«Разные сочинения, 1883–1896»

Beloved Students:—Meet together and meet en masse, [10]

in 1888, at the annual session of the National Christian

Scientist Association. Be “of one mind,” “in one place,”

and God will pour you out a blessing such as you never

before received. He who dwelleth in eternal light is

bigger than the shadow, and will guard and guide His [15]

own.

Let no consideration bend or outweigh your purpose

to be in Chicago on June 13. Firm in your allegiance to

the reign of universal harmony, go to its rescue. In God's

hour, the powers of earth and hell are proven powerless. [20]

The reeling ranks of materia medica, with poisons, nos-

trums, and knives, are impotent when at war with the

omnipotent! Like Elisha, look up, and behold: “They

that be with us, are more than they that be with them.”

Error is only fermenting, and its heat hissing at the [25]

“still, small voice” of Truth; but it can neither silence

nor disarm God's voice. Spiritual wickedness is stand-

ing in high places; but, blind to its own fate, it will tumble

into the bottomless.

[pg 135]

Christians, and all true Scientists, marching under what- [1]

soever ensign, come into the ranks! Again I repeat, per-

son is not in the question of Christian Science. Principle,

instead of person, is next to our hearts, on our lips, and

in our lives. Our watchwords are Truth and Love; and [5]

if we abide in these, they will abound in us, and we shall

be one in heart,—one in motive, purpose, pursuit. Abid-

ing in Love, not one of you can be separated from me; and

the sweet sense of journeying on together, doing unto

others as ye would they should do unto you, conquers all [10]

opposition, surmounts all obstacles, and secures success.

If you falter, or fail to fulfil this Golden Rule, though you

should build to the heavens, you would build on sand.

Is it a cross to give one week's time and expense to the

jubilee of Spirit? Then take this cross, and the crown [15]

with it. Sending forth currents of Truth, God's methods

and means of healing, and so spreading the gospel of

Love, is in itself an eternity of joy that outweighs an

hour. Add one more noble offering to the unity of good,

and so cement the bonds of Love. [20]

With love,

Mary Baker Eddy

Ассоциации колледжа.

Letter read at the meeting of the Massachusetts Metaphysical

College Association, June 3, 1891. [25]

To the Members of the Christian Scientists' Association of

the Massachusetts Metaphysical College

My Beloved Students:—You may be looking to see me

in my accustomed place with you, but this you must no

[pg 136]

longer expect. When I retired from the field of labor, [1]

it was a departure, socially, publicly, and finally, from

the routine of such material modes as society and our

societies demand. Rumors are rumors,—nothing more.

I am still with you on the field of battle, taking forward [5]

marches, broader and higher views, and with the hope

that you will follow.

The eternal and infinite, already brought to your

earnest consideration, so grow upon my vision that I

cannot feel justified in turning aside for one hour from [10]

contemplation of them and of the faith unfeigned.

When the verities of being seem to you as to me,—as

they must some time,—you will understand the neces-

sity for my seclusion, and its fulfilment of divine order.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye sepa- [15]

rate, saith the Lord.”

All our thoughts should be given to the absolute

demonstration of Christian Science. You can well

afford to give me up, since you have in my last re-

vised edition of Science and Health your teacher and [20]

guide.

I recommend that the June session of this honorable

body shall close your meetings for the summer; also, that

hereafter you hold three sessions annually, convening

once in four months; oftener is not requisite, and the [25]

members coming from a distance will be accommodated

by this arrangement.

Yours affectionately,

Mary B. G. Eddy

[pg 137]

Национальной ассоциации христианских ученых.

My Dear Students and Friends:—Accept my thanks

for your card of invitation, your badge, and order of exer-

cise, all of which are complete.

When I gave you a meagre reception in Boston at the [5]

close of the first convention of the National Christian

Scientist Association, it was simply to give you the privi-

lege, poor as it was, of speaking a few words aside to your

teacher. I remember my regret, when, having asked in

general assembly if you had any questions to propose, I [10]

received no reply. Since then you have doubtless realized

that such opportunity might have been improved; but

that time has passed.

