a member of the Episcopal +Church, I have always sent what I could to help foreign +missions through that church. Will it do the most good +to continue so doing, as our foreign missionaries are devoted +men, or have you Christian Science missionaries +who devote their lives to the work? +</p> + +<p> +An answer addressed to me, or published in the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>, +would help one who is seeking to do right. +</p> + +<p> +Yours sincerely, K. L. T. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I do wish to add my testimony of being healed by +reading <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> +<pb n='424'/><anchor id='Pg424'/> +I had been an invalid for over twenty years, +and had given up all hope of ever being well again. I +had read the book about six weeks, when it seemed +I was made all over new, and I could <q>run, and not be +weary; and ... walk, and not faint.</q> I did not understand +it, but it was the savior from death unto life with +me; I have remained well ever since I was healed,—more +than five years ago. I commenced to treat others +as soon as I was born anew into the kingdom of Truth. +My patients were healed right along, before I had taken +lessons in a class, and they have remained well to this day. +</p> + +<p> +Christian Science has made me as young as a girl of +sixteen. If this should meet the eye of any sufferers +who may be led to go and do as I did, they will be +healed.—N. A. E. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Language is inadequate when bearing grateful testimony +to the book <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures.</q> By its simple reading, I was healed of ills +which baffled the skill of specialists and all curatives +that love and money could command. After eighteen +years of invalidism, and eight years of scepticism, without +hope, with no God,—except a First Cause,—I was +given up to die. +</p> + +<p> +A loving friend told me of this book, which was soon +brought; and thirty-five pages of the first chapter were +read to me that evening. The next morning I got up, +walked, and read the book for myself. +</p> + +<p> +I mention the chapter, for the reason that nearly two +years have passed since those wonderful words of Life +<pb n='425'/><anchor id='Pg425'/> +were first read to me, and <emph>still</emph> their sacred sweetness is +ever the same. Now I exclaim, <emph>God is</emph> All! +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. Mary A. R.</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +It is impossible for me to keep still any longer. In +1885, when I had not known a well day in five years, +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> was +placed in my hands by a dear lady who insisted upon +my reading it, saying she believed it would heal me. Like +many, I was afraid of it,—until I learned what it really +was. The friend's words were verified. I <emph>was</emph> healed +by the reading of the book, and for one year continued +to read nothing whatever but the Bible and Science +and Health. They were my constant study. Through the +understanding gained, that <emph>God</emph> is <emph>All</emph>, I came to demonstrate +with great success, and with but one thought,—for +I knew nothing about giving a <q>treatment;</q> I wish +I knew as little now, for I believe that healing in Christian +Science is to be done in a moment. I became anxious to +learn more, to study with the teacher, but funds would +not allow,—and I thought to substitute a course in +Chicago, perhaps. Every time I would speak of it, however, +my dear mother would say, <q>You have Science and +Health and the Bible, and God for your teacher—what +more do you need? If I could not go to the teacher, I +would not go to any one.</q> +</p> + +<p> +If I had only heeded the blessed counsel of Truth! +</p> + +<p> +I went to Chicago, however, so full of confidence in +Christian Science that I supposed every one who had +studied with Mrs. Eddy must be right. Unfortunately, +I took my course with a spiritualist who had been through +<pb n='426'/><anchor id='Pg426'/> +two of her classes; discovered my mistake, and went to +a mind-cure,—only to find the mistake repeated. Being +an earnest seeker for Truth, I tried again to go to the +Massachusetts Metaphysical College; but it was uncertain +when there would be a class, so I took a course +with one of Mrs. Eddy's students in Boston. The darkness +now rolled away. Science and Health once more +revealed the light to me as of old. +</p> + +<p> +All this time, the mind-curers had me in view, and +were sending me reading-matter; but, <hi rend='italic'>praise the Lord!</hi> +Truth is victorious. +</p> + +<p> +My dear brothers and sisters, let us be safely guided +by the counsels of our Mother, in Science and Health! +I, for one, am astounded that I was so led astray; but I +did it all through ignorance,—and the <emph>sincere</emph> desire to +know the truth and to <emph>do</emph> it, saved me. +</p> + +<p> +Your sister in truth, R. D. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I have been reading Science and Health for one year +and a half, and have had some wonderful demonstrations. +People here are antagonistic to the Science, and +tell me that I am a <q>fit subject for the asylum.</q> Physicians +threaten me with arrest, also, but I walk straight +on, knowing <emph>well in whom I trust</emph>. +</p> + +<p> +E. I. R., Wauseon, Ohio +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +A little over two years ago, while living in Pittsburgh, +my wife and I had Christian Science brought to our attention. +We were at once interested, and bought a copy +of <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='427'/><anchor id='Pg427'/> + +<p> +At the time, Mrs. A—— was suffering with severe belief +of astigmatism of the eyes. She had been treated by a +number of specialists, during seven years, the last being +the late Dr. Agnew of New York, who prescribed two +sets of glasses. He said that he could do nothing more +for her, as the trouble was organic; that she must wear +glasses constantly; that if she attempted to go without, +she would become either blind or insane. The glasses +were in operation, and still life had become a burden +from constant pain, when Christian Science came to our +relief. Mrs. A—— had not in years read for two consecutive +minutes, and could not use her eyes in sewing +at all. The lady that told us of the Science, insisted that +she <emph>could</emph> read Science and Health, which she actually +did,—reading it through twice, and studying it carefully +each time. After the second reading, there came the +thought that she did not need the glasses, and she at once +abandoned them, and went about her usual duties. In +about two weeks from that day the eyes were perfectly +healed, and are well and strong to-day. +</p> + +<p> +E. G. A., New York City +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>My Dear Teacher:</hi>—Yours without date is at hand. +Could you know out of what depths of material <hi rend='italic'>débris</hi> +the first reading of the first volume of Science and Health, +six years ago last December, lifted me, you would believe +it had always been <q>all I could ask.</q> It was <emph>only</emph> +words from the pen of <emph>uninspired</emph> writers that gave me +pain. As the revelation of the All-good appeared to +me, all other books, all forms of religion, all methods +of healing, to my sense became void. Chronic beliefs of +<pb n='428'/><anchor id='Pg428'/> +disease of twenty years' standing, dimness of sight from +the belief of age, all disappeared <emph>instantly</emph>; indeed, +material life seemed a blank. The <emph>why?</emph> I could not +explain, but this I did know, in this realm of the real I +found joy, peace, rest, love to all, unbounded, unspeakable. +Human language had lost its power of expression, +for no words came to me; and in all this six years of bliss +I still have found no words to tell my new-found life in +God. The most chronic forms of disease have sometimes +been healed instantly and without argument. With +great love and gratitude.—M. H. P. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I take great comfort in reading <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures,</q> and will cling firmly to +the light I have, knowing that more will be given me. +While in Salt Lake City, I met at the hotel a lady who +had been an invalid all her life. I talked with her about +Christian Science, and loaned her Science and Health, +together with the <hi rend='italic'>Journals</hi> I had with me. She had +become very much discouraged, having lost all faith +in doctors and medicine, and did not know where to +turn next. She became very much absorbed in the book, +feeling she had found salvation. She at once laid aside +the glasses she was wearing, and now reads readily without +them. She and her husband have accepted this truth +beautifully.—Mrs. G. A. G., Ogden, Utah +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +On a trip through Mexico I met a woman who told me +that, although she did not believe in Christian Science, +on her way from Wisconsin, her home, she had bought +<pb n='429'/><anchor id='Pg429'/> +a copy of Science and Health. When she reached M——, +she met a minister from the North, whom the M. D.'s +had sent there because of consumption,—they had given +him two months to live. She gave him Science and +Health, and while doing so, felt it was all absurd. The +minister read it, and was healed <emph>immediately</emph>. Was not +this a beautiful demonstration of the power of Truth, +and good evidence that Science and Health is the word +of God? +</p> + +<p> +I had while in Mexico a glorious conquest over the +fear of smallpox. There were hundreds of cases in some +small towns where we were. After the fear was cast +out, never a thought of it as real came to me or my husband, +or troubled us in any way. On the street I met +three men who were being taken to the pest-house with +that loathsome disease.—F. W. C. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +A lady to whom I sold <q>Science and Health with Key +to the Scriptures,</q> writes me: <q>My longing to know +God has been answered in this book; and with the answer +has come the healing.</q> She is an intimate friend of +Will Carleton, the poet. This is doing much good in +the social circles. He has for a long time been interested, +but his wife has declared it could not heal, and was not +Christian. She will now be obliged to acknowledge this +healing, for the lady above referred to has been, to sense, +a great sufferer.—P. J. L. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Some of the experiences given in the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> have +been so helpful to me, I have been moved to give to its +<pb n='430'/><anchor id='Pg430'/> +readers a little experience of my own, which occurred +when I first began the study of <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures.</q> +</p> + +<p> +I had already been healed of sick headache, almost +instantly, by declaring that I was God's child, and, as +God is perfect, His child must be perfect also. This had +given me great happiness, and a quiet, peaceful state of +mind I never had known before. My family did not +seem to see anything good in Christian Science, but to +me it was sacred. +</p> + +<p> +One Monday morning, I awoke feeling very ill indeed. +The morning was warm and sultry. I thought I certainly +could not wash that day; but when I went downstairs, +I found my daughter had made preparations for +such work. I thought, <q>Well, if she feels like washing, +I will not say anything; perhaps I shall get over this.</q> +After breakfast I went about my work, thinking I could +lean against the tub and wash with more ease than I +could do up the morning work. I tried to treat myself +as I had done before,—tried to realize that <q>all is Mind, +there is no matter;</q> that <q>God is All, there is nothing +beside Him,</q> but all to no purpose. I seemed to grow +worse all the time. I did not want my family to know +how badly I was feeling, and it was very humiliating to +think that I must give up and go to bed. +</p> + +<p> +All at once these questions came to me, as though +spoken by some one, taking me away from my line of +thought entirely: How is God an ever-present help? +How does He know our earnest desires? Then, without +waiting for me to think how, the answer came in +the same way, God is conscious Mind. Instantly the +thoughts came: Is God conscious of me? Can I be +<pb n='431'/><anchor id='Pg431'/> +conscious of Him? I was healed instantly: every bad +feeling was destroyed. I could see that the morning +had not changed a particle, but I was oblivious of the +weather. It did not seem that I had anything more to +do with that washing. It was finished in good season, +while I was <q>absent from the body, and present with the +Lord.</q> +</p> + +<p> +That was the beginning of the battle with sin and +self, but at the same time it was the dawning of the resurrection. +Since then (over four years) I have had many +experiences, some of which seem too sacred to give to the +world. False literature has caused me much suffering; +sorrow has visited my home; but, through all this, the +light that came to me on that Monday morning—that +new and precious sense of omnipresent Life, Truth, +and Love—has never left me one moment. It was the +light that cannot be hid. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs.</hi> H. B. J., Cambridge, Ill. +</p> + +<p> +Healing +</p> + +<p> +Four years ago I learned for the first time that there +was a way to be healed through Christ. I had always +been sick, but found no relief in drugs; still, I thought +that if the Bible was true, God could heal me. So, when +my attention was called to Christian Science, I at once +bought <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> +studied it, and began to improve in health. I seemed +to see God so near and so dear,—so different from +the God I had been taught to fear. I studied alone night +and day, until I found I was healed, both physically and +mentally. +</p> + +<pb n='432'/><anchor id='Pg432'/> + +<p> +Then came a desire to tell every one of this wonderful +truth. I expected all to feel just as pleased as +I did; but to my sorrow none would believe. Some, +it is true, took treatment and were helped, but went +on in the old way, without a word of thanks. But still +I could not give up. I seemed to know that this was +the way, and I had rather live it alone than to follow +the crowd the other way. But as time passed, I had +some good demonstrations of this Love that is our +Life. +</p> + +<p> +I am the only Scientist in Le Roy, as yet, but the good +seed has been sown, and where the people once scoffed +at this <q>silly new idea,</q> they are becoming interested, +and many have been healed, and some are asking about +it. One dear old lady and I study the Bible Lessons +every Tuesday afternoon. She came to call, and as we +talked, she told me of her sickness of years' standing; +and was healed during our talk, so that she has never felt +a touch of the old trouble since. +</p> + +<p> +One lady, whom I had never seen, was healed of consumption +in six weeks' treatment. She had not left +her bed in four months, and had been given up by many +physicians. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. Florence Williams</hi>, Le Roy, Mich. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I like the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> and <hi rend='italic'>Quarterly</hi>, and have +many of Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy's works, which make my little +world. I have a great desire to learn more of this Love +that casts out all fear, and to work in this Science. It is +the greatest pleasure I have, to talk this truth, as far as +I understand it, to any who will listen; and am waiting +for others to learn of this blessed Science. +</p> + +<pb n='433'/><anchor id='Pg433'/> + +<p> +I give my experience in reading <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures</q> aloud to a little child. A +letter published in the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>, written by a lady who +had relieved a two-year-old child by reading to her, first +suggested this course to me. At the time, my little one +was a trifle over a year old. I was trying to overcome +for him a claim which, though not one of serious illness, +was no small trial to me, because of its frequent occurrence +and its seeming ability to baffle my efforts. One +day as I sat near and treated him, it occurred to me to +read aloud. I took up one of the older editions of Science +and Health lying near, began at the words, <q>Brains +can give no idea of God's man,</q> and read on for two +or three paragraphs, endeavoring—as the writer suggested—to +understand it myself; yet thinking, perchance, +the purer thought of the babe might grasp the underlying +meaning sooner than I. So it proved. Before the disturbance +felt by me had been calmed, the weary expression +on the face of the child was replaced by one of evident +relief. +</p> + +<p> +When putting him to sleep, I had often repeated the +spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer. One night +he was very restless, fretful, and cried a great deal, +while I seemed unable to soothe him. At last I perceived +that he was asking for something, and it dawned +upon me that the Prayer might be his desire. I began +repeating it aloud, endeavoring to <emph>mean</emph> it also. He +turned over quietly, and in a few minutes was sweetly +sleeping. +</p> + +<p> +The last time my attention was specially called to +this subject, was about a year after the first experience. +Various hindrances had been allowed to keep me from +<pb n='434'/><anchor id='Pg434'/> +Science and Health all day; and it was toward evening +when I recognized that material sense had been +given predominance, and must be put down. I soon felt +drawn to read the book. The little boy had seemed +restless and somewhat disturbed all day; but without +thinking specially of him, rather to assist in holding my +own thought, I began to read aloud, <q>Consciousness +constructs a better body, when it has conquered our +fear of matter.</q> In a minute or two a little hand had +touched mine, and I looked down into a sweet face fairly +radiant with smiles. I read it over. The child was evidently +delighted, and was restful and happy all the rest +of the day.—A. H. W., Deland, Florida +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +A week ago a friend wrote to me on business, and in +the letter stated that his wife had been very ill for six +weeks. At once the thought came, <q>Tell her to read the +chapter on Healing, in Science and Health.</q> In my +answer to his letter I obeyed the thought. A few days +after, I had occasion to call; found her much better, and +<emph>reading</emph> Science and Health. They had done as directed, +and had received the promise.—R., New York +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The first allusion to Christian Science reached me in +an article I read on that subject. Later, a friend came +to visit me, bringing a copy of <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures,</q> For two weeks I read it eagerly; +then I sent for a copy for myself. When it came, I +began to study it. The Bible, of which I had had but +a dim understanding, began to grow clearer. The light +<pb n='435'/><anchor id='Pg435'/> +grew brighter each day. Finally, I began to treat myself +against ills that had bound me for twenty-eight +years. At the end of six weeks I was <emph>healed</emph>, much to the +amazement of all who knew me. From that time, my +desire was to help others out of their suffering, and to +talk this wonderful truth. After a while I took the class +lectures, and am doing what I can to spread this healing +gospel.—A. M. G. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>My Dear Leader:</hi>—I will try to tell you how I was +led to Christian Science. Heretofore I have not tried to +lead a Christian life, but have always firmly believed +that if one truly desired and needed help, he would get +it from God by asking for it. I suffered, as I think but +very few have, for fourteen years; yet I did not think it +sufficient to warrant me in asking God to help me, until +I gave up all hope elsewhere,—and this occurred in the +spring of 1891. I then thought that the time had come +to commit myself to God. Being at home alone, after +going to bed I prayed God to deliver me from my torments, +this sentence being the substance of my prayer, +<q>What shall I do to be saved?