I greatly rejoice over the growth of my students within

the last few years. It was kind of you to part so gently [15]

with the protecting wings of the mother-bird, and to spread

your own so bravely. Now, dear ones, if you take my

advice again, you will do—what?

Even this: Disorganize the National Christian Scientist

Association! and each one return to his place of [20]

labor, to work out individually and alone, for himself and

for others, the sublime ends of human life.

To accomplish this, you must give much time to self-

examination and correction; you must control appetite,

passion, pride, envy, evil-speaking, resentment, and each [25]

one of the innumerable errors that worketh or maketh

a lie. Then you can give to the world the benefit of all

this, and heal and teach with increased confidence. My

students can now organize their students into associa-

tions, form churches, and hold these organizations of their [30]

[pg 138]

own,—until, in turn, their students will sustain them- [1]

selves and work for others.

The time it takes yearly to prepare for this national

convention is worse than wasted, if it causes thought to

wander in the wilderness or ways of the world. The de- [5]

tail of conforming to society, in any way, costs you what

it would to give time and attention to hygiene in your

ministry and healing.

For students to work together is not always to co-

operate, but sometimes to coelbow! Each student should [10]

seek alone the guidance of our common Father—even

the divine Principle which he claims to demonstrate,—

and especially should he prove his faith by works, ethi-

cally, physically, and spiritually. Remember that the

first and last lesson of Christian Science is love, perfect [15]

love, and love made perfect through the cross.

I once thought that in unity was human strength; but

have grown to know that human strength is weakness,—

that unity is divine might, giving to human power, peace.

My counsel is applicable to the state of general growth [20]

in the members of the National Christian Scientist Asso-

ciation, but it is not so adapted to the members of

students' organizations. And wherefore? Because the

growth of these at first is more gradual; but whenever

they are equal to the march triumphant, God will give [25]

to all His soldiers of the cross the proper command, and

under the banner of His love, and with the “still, small

voice” for the music of our march, we all shall take step

and march on in spiritual organization.

Your loving teacher, [30]

Mary Baker G. Eddy

Concord, N. H., May 23, 1890

[pg 139]

N. B. I recommend this honorable body to adjourn, [1]

if it does not disorganize, to three years from this date;

or, if it does disorganize, to meet again in three years.

Then bring your tithes into the storehouse, and God will

pour you out a blessing such as you even yet have not [5]

received.

M. B. G. E.

Первой Церкви Христа, Научной, в Бостоне.

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty [10]

through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down

imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the

knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the

obedience of Christ.—2 Cor. x. 4, 5.

In April, 1883, I started the Journal of Christian [15]

Science, with a portion of the above Scripture for its

motto.

On December 10, 1889, I gave a lot of land—in

Boston, situated near the beautiful Back Bay Park, now

valued at $20,000 and rising in value—for the purpose [20]

of having erected thereon a church edifice to be called The

Church of Christ, Scientist.

I had this desirable site transferred in a circuitous,

novel way, at the wisdom whereof a few persons have

since scrupled; but to my spiritual perception, like all [25]

true wisdom, this transaction will in future be regarded

as greatly wise, and it will be found that this act was in

advance of the erring mind's apprehension.

As with all former efforts in the interest of Christian

Science, I took care that the provisions for the land and [30]

[pg 140]

building were such as error could not control. I knew [1]

that to God's gift, foundation and superstructure, no one

could hold a wholly material title. The land, and the

church standing on it, must be conveyed through a type

representing the true nature of the gift; a type morally [5]

and spiritually inalienable, but materially questionable

—even after the manner that all spiritual good comes

to Christian Scientists, to the end of taxing their faith

in God, and their adherence to the superiority of the

claims of Spirit over matter or merely legal titles. [10]

No one could buy, sell, or mortgage my gift as I had

it conveyed. Thus the case rested, and I supposed the

trustee-deed was legal; but this was God's business, not

mine. Our church was prospered by the right hand of

His righteousness, and contributions to the Building Fund [15]

generously poured into the treasury. Unity prevailed,—

till mortal man sought to know who owned God's temple,

and adopted and urged only the material side of this

question.