</q> +</p> + +<p> +I repeated that sentence, I suppose, until I fell asleep. +About twelve o'clock at night, I saw a vision in the form +of a man with wings, standing at the foot of my bed,—wings +partly spread,—one arm hanging loosely at his +side, and one extended above his head. At the same +time there was a bright light shining in my room, which +made all objects shine like fire. I knew where I was, +and was not afraid. The vision (for such it was), after +<pb n='436'/><anchor id='Pg436'/> +looking directly at me for some time, spoke this one sentence, +and then disappeared: <q>Do right, and thou shalt +be saved.</q> +</p> + +<p> +I immediately tried to live according to that precept, +and found relief in proportion to my understanding. +I soon after learned of Christian Science. One of my +brothers in Kansas, having been healed by it, persuaded +me to buy <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> +wherein I learned that the above precept was the +key to Christian Science; that it is Christian Science to +do right, and that nothing short of right living has any +claim to the name. +</p> + +<p> +I have been learning my way in Christian Science +about one year, and have been successful in healing. I +have all of your books, and am a subscriber for the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> +and <hi rend='italic'>Quarterly Bible Lessons</hi>. Some of the cases +I have treated have yielded almost instantly. I am a +stranger to you, but I have told you the truth, just as it +occurred. Yours in truth, +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Sam Schroyer</hi>, Oklahoma City, Okla. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I desire to make known the great good I have received +by reading the blessed book <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures.</q> Four years have now +passed since I began to read it. It has been my only +healer and teacher, as I never have had an opportunity +to go through a class; but I find that the <q>Spirit of truth</q> +will teach us all things if we will but practise well what +we know. After two years and a half of study, I thought, +as many beginners think, that I had travelled over the +worst part of this narrow path. +</p> + +<pb n='437'/><anchor id='Pg437'/> + +<p> +Soon after, it came about that I was separated from +every one who had ever heard of Christian Science; and, +as I lived in the country, no one came to visit me for +about eight months. At first, I thought the Lord had +wrought a great evil. I had no one to talk to, but would +take my Science and Health every morning, before going +about my work, and read; yet mortal mind would +say, <q>You can do no good, with no one to talk with.</q> +At last, one morning after listening to the serpent's voice, +I looked out at the little wild flowers as they waved to +and fro; they seemed to be a living voice, and this is what +they said: <q>On earth peace, good will toward men.</q> +There was also a mocking-bird that would sit on the +house and sing. For the first time, I realized that divine +Love was the only friend I needed. Soon after, I sent +the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> to my nearest neighbor, by her little son +who came to play with my children. Afterward she +told me that when she began to read it she said to the +family, <q>God has sent this book to me.</q> Calling to see +her one evening, I found her suffering from heart disease. +I began talking to her about Christian Science, +and in less than an hour she declared herself healed. +She is to-day a happy woman. I would say to all suffering +ones, that if you will buy a copy of this wonderful +book, <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> +by the Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, and study it, and +practise its teachings, you will find it a pearl of great +price. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. Fannie Meeks</hi>, Bells, Grayson Co., Texas +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +On my arrival in New York, last July, my brother +spoke to me of <q>Science and Health with Key to the +<pb n='438'/><anchor id='Pg438'/> +Scriptures;</q> and, coming in contact with a number of +Scientists, all wishing me to procure the book, I did so. +I read it through in the same manner in which I would +read any other book, to find out the contents. +</p> + +<p> +Before I got to the end, having partly understood its +meaning, I began to demonstrate over old physical troubles, +and they disappeared. A belt that I had worn for +over twelve years, I took off, and threw overboard (being +a seafaring man). +</p> + +<p> +Up to that time I had been a constant smoker, and +chewed tobacco; but I gradually lost all pleasure in it, +and now look upon it with disgust. +</p> + +<p> +I was brought up in the Lutheran doctrine, and when +a boy received a good knowledge of Scripture; but I +never understood it until explained to me in Science and +Health. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>H. F. Witkov</hi>,<lb/> +27 Needham Road, Liverpool, England +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +In a letter received a few days ago from one of my +absent patients, there was such a glorious testimonial +for Science and Health that I feel as if I ought to send +it in for the pages of our <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>, trusting it may be the +means of helping many others to turn for help and comfort, +in every emergency, to this book. +</p> + +<p> +In her letter, this lady says: <q>A few days since, I had +quite a serious claim attack me. I left my mending, took +Science and Health and read all the afternoon and evening; +when all trace of the claim was gone, and I have +felt nothing of it since.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When this dear woman applied to Truth, she was a +great sufferer. Her gratitude knows no bounds. Many +<pb n='439'/><anchor id='Pg439'/> +chronic ailments, which have bound her with heavy +chains for many years, are being removed one by one. +It is such a sweet privilege to lead her out of this bondage +of flesh, for she turns with such childlike trust and +obedience to the book, and looks to that for aid in every +trial and affliction. It is beautiful to see, and is a rebuke +to some of us older in the thought, who depend so much +on personality. +</p> + +<p> +She is far away, in a little country town where Science +has hardly been heard of; but she is so happy with her +book that she has no desire for other reading. +</p> + +<p> +I have always tried to show her that God was with her +there as well as with us here; that in Him she possesses +all; and that with her Bible and Science and Health no +harm can befall her, for the remedy for every ill she has +at hand.—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. C. H. S.</hi>, Woburn, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I have been an interested reader of the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi> for +some time, and thought I would contribute my mite by +giving one of my latest demonstrations in Christian +Science. +</p> + +<p> +An accident occurred as follows: Officers, while hunting +for a criminal in thick underbrush, fired upon each +other through mistake, and it was found that one was +shot six times; two of the bullets passing through the +abdomen, and one through the hips. +</p> + +<p> +Two physicians who examined him had no hope. He +asked me to help him. I took the case. Relief came +almost instantly. I treated him for eight days; the +fifth, I heard one of three physicians, who held a private +consultation over my patient, ask him this question: +</p> + +<pb n='440'/><anchor id='Pg440'/> + +<p> +<q>Mr. F——, have you not got one bit of pain?</q> I was +rewarded by hearing him answer, <q>No, sir; not the least +bit.</q> No one else seemed to have any hope for him; but +I held firmly to the thought that God is an ever-present +help, never doubting, and Christian Science has again +won a victory. Many people call it a miracle, and it +has set them to thinking. +</p> + +<p> +The harvest is now ripe and ready for the reaper. I +wish some good Christian Science teacher would come +and help us. I can help in my own way, but am not +advanced enough to lead and teach others. I have only +studied Science and Health a little over a year, and have +not been through a class yet. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>S. G. Schroyer</hi>, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I became interested in Christian Science through being +healed. I had no faith in doctors, therefore would +not consult any; but felt that something must be done, +or I would soon follow a brother and sister who had +passed on with the same claim. In my extremity I thought +of the <q>great Physician,</q> and took my case to Him, and +realized that He alone could help me. +</p> + +<p> +A relative, finding I would not consult a doctor or +take any drug, gave me <q>Science and Health with Key +to the Scriptures</q> to read; saying that, although a dear +friend thought she was greatly helped by a Christian +Scientist, he himself had no faith in that kind of treatment, +and had no use for the book. +</p> + +<p> +I had heard of the people called Christian Scientists, +and of their textbook, Science and Health, but knew +nothing about either; yet I wanted to know, and took +<pb n='441'/><anchor id='Pg441'/> +the book gladly, and was soon deeply interested in it. +It was a revelation to me. Although I could only understand +it in part, I knew it was the truth, and the truth +was making me free. I felt that I had been bound and +in prison; and that now, one after another, the bonds +were being broken, and I was lifted into the pure air +and light of heaven. I was healed before I had read +half-way through the precious volume; for I was obliged +to read slowly, and some passages over and over again. +When I came to page 304, line 10 (47th edition), I then +and there felt that I must add my testimony, though +already there were "heaps upon heaps;" but since then, +I have tried to put the thought of those dark days away +from me, and only refer to them now in the hope that +some one who is bound may be released and brought +into the light of divine Love, which alone can heal, and +make us <q>every whit whole.</q> +</p> + +<p> +L. M. C., Brooklyn, N.Y. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I have been thinking for a long time that I would give +my experience in coming out of sickness into the knowledge +of health by reading <q>Science and Health with Key +to the Scriptures.</q> +</p> + +<p> +I was sixty years old (as we mortals count time) before +I ever read one word of Christian Science. On July +2, 1890, I met a Scientist who gave me a pamphlet called +<q>Christian Healing,</q> by the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy. +At that time I was almost helpless. This lady advised +me to buy Science and Health. I did so, and tried to +read it; but my hands were so lame I could not hold it, +and I let it fall to the floor so often that it became unbound, +and I laid it away and resumed my medicine. +</p> + +<pb n='442'/><anchor id='Pg442'/> + +<p> +The following May, the Scientist visited in this city +again. She advised me to burn all my medicines and to +lean unreservedly on the promises of God. I took her +advice; had my book rebound in three volumes, so I +could hold it more easily, and now read it constantly, +reading nothing else. Sometimes I would suffer intensely, +then I would get a little better; then more suffering, and +so on, until August, 1891, when all pain left me. I have +had no return of it, and no disagreeable sensations of any +kind, and am perfectly well in all respects. +</p> + +<p> +Surely, if we will but trust our heavenly Father, He is +sufficient for us. I hope some one of, or near, my age, +who is afflicted, may read this and take courage; for I +have <emph>demonstrated</emph> the fact that, by reading Science and +Health, in connection with the Bible, and trying to follow +the teaching therein, one in the autumn of life may be +made over new. I am so thankful to God for my great +recovery! +</p> + +<p> +That remark of Sojourner Truth helps me to a better +understanding of Life in God: <q>God is the great house +that holds all His children; we dwell in Him as the fishes +dwell in the seas.</q>—P. T. P. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Until about one year ago, I had no thought of investigating +Christian Science. Previous to that time it had +been presented to me in such a way that I condemned it +as unreasonable and absurd. At that time it was presented +to me in a more reasonable light. I determined +to divest myself of prejudice (as far as was possible) +and investigate it, thinking that if there was anything +in it, it was for me as well as others; that I surely needed +<pb n='443'/><anchor id='Pg443'/> +it, and if I found no good in it, I could then with some +show of reason condemn it. +</p> + +<p> +I had been reading Science and Health about two +weeks, when one morning I wanted my cane. It had +been misplaced; and while looking for it the thought +came to me, If all is Mind, I need no cane. I went out +without it, have not used it at all since, and do not need +it as a support; but for a time I did miss it from my +hand. I had used it for years as a support to a very +lame back. +</p> + +<p> +I before went much stooped, because it pained me to +straighten up; but from the time I laid my cane aside I +straightened up, free from pain. Occasionally I have a +slight pain in my back, but it is nothing to compare with +what it had been. +</p> + +<p> +In a short time after laying my cane aside, my pipe +and tobacco went out into the street and have not returned. +I had smoked for sixty-five years, and chewed +for fifty. I have no desire for either of them; in fact, +the smoke is offensive to me. +</p> + +<p> +Many times before I had tried to quit, but the desire +for it was so strong that I would go back to it; and when +I tried to <q>taper off,</q> I would make the taper end the +longest. +</p> + +<p> +Many other physical claims have disappeared, and it +is a common thing for acquaintances to say when they +meet me, <q>You look better than I have seen you for +years; what have you been doing?</q> My reply is, I not +only look better, but feel better, and am better; and +Christian Science has done it. +</p> + +<p> +With all this, I seem to have very little spiritual understanding +of the truth; am endeavoring to get more, but +<pb n='444'/><anchor id='Pg444'/> +it seems slow. If there is a shorter road to it than I have +found, I should like to be directed to it. +</p> + +<p> +J. S. M., Joplin, Mo. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Four years ago I was healed by reading <q>Science and +Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> The third day, +one of my worst claims gave way. The book was full of +light, and disease vanished as naturally as darkness gives +place to light, although it was about six months before +I was entirely healed. +</p> + +<p> +Seeing this truth in its purity, showed me where to +take my stand; and in defending it I have the prince of +this world to meet. Mortal mind has even called me +crazy; but what a blessing to know the nothingness of +that mind, and that divine Principle governs all its ideas, +and will place each where it belongs! +</p> + +<p> +If our Master was persecuted, can his servants hope to +escape? I know in some degree what Paul meant when +he said he rejoiced in tribulations, <q>for when I am weak, +then am I strong.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Many claims that have baffled the skill of the physicians +have disappeared through my understanding of +Truth. What a blessing that we can break the bread of +Life to others, and so add to our crown of rejoicing! +</p> + +<p> +S. E. R., Kansas City, Mo. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +A dear little six-year old boy of my acquaintance was +invited by his teacher, with the rest of his class in kindergarten +school, to attend a picnic one afternoon. He did +not feel that he wanted to go; seemed dumpish, and +<pb n='445'/><anchor id='Pg445'/> +according to mortal belief was not well; at noon, he said +he wanted to go to sleep. +</p> + +<p> +His mother took him in her lap and began to read to +him from <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> +Very soon he expressed a wish to go to the +picnic, and did go. His father, happening to pass the +place where the little ones were spending the afternoon, +and somewhat surprised to see him playing, as happy +and active as any there, called to him and asked, <q>How +long did you sleep?</q> The little fellow replied, <q>I did +not sleep at all; mamma read to me from Science and +Health, and I was well in a minute.</q>—K. L. H. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +One evening I was calling on a neighbor, and somehow +the subject of Christian Science came up. I asked +her what it was, and what they believed. +</p> + +<p> +She then told me of a friend of hers who had become +a Christian Scientist. This friend had passed through +great sorrow and disappointment; her health had failed +her, and her cheerful disposition had entirely changed; +she could talk of nothing but her troubles, and was a +most unhappy woman. A few years ago she visited my +neighbor, who, greatly surprised at her changed appearance,—for +she was happy and well,—asked where her +troubles were. The reply was, <q>I have no troubles. I +have found true happiness; for I have become a Christian +Scientist.</q> +</p> + +<p> +I became deeply interested, and asked if the students +in Clinton had public meetings on Sundays. She replied +that they had, and told me where they were. +</p> + +<p> +The next Sunday, I went. All was quiet when I entered, +<pb n='446'/><anchor id='Pg446'/> +for they were engaged in silent prayer. Soon they +repeated the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer. +I shall never forget the impression that made on me; all +the next week I heard the leader's voice repeating the +first sentence. +</p> + +<p> +I was invited to come again, and did so. One of the +ladies loaned me <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures,</q> and offered to get me one; which she did +the next week. I have studied it in connection with the +Bible. I have greatly improved in health, having had +only one attack of a physical trouble which caused great +suffering, since that time, and that was a year ago. +</p> + +<p> +At first, I did not think anything about being healed, +or of my physical infirmity. I only loved the sacred teaching. +How true, that God's word does not return unto +Him void! The words of truth that my neighbor's +friend spoke to her, were what first awakened me. If +the one who first hears it does not receive it, it goes to +some one who is ready, and it takes root and bears fruit. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. G. H. I.</hi>, Clinton, N.Y. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +About three years ago I was near death's door with +various troubles; also, was seventy years old. I had a +desire to know something of Christian Science. +</p> + +<p> +I procured the textbook, and studied it with a desire +to know the truth. At first all was dark; but light began +slowly to come, and at the end of three months I found +my physical claims all gone and my eyesight restored. +At the end of three months more, I had gained thirty-five +pounds in weight. +</p> + +<p> +I had been an infidel, and the change from that came +more slowly; but now I know that my Redeemer lives, +<pb n='447'/><anchor id='Pg447'/> +and I am able by divine grace to make very convincing +demonstrations.—J. S., Rudd, Iowa +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +For a long time I have felt that I must in some way +express my great debt of gratitude for Christian Science. +I know no better way to do so than to give an account, +through the <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>, of some of the many blessings I +have received as a result of our Leader's untiring toil +and self-sacrificing love for suffering mortals, in giving +to us the wonderful book, <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When I first heard of Christian Science, about six +years ago, I was satisfied that it was the religion of Christ +Jesus, because Jesus had so plainly said, <q>And these +signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall +they cast out devils;... they shall lay hands on the +sick, and they shall recover.