The lot of land which I donated I redeemed from under [20]

mortgage. The foundation on which our church was to

be built had to be rescued from the grasp of legal power,

and now it must be put back into the arms of Love, if we

would not be found fighting against God.

The diviner claim and means for upbuilding the Church [25]

of Christ were prospered. Our title to God's acres will

be safe and sound—when we can “read our title clear”

to heavenly mansions. Built on the rock, our church

will stand the storms of ages: though the material super-

structure should crumble into dust, the fittest would sur- [30]

vive,—the spiritual idea would live, a perpetual type of

the divine Principle it reflects.

[pg 141]

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, our prayer in [1]

stone, will be the prophecy fulfilled, the monument up-

reared, of Christian Science. It will speak to you of the

Mother, and of your hearts' offering to her through whom

was revealed to you God's all-power, all-presence, and [5]

all-science. This building begun, will go up, and no one

can suffer from it, for no one can resist the power that

is behind it; and against this church temple “the gates

of hell” cannot prevail.

All loyal Christian Scientists hail with joy this pro- [10]

posed type of universal Love; not so, however, with

error, which hates the bonds and methods of Truth, and

shudders at the freedom, might, and majesty of Spirit,

—even the annihilating law of Love.

I vindicate both the law of God and the laws of our [15]

land. I believe,—yea, I understand,—that with the

spirit of Christ actuating all the parties concerned about

the legal quibble, it can easily be corrected to the satis-

faction of all. Let this be speedily done. Do not, I im-

plore you, stain the early history of Christian Science by [20]

the impulses of human will and pride; but let the divine

will and the nobility of human meekness rule this busi-

ness transaction, in obedience to the law of Love and the

laws of our land.

As the ambassador of Christ's teachings, I admonish [25]

you: Delay not longer to commence building our church

in Boston; or else return every dollar that you yourselves

declare you have had no legal authority for obtaining, to

the several contributors,—and let them, not you, say

what shall be done with their money. [30]

Of our first church in Boston, O recording angel!

write: God is in the midst of her: how beautiful are her

[pg 142]

feet! how beautiful are her garments! how hath He en- [1]

larged her borders! how hath He made her wildernesses

to bud and blossom as the rose!

With love,

Mary Baker Eddy

Дарителям лодки из Торонто, Канада.

Written on receipt of a beautiful boat presented by Christian

Scientists in Toronto, for the little pond at Pleasant View. The

boat displays, among other beautiful decorations, a number of

masonic symbols. [10]

Beloved Students and Friends:—Accept my thanks

for the beautiful boat and presentation poem. Each day

since they arrived I have said, Let me write to the donors,

—and what?

My first impression was to indite a poem; my second, [15]

a psalm; my third, a letter. Why the letter alone? Be-

cause your dear hearts expressed in their lovely gift such

varying types of true affection, shaded as autumn leaves

with bright hues of the spiritual, that my Muse lost her

lightsome lyre, and imagery of thought gave place to [20]

chords of feeling too deep for words.

A boat song seemed more Olympian than the psalm in

spiritual strains of the Hebrew bard. So I send my

answer in a commonplace letter. Poor return, is it

not? [25]

The symbols of freemasonry depicted on the boat

wakened memory, touched tender fibres of thought, and

I longed to say to the masonic brothers: If as a woman

I may not unite with you in freemasonry, nor you with

me in Christian Science, yet as friends we can feel the [30]

[pg 143]

touch of heart to heart and hand to hand, on the broad [1]

basis and sure foundation of true friendship's “level”

and the “square” of moral sentiments.

My dear students may have explained to the kind par-

ticipants in beautifying this boat our spiritual points, [5]

above the plane of matter. If so, I may hope that a

closer link hath bound us. Across lakes, into a kingdom,

I reach out my hand to clasp yours, with this silent bene-

diction: May the kingdom of heaven come in each of

your hearts! [10]

With love,

Mary Baker Eddy

Обращение при закладке краеугольного камня.

Beloved Students:—On the 21st day of May, a.d.

1894, with quiet, imposing ceremony, is laid the corner- [15]

stone of “The First Church of Christ, Scientist,” in

Boston.

It gives me great pleasure to say that you, principally

the Normal class graduates of my College, well known

physicians, teachers, editors, and pastors of churches, [20]

by contributions of one thousand dollars each, husband

and wife reckoned as one, have, within about three

months, donated the munificent sum of forty-two thou-

sand dollars toward building The Mother Church. A

quiet call from me for this extra contribution, in aid of [25]

our Church Building Fund, found you all “with one

accord in one place.” Each donation came promptly;

sometimes at much self-sacrifice, but always accompanied

with a touching letter breathing the donor's privileged joy.

[pg 144]

The granite for this church was taken from the quar- [1]

ries in New Hampshire, my native State. The money

for building “Mother's Room,” situated in the second

story of the tower on the northeast corner of this build-

ing, and the name thereof, came from the dear children [5]

of Christian Scientists; a little band called Busy Bees,

organized by Miss Maurine R. Campbell.

On this memorable day there are laid away a copy of

this address, the subscription list on which appear your

several names in your own handwriting, your textbook, [10]

“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” and

other works written by the same author, your teacher,

the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science;4 without

pomp or pride, laid away as a sacred secret in the

heart of a rock, there to typify the prophecy, “And a man [15]

shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert

from the tempest; ... as the shadow of a great rock in

a weary land:” henceforth to whisper our Master's

promise, “Upon this rock I will build my church; and

the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” [20]

To-day, be this hope in each of our hearts,—precious

in God's sight as shall be the assembling of His people

in this temple, sweet as the rest that remaineth for the

righteous, and fresh as a summer morn,—that, from

earth's pillows of stone, our visible lives are rising to [25]

God. As in the history of a seed, so may our earthly

sowing bear fruit that exudes the inspiration of the wine

poured into the cup of Christ.

To-day I pray that divine Love, the life-giving Prin-

ciple of Christianity, shall speedily wake the long night [30]

of materialism, and the universal dawn shall break upon

the spire of this temple. The Church, more than any

[pg 145]

other institution, at present is the cement of society, and [1]

it should be the bulwark of civil and religious liberty.

But the time cometh when the religious element, or Church

of Christ, shall exist alone in the affections, and need no

organization to express it. Till then, this form of godli- [5]

ness seems as requisite to manifest its spirit, as individ-

uality to express Soul and substance.

Does a single bosom burn for fame and power? Then

when that person shall possess these, let him ask him-

self, and answer to his name in this corner-stone of our [10]

temple: Am I greater for them? And if he thinks that

he is, then is he less than man to whom God gave “do-

minion over all the earth,” less than the meek who “in-

herit the earth.” Even vanity forbids man to be vain;

and pride is a hooded hawk which flies in darkness. Over [15]

a wounded sense of its own error, let not mortal thought

resuscitate too soon.

In our rock-bound friendship, delicate as dear, our

names may melt into one, and common dust, and their

modest sign be nothingness. Be this as it may, the visible [20]

unity of spirit remains, to quicken even dust into sweet

memorial such as Isaiah prophesied: “The wolf also shall

dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with

the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling

together; and a little child shall lead them.” [25]

When the hearts of Christian Scientists are woven to-

gether as are their names in the web of history, earth will

float majestically heaven's heraldry, and echo the song

of angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth

peace, good will toward men.” [30]

To The Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, and to

the dear children that my heart folds within it, let me

[pg 146]

say, 'Tis sweet to remember thee, and God's Zion, with [1]

healing on her wings. May her walls be vocal with sal-

vation; and her gates with praise!

Первой Церкви Христа, Научной, в Бостоне

My Beloved Students:—I cannot conscientiously lend

my counsel to direct your action on receiving or dismiss-

ing candidates. To do this, I should need to be with

you. I cannot accept hearsay, and would need to know

the circumstances and facts regarding both sides of the [10]

subject, to form a proper judgment. This is not my

present province; hence I have hitherto declined to be

consulted on these subjects, and still maintain this

position.

These are matters of grave import; and you cannot [15]

be indifferent to this, but will give them immediate at-

tention, and be governed therein by the spirit and the

letter of this Scripture: “Whatsoever ye would that men

should do unto you, do ye even so to them.”