</q> +</p> + +<p> +I had been a church-member since my girlhood, but +was not satisfied that my belief would take me to +heaven, as I did not have these <q>signs following</q>—and +this had always troubled me; so, when I heard that an +old acquaintance living at a distance had not only been +raised from a dying condition to health, but her life had +been changed and purified through Christian Science, I +could hardly wait to know more of this Christlike religion +which was casting out evils and healing the sick. I +searched every bookstore in the city for Science and +Health, at last found a copy, and was delighted to get hold +of it, but little realized what a treasure it was to be to me +and my household. +</p> + +<p> +At first it was like Greek to me, and I could not understand +<pb n='448'/><anchor id='Pg448'/> +much of it, but gleaned enough to keep on +reading, and longed for some one to talk to me of it. +</p> + +<p> +After I had been reading it about a year's time, I +suddenly became almost blind. I knew no Scientist to go +to, so went to physicians; they told me that my case was +hopeless, that it was certain my sight never could be +restored, and the probabilities were that I would soon be +totally blind. +</p> + +<p> +I felt sure that Christian Science would help me if I +could only fully understand it; but there was no one +from whom I could ask help, that I knew of. I gave all +the time that I could use my eyes to studying Science +and Health,—which at first was not more than five +minutes two, and sometimes three, times a day; gradually +my sight returned, until it was fully restored. +</p> + +<p> +During this time God and the <q>little book</q> were my +only help. My understanding was very limited; but like +the prodigal son, I had turned away from the husks, +towards my Father's house, and while I <q>was yet a great +way off</q> my Father came to meet me. When this great +cloud of darkness was banished by the light of Truth, +could I doubt that Christian Science was indeed the +<q>Comforter</q> that would lead us <q>into all truth</q>? +</p> + +<p> +Again I lay at the point of death; but holding steadfastly +to the truth, knowing, from the teaching of this +precious book, that God is Life and there is no death, I +was raised up to health,—restored to my husband and +little children, all of whom I am thankful to say are now +with me in Science. +</p> + +<p> +I had no one to talk with on this subject, knew no one +of whose understanding I felt sure enough to ask for +help; but I was careful from the first not to read or +<pb n='449'/><anchor id='Pg449'/> +inquire into anything except genuine Christian Science, +and how thankful I am for it! Since then, I have been +through a class. +</p> + +<p> +I cannot express in words what Christian Science has +done for my children, or my gratitude that the light of +Truth has come to them in their innocent childhood,—healing +all claims of sickness, and showing us how to overcome +the more stubborn claims of sin.—L. F. B. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +It is a little over one year since a very esteemed friend, +of this city, invited me to partake of the heavenly manna +contained in the revelation of <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures.</q> I had, up to that time, been +for fifteen years a victim of hip-joint disease; this eventually +confining me to my bed, where I had been ten +months when the <q>book of prophecy</q> was opened for +me. I was not long in finding the light I needed,—that +gave <q>feet to the lame,</q> enabling me now to go, move, +and walk, where I will, without crutch or support of any +description, save the staff of divine Science. +</p> + +<p> +In proportion as my thoughts are occupied with the +work in Science, does the peace and joy come inwardly +that transforms the blight of error externally. +</p> + +<p> +T. G. K, Tacoma, Wash. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I wish to acknowledge the blessings which Christian +Science has brought to me through reading <q>Science and +Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> My first demonstration +was over the tobacco habit; I had smoked for +at least fifteen years: I have now no desire for tobacco. +</p> + +<pb n='450'/><anchor id='Pg450'/> + +<p> +I was then healed of two claims which had bound me +for ten years. My prayer is that I may be so filled with the +truth that I can carry the message to my brother man. +</p> + +<p> +F. W. K, Angelica, N.Y. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I take advantage of the great privilege granted us, +to give my testimony for Christian Science through the +pages of our much loved <hi rend='italic'>Journal</hi>. The blessing has +been so bountiful that words can but poorly express my +gratitude. +</p> + +<p> +A little over six years ago, a relative came from Denver, +Colorado, to visit us. She was a Christian Scientist, +having herself been healed of a severe claim that M. D.'s, +drugs, and climate could not relieve; and her husband +having been in the drug business, she had had a chance +to give them a fair trial. +</p> + +<p> +My sister-in-law did not talk much on the subject, as +I remember; but what was better, lived the truth before +us as she realized it. +</p> + +<p> +One day (a blessed day to me), I ventured to open +Science and Health, and read the first sentence in the +Preface. I closed the book, wondering what more it could +contain, this seeming to cover the whole ground. When +my sister-in-law returned to the room, I asked her if I +might read it. Her reply was, <q>Yes; but begin at the +first.</q> +</p> + +<p> +That night, after all had retired, I began to read; +within forty-eight hours I destroyed all drugs, applications, +etc., notwithstanding the fact that my husband +had just paid fifty dollars to a travelling specialist for +part of a treatment. With the drugs disappeared ailments +<pb n='451'/><anchor id='Pg451'/> +of nine years' standing, which M. D.'s had failed +to relieve. +</p> + +<p> +I now understand that my sudden healing was due to +my turning completely away from material methods; +for I was convinced I should never use them again. I +realized that God was my health, my strength, my Life, +therefore All. As I read Science and Health, I wondered +why others had not discerned this truth,—physicians, +ministers, and others who had devoted their lives +to benefit mankind. Yes! why? Because they had +been seeking in the opposite direction to Truth, namely, +for cause and effect in matter, when all cause and effect +are mental. +</p> + +<p> +I mention physicians and ministers, because one class +claims to heal disease, the other claims to heal sin; but +Christian Science heals physically and morally,—it contains +all; <q>its leaves are for the healing of the nations.</q> +</p> + +<p> +L. B. A., Memphis, Tenn. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I was for years a great sufferer. I called doctor after +doctor, getting no help. The last one, after treating me +for one year, told me he would give me one year more +to live. +</p> + +<p> +One evening a near neighbor came in and asked me +to go home with her; and as it was only a few steps, I +did so. +</p> + +<p> +She took up a new book, Science and Health, read me +a few chapters, and then gave me some Christian Science +tracts, which I read, and one of them I almost committed +to memory. +</p> + +<p> +I bought a copy of <q>Science and Health with Key to +<pb n='452'/><anchor id='Pg452'/> +the Scriptures,</q> and studied it carefully. I am healed +of all those claims which troubled me so long. I was +lifted out of darkness into light. +</p> + +<p> +M. J. P., Burns, Oregon +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Chicago, March 19, 1894 +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy, Boston, Mass.:</hi>—I wish to +thank you for the true light that was revealed to me by +reading your book, <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures,</q> and at once adopting its teaching. It was +one year ago to-day that I put on the armor, determined +never to surrender to the enemy; and you may know I +have looked forward to this day with a great deal of +pleasure, to show my friends that the Lord is constantly +with me to help overcome all evil. +</p> + +<p> +Some said, when I first started in this new path, <q>Wait +until you get one of your stomach attacks, and you will +change your mind.</q> For months they have waited, and +are beginning to see the truth in my actions, that speak +for themselves, and show that all is <emph>Mind</emph>. +</p> + +<p> +For nearly thirty years I had been a sufferer from +throat and stomach troubles; bronchitis, dyspepsia, gastralgia, +and gastritis, etc., were the terms applied by +my physicians. About eighteen years of that time I was +engaged in the drug business, had constant opportunities +for consulting the best physicians, and took such medicine +as I felt assured would cure me; but only to be disappointed +each time. +</p> + +<p> +The last few years I had been living on oatmeal crackers +and hot water; suffering more or less all the time, and +could not eat anything else without suffering intense +<pb n='453'/><anchor id='Pg453'/> +pain. I felt as though I could not live many months +more, and was getting ready to give up the fight +when a dear friend and neighbor, Mrs. Corning, left +a copy of Science and Health at our home. At first I +did not care to read it; having been educated, for many +years, in the belief that medicine can cure all diseases, I +could not conceive of anything else to cure the sick. +</p> + +<p> +One Sunday I had the curiosity to know something +about this Christian Science, and read Science and Health. +The more I read, the more interested I became, and +finally said to myself, <q>I will try it.</q> I took a large +porous plaster and four thicknesses of flannel off my +stomach, and threw them in the corner, saying, <q>Now +it shall be Mind over matter; no more matter over Mind.