I cannot be the conscience for this church; but if I [20]

were, I would gather every reformed mortal that desired

to come, into its fold, and counsel and help him to walk

in the footsteps of His flock. I feel sure that as Chris-

tian Scientists you will act, relative to this matter, up to

your highest understanding of justice and mercy. [25]

Affectionately yours,

Mary Baker Eddy

Feb. 12, 1895

[pg 147]

Первым членам Первой Церкви Христа, Научной, в Бостоне, штат Массачусетс

My Beloved Students:—Another year has rolled on, [3]

another annual meeting has convened, another space of

time has been given us, and has another duty been done [5]

and another victory won for time and eternity? Do you

meet in unity, preferring one another, and demonstrating

the divine Principle of Christian Science? Have you

improved past hours, and ladened them with records

worthy to be borne heavenward? Have you learned [10]

that sin is inadmissible, and indicates a small mind?

Do you manifest love for those that hate you and de-

spitefully use you?

The man of integrity is one who makes it his constant

rule to follow the road of duty, according as Truth and [15]

the voice of his conscience point it out to him. He is not

guided merely by affections which may some time give

the color of virtue to a loose and unstable character.

The upright man is guided by a fixed Principle, which

destines him to do nothing but what is honorable, and to [20]

abhor whatever is base or unworthy; hence we find him

ever the same,—at all times the trusty friend, the affec-

tionate relative, the conscientious man of business, the

pious worker, the public-spirited citizen.

He assumes no borrowed appearance. He seeks no [25]

mask to cover him, for he acts no studied part; but he

is indeed what he appears to be,—full of truth, candor,

and humanity. In all his pursuits, he knows no path

but the fair, open, and direct one, and would much rather

fail of success than attain it by reproachable means. He [30]

[pg 148]

never shows us a smiling countenance while he meditates [1]

evil against us in his heart. We shall never find one part

of his character at variance with another.

Lovingly yours,

Mary Baker Eddy [5]

Sept. 30, 1895

Отрывок из письма

The Rules and By-laws in the Manual of The First

Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in

solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrim. They were [10]

not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as

one person might impose on another. They were im-

pelled by a power not one's own, were written at differ-

ent dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang

from necessity, the logic of events,—from the immedi- [15]

ate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to

maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause; hence

their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to

demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will

do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future [20]

generations might not accomplish.

Матери-Церкви

Beloved Brethren:—Until recently, I was not aware

that the contribution box was presented at your Friday

evening meetings. I specially desire that you collect no

moneyed contributions from the people present on these

occasions.

Let the invitation to this sweet converse be in the words

of the prophet Isaiah: “Ho, every one that thirsteth,

[pg 149]

come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come [1]

ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without

money and without price.”

Invite all cordially and freely to this banquet of Chris-

tian Science, this feast and flow of Soul. Ask them to [5]

bring what they possess of love and light to help leaven

your loaf and replenish your scanty store. Then, after

presenting the various offerings, and one after another

has opened his lips to discourse and distribute what God

has given him of experience, hope, faith, and under- [10]

standing, gather up the fragments, and count the baskets

full of accessions to your love, and see that nothing has

been lost.

With love,

Mary Baker Eddy [15]

Первой Церкви Христа, Научной, в Оконто

My Beloved Brethren:—Lips nor pen can ever ex-

press the joy you give me in parting so promptly with

your beloved pastor, Rev. Mr. Norcross, to send him to [20]

aid me. It is a refreshing demonstration of Christianity,

brotherly love, and all the rich graces of the Spirit. May

this sacrifice bring to your beloved church a vision of the

new church, that cometh down from heaven, whose altar

is a loving heart, whose communion is fellowship with [25]

saints and angels. This example of yours is a light that

cannot be hid.

Guided by the pillar and the cloud, this little church

that built the first temple for Christian Science worship

shall abide steadfastly in the faith of Jesus' words: “Fear [30]

[pg 150]

not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to [1]

give you the kingdom.” May He soon give you a pastor;

already you have the great Shepherd of Israel watch-

ing over you. Give my forever-love to your dear church.

Yours in bonds of Christ,

Mary Baker G. Eddy [5]

Boston, Mass., 1889

Первой Церкви Христа, Научной, в Скрантоне

Beloved Brethren:—Space is no separator of hearts. [10]

Spiritually, I am with all who are with Truth, and whose

hearts today are repeating their joy that God dwelleth

in the congregation of the faithful, and loveth the gates

of Zion.

The outlook is cheering. We have already seen the [15]

salvation of many people by means of Christian Science.

Chapels and churches are dotting the entire land. Con-

venient houses and halls can now be obtained wherein, as

whereout, Christian Scientists may worship the Father

“in spirit and in truth,” as taught by our great Master. [20]

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” If He

be with us, the wayside is a sanctuary, and the desert a

resting-place peopled with living witnesses of the fact

that “God is Love.”

God is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no [25]

dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than

to all, is God demonstrable as divine Life, Truth, and

Love; and His people are they that reflect Him—that

reflect Love. Again, this infinite Principle, with its uni-

versal manifestation, is all that really is or can be; [30]

hence God is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds,

[pg 151]

and folds the sheep of His pasture; and their ears are [1]

attuned to His call. In the words of the loving disciple,

“My sheep hear my voice,... and they follow me;

...neither shall any man pluck them out of my

hand.” [5]

God is a consuming fire. He separates the dross from

the gold, purifies the human character, through the

furnace of affliction. Those who bear fruit He purgeth,

that they may bear more fruit. Through the sacred law,

He speaketh to the unfruitful in tones of Sinai: and, in [10]

the gospel, He saith of the barren fig-tree, “Cut it down;

why cumbereth it the ground?”

God is our Father and our Mother, our Minister and

the great Physician: He is man's only real relative on

earth and in heaven. David sang, “Whom have I in [15]

heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I

desire beside thee.”

Brother, sister, beloved in the Lord, knowest thou

thyself, and art thou acquainted with God? If not, I

pray thee as a Christian Scientist, delay not to make Him [20]

thy first acquaintance.

Glorious things are spoken of you in His Word. Ye

are a chosen people, whose God is—what? Even All.

May mercy and truth go before you: may the lamp of

your life continually be full of oil, and you be wedded

to the spiritual idea, Christ; then will you heal, and

teach, and preach, on the ascending scale of everlasting

Life and Love.

Affectionately yours in Christ,

Mary Baker Eddy [30]

[pg 152]

Первой Церкви Христа, Научной, в Денвере

Beloved Pastor and Brethren:—“As in water face

answereth to face,” and in love continents clasp hands, so

the oneness of God includes also His presence with those [5]

whose hearts unite in the purposes of goodness. Of this

we may be sure: that thoughts winged with peace and

love breathe a silent benediction over all the earth, co-

operate with the divine power, and brood unconsciously

o'er the work of His hand. [10]

I, as a corporeal person, am not in your midst: I, as a

dictator, arbiter, or ruler, am not present; but I, as a

mother whose heart pulsates with every throb of theirs

for the welfare of her children, am present, and rejoice

with them that rejoice. [15]

May meekness, mercy, and love dwell forever in the

hearts of those who worship in this tabernacle: then

will they receive the heritage that God has prepared for

His people,—made ready for the pure in affection, the

meek in spirit, the worshipper in truth, the follower of [20]

good.

Thus founded upon the rock of Christ, when storm

and tempest beat against this sure foundation, you,

safely sheltered in the strong tower of hope, faith, and

Love, are God's nestlings; and He will hide you in His [25]

feathers till the storm has passed. Into His haven of

Soul there enters no element of earth to cast out angels,

to silence the right intuition which guides you safely

home.

Exercise more faith in God and His spiritual means [30]

[pg 153]

and methods, than in man and his material ways and [1]

means, of establishing the Cause of Christian Science.

If right yourself, God will confirm His inheritance. “Be

not weary in well doing.” Truth is restful, and Love is

triumphant. [5]

When God went forth before His people, they were

fed with manna: they marched through the wilderness:

they passed through the Red Sea, untouched by the bil-

lows. At His command, the rock became a fountain;

and the land of promise, green isles of refreshment. In [10]

the words of the Psalmist, when “the Lord gave the word:

great was the company of those that published it.”