</q> +I filled a large basket full of bottles containing medicine, +and put it in the shed (where all medicine should be). +From that day I have eaten of everything on the table, +and all I wished. Coffee was my worst enemy, and I +had not tasted it for years without suffering untold agony. +Several days passed before I cared to drink it; then, one +morning, I told my family I would commence to use it; +I did, and have used it every day since, and don't know +that I have a stomach, as it never has caused me any +trouble since that morning. +</p> + +<p> +I am happy to say I have not used a drop of any kind +of medicine, internally or externally, from that day, and +<emph>I know that all is Mind</emph>. I read the Bible and Science +and Health nearly every day, thanking the Lord for the +years of suffering which have led me to the truth as taught +by our Saviour; for I feel it was only through its victory +over the suffering that the truth could have been revealed +in my case. +</p> + +<pb n='454'/><anchor id='Pg454'/> + +<p> +I have had some demonstrations to make over error, +but each time it becomes easier. God is ever present +and ready to help me, and I trust in Him; my faith is +planted on a rock that is immovable. +</p> + +<p> +Yours truly, <hi rend='smallcaps'>Frank S. Eberhart</hi> +</p> + +<p> +P. S. If you think this letter, or any part of it, will +help some one out of darkness into the light of Truth, you +are at liberty to have it published. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Having so many occupations and interruptions, I have +not found time to read <q>Science and Health with Key to +the Scriptures</q> sufficiently, but will not on that account +delay thanking you for its excellence. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Henry W. Longfellow</hi>, Cambridge, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I am an old-school practitioner; have served as surgeon +in two European wars; practised medicine for about +ten years in New York city and Brooklyn, until my health +compelled me to relinquish my profession. I became +a victim of the morphia habit, taking daily thirty grains +of that drug. My physicians declared me consumptive, +and abandoned all hopes of recovery. Shortly after +this I made the acquaintance of a student of the author +of <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> +who presented me with her works; and as drugs did me +no good, I stopped taking any whatever, save morphia, +without which I thought it impossible to get along, and +to my astonishment began to gain in flesh, and my ambition +returning in proportion. I finally felt that I would +stop my loathsome habit of morphia-eating, and did so +<pb n='455'/><anchor id='Pg455'/> +in one week, without any discomfort worth mentioning. +For a test I administered one fourth of a grain of morphia +to the aforesaid Scientist, hypodermically, without the +slightest physiological effect, clearly proving the existence +of metaphysical laws. I have read Science and Health +carefully, and consider my present improved health solely +due to mental influence. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Otto Anderson</hi>, M.D., Cincinnati, Ohio +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The profound truths which you announce, sustained +by facts of the immortal life, give to your work the seal +of inspiration—reaffirm in modern phrase the Christian +revelations. In times like these, so sunk in sensualism, +I hail with joy your voice, speaking an assured word for +God and immortality, and my joy is heightened that these +words are of woman's divinings. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>A. Bronson Alcott</hi>, Concord, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I was sick six years; tried many physicians and remedies, +but received no lasting benefit from any of them, +and concluded I must remain sick the rest of my life. +In this condition, I purchased the book <q>Science and +Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> read it, was deeply +interested, and noticed that my health began to improve; +and the more I read the book, the better I became in +health. This I can say truly: it did more for my health +than all the physicians and remedies that I had ever +tried.—<hi rend='smallcaps'>Dr. S. G. Todd</hi>, 11 School St., Newburyport +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I had been a nervous sufferer for nine years; had a +belief of incurable disease of the heart, and was subject +<pb n='456'/><anchor id='Pg456'/> +to severe nervous prostration if I became the least weary. +I was told that if I should read your books they would +cure me. I commenced reading them: in ten days I was +surprised to find myself overcoming my nervous spasms +without the aid of medicine; and ever since then I have +been improving, and I now can walk twenty miles without +fatigue, and have been able to rise above all ailments. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Mrs. Julia A. B. Davis</hi>,<lb/> +Central Village, Westport, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I would inform my friends and the public, that after +twelve years of sickness I am restored to health; and, +with renewed vigor and keen enjoyment, take up the +pleasures and duties of life once more; all labor now +seems less arduous, and all happiness more perfect. To +Christian Science, as taught in <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures,</q> I am indebted for my restoration. +I can cordially recommend this book to all. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Rose A. Wigglesworth</hi>, Lowell, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +When I commenced reading <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures,</q> I could sit up but a very short +time, and could not eat the most simple food without +great distress. In a few days there was a great change, +and I have been growing better ever since. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>E. D. Richardson</hi>, Merrimac, Mass. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I have not been as well for years as I have been since +reading <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> +all of which I impute to its teaching. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>(Mrs.) Mary A. Williams</hi>, Freeport, Ill. +</p> + +<pb n='457'/><anchor id='Pg457'/> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Had been in ill-health for several years; had been +confined to my bed three months, when I got your book +and read it. At first I was unable to read it myself, and +others read it to me, and the truth revealed in your book +restored me to health. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>(Col.) E. J. Smith</hi>, Washington, D.C. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I have been perusing with great interest your work +on metaphysical Science, for the last four months, and +to great advantage; you make the path to health so plain, +that a wayfaring man, though a fool, cannot err therein. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>R. I. Barker</hi>, Bethel, Me. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> <q>is +a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path;</q> your +missiles of Mind have battered down the illusions of sense, +allowing Life to appear an eternal monument, whose +spirited hieroglyphics, Truth and Love, unlike those cut +in marble, shall grow more luminous to consciousness as +sickness, sin and death fade out of belief. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Arthur T. Buswell</hi>,<lb/> +<hi rend='italic'>Office of Associated Charities</hi>, Cincinnati, O. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> is +beautiful in its form of thought and expression. I have +perused it with interest. Your book tends to lead us to +new thoughts and practices in the healing art, and for +many maladies I have no doubt the treatment your excellent +work introduces will be the only remedy. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>(Col.) Rob't B. Caverly</hi>, Centralville, Mass. +</p> + +<pb n='458'/><anchor id='Pg458'/> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Undoubtedly <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures</q> is the greatest and grandest book ever published; +and that by pulpit and press it will be so acknowledged, +is only a question of time. Yours has, +indeed, been a pioneer work, and will be; and I believe +that you, of all the millions, are selected and chosen because +of your peculiar fitness for this great work—this +grand work of opening the gates and leading the way, +that fallen humanity may follow step by step; reach up +to Christ, and be made whole! That all this should be +systematized and proven with mathematical precision,—that +there can be no guesswork or quackery,—is simply +astounding. Science and Health has given me a new +impetus heavenward. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>M. A. Hinkley</hi>, Williamsport, Pa. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The book <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> +is the most wonderful work that has been written +in the past five thousand years. I wish you could get +ten dollars per copy. I am of the opinion that I can heal +the sick on its basis, from reading the work. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>H. D. Dexter</hi>, M. D., Dundee, N.Y. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy's book, <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures,</q> has been duly catalogued +and placed on our shelves for use. In behalf of the trustees, +let me convey cordial thanks to the earnest-minded +author for this interesting contribution. My own idea +is, that the power of Mind or Spirit is supreme in character, +and destined to supremacy over all that is adverse +to divine order. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>William H. Kimball</hi>,<lb/> +<hi rend='italic'>Librarian New Hampshire State Library</hi> +</p> + +<pb n='459'/><anchor id='Pg459'/> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I am reading the work, <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures,</q> for the third time; and I am +convinced of the truth of the Science of which it treats,—instructing +us how to attain holiness of heart, purity +of life, and the sublime ascendency of soul over body. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>C. Clement</hi>, McMinnville, Warren Co., Tenn. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I was sick for a number of years with what some of +the most skilful physicians pronounced an incurable +disease. The more I tried to get help, the worse I became, +until a life of pain and helplessness seemed unavoidable. +Two years ago I heard of <q>Science and +Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> began reading it +and trying to live up to its teachings. At first, my beliefs +were so strong I made but little progress; but gradually +my disease gave way, and finally disappeared, and +to-day I am a well woman. I cannot express the gratitude +I feel for what the light shining through the teachings +of that book did for me. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>(Mrs.) Emily T. Howe</hi>, Norway, Me. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +I have been reading <q>Science and Health with Key +to the Scriptures,</q> and feasting—like a starving, ship-wrecked +mariner, on the food that was to sustain him—on +truths which ages to come will appreciate, understand, +and accept. Many of the theories which at first +appear abstruse and obscure, at length become clear and +lucid. The candle of intellect requires occasional snuffing +to throw the clear light of penetration on the page. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>(Mrs.) S. A. Orne</hi>, Malden, Mass. +</p> + +<pb n='460'/><anchor id='Pg460'/> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The mother of a little girl about eight years old told +me her child was having a severe attack of cold, and +was delicate and easy to take cold. I told her the little +girl would be all right; not to give her any medicine, but +read Science and Health to her. When I next saw the +mother, she told me the little girl was entirely well; that +the cold had all disappeared, and with it a claim of night-sweats +that the child had been under for more than a +year. The little girl had been out sliding down-hill in +the snow a number of times; had her feet very wet, but +it did not affect her at all. They were all pleased,—especially +the child; her face was beaming with happiness +and smiles. This is just one little instance of the +good that comes from reading Science and Health. +</p> + +<p> +T. W. H. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +Opinions Of The Press +</p> + +<p> +This is, perhaps, the most remarkable book on health, +in some respects, which has appeared in this country. +The author evidently discards physiology, hygiene, mesmerism, +magnetism, and every form of medication, bathing, +dieting, etc.,—all go by the board; no medicine, +manipulation, or external applications are permitted; +everything is done through the mind. Applied to certain +conditions, this method has great value: even the +reading of the author's book has cured hopeless cases. +The author claims that her methods are those used by +Christ and his apostles, and she has established a church +and school to propagate them.—<hi rend='italic'>Herald of Health</hi>, N. Y. +(<hi rend='smallcaps'>M. L. Holbrook</hi>, <hi rend='italic'>Publisher</hi>) +</p> + +<pb n='461'/><anchor id='Pg461'/> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The Christian Scientists claim that the power of healing +is not lost, and have supported that claim by inducing +cures astonishingly like those quoted from the New +Testament. And even more good they hope to achieve, +as this power which they possess is better understood +and the new light gains strength in the world. Experience +has taught us that the nearer we approach to the +source of a report of miraculous power, the smaller does +the wonder grow. In the instance of the Christian Scientists, +the result has been rather the reverse; if third +parties have related a remarkable circumstance, the person +of whom the fact was alleged has been found to make +the assertion still stronger.—<hi rend='italic'>Boston Sunday Globe</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> by +Mary Baker G. Eddy, President of the Massachusetts +Metaphysical College, is a remarkable publication, +claiming to elucidate the influence of mentality over +matter. Mrs. Eddy announces herself as the discoverer +of this metaphysical Science, and receives students, to +whom she imparts so much of her metaphysics as their +minds are capable of receiving. The volumes are a +vigorous protest against the materialism of our modern +scientists, Darwin, Huxley, Tyndall, etc. Her Science +of Mind was first self-applied: having been ill and treated +by doctors of the various schools without benefit, she +discovered the grand Principle of all healing to be God, +or Mind. Relying on this Principle alone, she regained +her health, and for the last sixteen years has taught +this theory to others, and has healed the sick in all cases +where the patient's mentality was sufficiently strong to +<pb n='462'/><anchor id='Pg462'/> +understand her teachings and act upon them.—<hi rend='italic'>Brooklyn +Eagle</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The book <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> +is certainly original, and contains much that +will do good. The reader will find this work not influenced +by superstition or pride, but striking out boldly,—full +of self-sacrifice and love towards God and man.—<hi rend='italic'>Christian +Advocate</hi>, Buffalo, N. Y. +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The doctrines of <q>Science and Health with Key to +the Scriptures</q> are high and pure, wholly free from +those vile theories about love and marriage which have +been so prevalent among the spiritualists. This new +sect devotes itself to a study of the Bible, and a practice +of curing disease without mesmerism or spiritualism. It +treats Darwin and materialists with a lofty scorn.—<hi rend='italic'>Springfield +Republican</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +<q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</q> is +indisputably a wonderful work. It has no equal. No +one can read the book and not be benefited by it in mind +and body. The work is endorsed by some of the best +men of the age.—<hi rend='italic'>Star-Spangled Banner</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +We shall watch with keen interest the promised results +of <q>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.</q> +The work shows how the body can be cured, and how +<pb n='463'/><anchor id='Pg463'/> +a better state of Christianity can be introduced (which +is certainly very desirable). It likewise has a hard thrust +at spiritualism; and, taken altogether, it is a very rare +book.—<hi rend='italic'>Boston Investigator</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit='tb' rend='rule: 50%'/> + +<p> +The author of <q>Science and Health with Key to the +Scriptures,</q> which is attracting much attention, shows +her ability to defend her cause with vigor.—<hi rend='italic'>Boston +Weekly Journal</hi> +</p> + +<p> +(<hi rend='italic'>By permission</hi>) +</p> + +<p> +How To Understand Science And Health +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend='italic'>My Dear Friend H.:</hi>—Your good letter of the 26th +ult. came duly to hand several days ago, and I am not +greatly surprised at its contents. You say, in substance, +that you procured the book, <q>Science and Health with +Key to the Scriptures,</q> which I recommended, and +that to your surprise and disgust you found it to be a +work on faith-cure, and ask by what process of reasoning +I could possibly bring myself to adopt or accept +such visionary theories. In answer to your very natural +question, I will try, in my own way, to give you +what appears to me to be a reason for the hope that is +in me. +</p> + +<p> +My religious views of fifteen years ago are too familiar +to you to need any exposition at my hands at this +time. Suffice it to say that the religion of the Bible, +as taught by the churches, to my mind appeared to be +<pb n='464'/><anchor id='Pg464'/> +self-contradictory and confusing, and their explanations +failed to explain. During the next eleven years my +convictions underwent little change. I read everything +that came in my way that had any bearing upon, or +pretended in any degree to explain, the problem of life; +and while I gained some knowledge of a general nature, +I was no nearer the solution of life's problem than when +I began my investigations years ago, and I had given +up all hope of ever being able to come to a knowledge +of the truth, or a satisfactory explanation of the enigma +of life. +</p> + +<p> +In all my intellectual wanderings I had never lost my +belief in a great First Cause, which I was as well satisfied +to call God as anything else; but the orthodox explanations +of His or its nature and power were to my +mind such a mixture of truth and error, that I could not +tell where fact left off and fancy began. The whole effort +of the pulpit being put forth, seemed directed to the impossible +task of harmonizing the teachings of Jesus Christ +with the wisdom of the world; and the whole tendency +of our religious education was to befog the intellect and +produce scepticism in a mind that presumed to think +for itself and to inquire into the why and the wherefore. +I fully believe that the agnosticism of yourself and myself +was produced by the futile attempt to mix and harmonize +the wisdom of the world with the philosophy of +the Christ. +</p> + +<p> +In my investigations into the researches of the savants +and philosophers I found neither any satisfactory explanation +of things as they seemed to exist, nor any solution +of the great and all-absorbing question, <q>What is +Truth?</q> Their premises appeared to be sound, and +<pb n='465'/><anchor id='Pg465'/> +their reasonings faultless; but in the nature of things, +no final conclusion of the whole matter could be reached +from premises based wholly on material knowledge. +They could explain <q>matter</q> and its properties to their +own satisfaction, but the intelligence that lay behind or +beyond it, and which was manifested in and through it, +was to them as much of a mystery as it was to the humblest +of God's creatures. They could prove pretty conclusively +that many of the generally accepted theories +had no basis in fact; but they left us as much in the +dark regarding Life and its governing Principle as had +the divines before them. +</p> + +<p> +About four years ago, while still in the mental condition +above indicated, my attention was called to what at +that time appeared to me to be a new phase of spiritism, +and which was called by those who professed to believe +in it, <hi rend='italic'>Christian Science</hi>. I thought that I had given some +attention to about all the <hi rend='italic'>isms</hi> that ever existed, and that +this was only another phantasm of some religionist lost +in the labyrinths of mental hallucination. +</p> + +<p> +In my reflections at that time it seemed to me that +life was an incomprehensible enigma; that the creator +had placed us on this earth, and left us entirely in the +dark as to His purpose in so doing. We seemed to be +cast upon the ocean of time, and left to drift aimlessly +about, with no exact knowledge of what was required of +us or how to attain unto the truth, which must certainly +have an existence somewhere. It seemed to me that in +the very nature of things there must be a great error +somewhere in our understanding, or that the creator +Himself had slipped a cog when He fitted all things into +their proper spheres. That there had been a grand mistake +<pb n='466'/><anchor id='Pg466'/> +somewhere I had no doubt; but I still had doubt +enough of my own capabilities and understanding to believe +that the mistake, whatever it was, was in me and +not in the creator. I knew that, in a fair measure at +least, I had an honest desire to live aright, as it was given +me to see the right, and to strive to some extent to do the +will of God, if I could only know certainly just what it +was. +</p> + +<p> +While in this frame of mind, I inwardly appealed to +the great unseen power to enlighten my understanding, +and to lead me into a knowledge of the truth, promising +mentally to follow wherever it might lead, if I could only +do so understandingly. +</p> + +<p> +My wife had been investigating Christian Science to +some extent, but knowing my natural antipathy to such +vagaries, as I then thought them, had said very little to +me about it; but one day, while discussing the mysteries +of life with a judge of one of our courts, he asked me +whether I had ever looked into the teachings of the Christian +Scientists. I told him that I had not, and he urged +me very strongly to do so. He claimed to have investigated +their teachings, and said that he had become a +thorough believer in them. This aroused my curiosity, +and I procured the book called <q>Science and Health +with Key to the Scriptures,</q> and read it. Before reading +very far in it, I became pretty thoroughly nauseated +with what I thought the chimerical ideas of the author, +but kept on reading,—more because I had promised to +read the book than because of interest in its teachings; +but before I had gotten through with it, I did become +interested in the Principle that I thought I discovered +the author was striving to elucidate; and when I got +<pb n='467'/><anchor id='Pg467'/> +through it, I began again and reread it very carefully. +When I had finished reading this book the second time, +I had become thoroughly convinced that her explanation +of the religion taught by Jesus Christ, and what +he did teach, afforded the only explanation which, to +my mind, came anywhere near harmonizing and making +cohesive what had always seemed contradictory and +inexplicable in the Bible. I became satisfied that I had +found the truth for which I had long been seeking, and +I arose from the reading of the book a changed man; +doubt and uncertainty had fled, and my mind has never +been troubled with a serious doubt upon the subject from +that day to this. +</p> + +<p> +I do not pretend to have acquired the power it is claimed +we may attain to; but I am satisfied that the fault is in +me, and not in the Principle. I think I can almost hear +you ask, What! do you believe in miracles? I answer +unhesitatingly, Yes; I believe in the manifestations of +the power of Mind which the world calls miraculous; +but which those who claim to understand the Principle +through which the works are done, seem to think not +unnatural, but only the logical result of the application +of a known Principle. +</p> + +<p> +It always did seem to me that Truth should be self-evident, +or at least susceptible of unmistakable proof,—which +all religions seemed to lack, at least in so far as I +had known them. I now remember that Jesus furnished +unmistakable proofs of the truth of his teachings, by his +manifestations of the power of Mind, or, as some might +call it, Spirit; which power he plainly taught would be +acquired by those who believed in the Principle which he +taught, and which manifestations would follow as signs +<pb n='468'/><anchor id='Pg468'/> +that an understanding of his philosophy had been reached. +It does seem to me, that where the signs do not follow +professing Christians which Christ said should follow +them, there must be something wrong, either in his teachings +or their understanding of them; and to say the +least, the foundations of their faith require a careful re-examination, +with a view to harmonizing them with the +plain teachings of the Christ in whose footsteps they +profess to follow. +</p> + +<p> +I never could understand how God could be ever-present +as a personal Being, but I think I can and do understand +how divine Principle can pervade every thing and +place. +</p> + +<p> +I never could understand how heaven could be a place +with gorgeous fittings, but I think I can and do understand +how it might be a spiritual (or if you please mental) +condition. Jesus said, <q>The kingdom of God cometh +not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! +or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within +you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Knowledge (or understanding) is power.</q> Since +adopting the views of life as set forth in <q>Science and +Health with Key to the Scriptures,</q> I have seen proofs +of what can be accomplished through a knowledge of the +truth, which to my mind amount to demonstrations, and +which no longer seem incredible, but which I do not ask +another to accept upon my statements. Every one must +see or feel for himself in order to be convinced; but I +am satisfied that any who will lay aside their preconceived +notions, and deal honestly with themselves and the light +they have, will come to a knowledge of the truth as illustrated +in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ; that is, +<pb n='469'/><anchor id='Pg469'/> +that Mind, or Soul, or whatever you may be pleased to +call it, is the real Ego, or self, and that mortal mind with +its body is the unreal and vanishing, and eventually goes +back to its native nothingness. +</p> + +<p> +Truth is, and ever has been, simple; and because of +its utter simplicity, we in our pride and selfishness have +been looking right over it. We have been keeping our +eyes turned toward the sky, scanning the heavens with +a far-off gaze in search of light, expecting to see the +truth blaze forth like some great comet, or in some extraordinary +manner; and when, instead of coming in +great pomp and splendor, it appears in the simpleness +of demonstration, we are staggered at it, and refuse to +accept it; our intellectual pride is shocked, and we are +sure that there has been some mistake. Human nature +is ever the same. The Jews were looking for something +transcendently wonderful, and the absence of it made +the Christ, Truth, to them a stumbling-block. It was +foolishness to the Greeks, who excelled in the worldly +wisdom of that day; but in all ages of the world it has +ever been the power of God to them that believe, not +blindly, but because of an enlightened understanding. +</p> + +<p> +I always did think that there was something beautiful +in the philosophy of life as taught by Jesus Christ, but +that it was impracticable and not susceptible of application +to the affairs of life in a world constituted as this +appeared to be. As I now view it, that belief was the +result of ignorance of the real power that <q>moves the +universe,</q>—too much faith in matter or effect, and not +enough in Mind or cause, which is God. +</p> + +<p> +To one who can accept the truth that all causation is +in Mind, and who therefore begins to look away from +<pb n='470'/><anchor id='Pg470'/> +matter and into Mind, or Spirit, for all that is real and +eternal, and for all that produces anything that is lasting, +the doubts and petty annoyances of life become +dissolved in the light of a better understanding, which +has been refined in the crucible of charity and love; and +they fade away into the nothingness from whence they +came, never having had any existence in fact, being only +the inventions of erring human belief. +</p> + +<p> +Read the teachings of the Christ from a Christian Science +standpoint, and they no longer appear vague and mystical, +but become luminous and powerful,—and, let me +say, intelligible. +</p> + +<p> +It is true, as you intimate, that this theory of life is +much more generally accepted by women than by men, +and it may be true that as a rule their reasoning is much +less rigid in its nature than that of the sterner sex, and +that they may be liable to scan their premises less keenly; +but may it not also be true, that they are of finer texture +and more spiritual in their natures, and that they may +be just as likely to arrive at the truth through their intuitions, +in connection with their logic, as we are through +the more rugged courses? If it be true that man is the +more logical, the fallibility of our own reasonings very +frequently becomes painfully apparent even to ourselves, +and they are therefore not the safest gauge by which to +judge others. +</p> + +<p> +I believe, myself, that when it comes to standing up +for Truth in the face of the world, and possibly at the +sacrifice of position and popularity, women possess the +necessary courage in a much greater degree than do +men. +</p> + +<p> +I had not intended to weary you with such a long +<pb n='471'/><anchor id='Pg471'/> +letter, but after getting into the subject, I hardly knew +where to stop. As an old and loved friend, I have given +you a glimpse of my inner life, because I hardly knew +how to explain my mental condition to you in any other +way.... +</p> + +</div> + +</body> +<back rend="page-break-before: right"> + <div id="footnotes"> + <index index="toc" /> + <index index="pdf" /> + <head>Footnotes</head> + <divGen type="footnotes"/> + </div> + <div rend="page-break-before: right"> + <divGen type="pgfooter" /> + </div> +</back> +</text> +</TEI.2> |