God is good to Israel,—washed in the waters of

Meribah, cleansed of the flesh,—good to His Israel

encompassed not with pride, hatred, self-will, and self- [15]

justification; wherein violence covereth men as a gar-

ment, and as captives are they enchained.

Christian Scientists bring forth the fruits of Spirit,

not flesh; and God giveth this “new name” to no man

who honors Him not by positive proof of trustworthiness. [20]

May you be able to say, “I have not cleansed my heart

in vain.”

Sir Edwin Arnold, to whom I presented a copy of

my first edition of “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures,” writes:— [25]

Peace on earth and Good-will!

Souls that are gentle and still

Hear the first music of this

Far-off, infinite, Bliss!

So may the God of peace be and abide with this church. [30]

Affectionately yours,

Mary Baker Eddy

[pg 154]

Первой Церкви Христа, Научной, в Лоренсе

Beloved Brethren:—The spreading branches of The

Church of Christ, Scientist, are fast reaching out their

broad shelter to the entire world. Your faith has not [5]

been without works,—and God's love for His flock is

manifest in His care. He will dig about this little church,

prune its encumbering branches, water it with the dews

of heaven, enrich its roots, and enlarge its borders with

divine Love. God only waits for man's worthiness to [10]

enhance the means and measure of His grace. You

have already proof of the prosperity of His Zion. You

sit beneath your own vine and fig-tree as the growth

of spirituality—even that vine whereof our Father is

husbandman. [15]

It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the under-

standing, and the kingdom of God, the reign of har-

mony already within us. Through the word that is

spoken unto you, are you made free. Abide in His word,

and it shall abide in you; and the healing Christ will [20]

again be made manifest in the flesh—understood and

glorified.

Honor thy Father and Mother, God. Continue in

His love. Bring forth fruit—“signs following”—that

your prayers be not hindered. Pray without ceasing. [25]

Watch diligently; never desert the post of spiritual ob-

servation and self-examination. Strive for self-abnega-

tion, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love. Let your

light reflect Light. Have no ambition, affection, nor

aim apart from holiness. Forget not for a moment, that [30]

[pg 155]

God is All-in-all—therefore, that in reality there is but [1]

one cause and effect.

The pride of circumstance or power is the prince of

this world that has nothing in Christ. All power and

happiness are spiritual, and proceed from goodness. [5]

Sacrifice self to bless one another, even as God has

blessed you. Forget self in laboring for mankind; then

will you woo the weary wanderer to your door, win the

pilgrim and stranger to your church, and find access to

the heart of humanity. While pressing meekly on, be [10]

faithful, be valiant in the Christian's warfare, and peace

will crown your joy.

Lovingly yours,

Mary Baker Eddy

Корреспондентам

Beloved Students:—Because Mother has not the time

even to read all of her interesting correspondence, and

less wherein to answer it (however much she desires

thus to do), she hereby requests: First, that you, her

students' students, who write such excellent letters to [20]

her, will hereafter, as a general rule, send them to the

editors of The Christian Science Journal for publication,

and thereby give to us all the pleasure of hearing from you.

If my own students cannot spare time to write to God,

—when they address me I shall be apt to forward their [25]

letters to Him as our common Parent, and by way of

The Christian Science Journal; thus fulfilling their moral

obligation to furnish some reading-matter for our denomi-

national organ. Methinks, were they to contemplate the

universal charge wherewith divine Love has entrusted us, [30]

[pg 156]

in behalf of a suffering race, they would contribute oftener [1]

to the pages of this swift vehicle of scientific thought;

for it reaches a vast number of earnest readers, and seek-

ers after Truth.

With love,

Mary Baker Eddy

Ученикам

Beloved Christian Scientists:—Please send in your

contributions as usual to our Journal. All is well at head-

quarters, and when the mist shall melt away you will see

clearly the signs of Truth and the heaven of Love within [10]

your hearts. Let the reign of peace and harmony be

supreme and forever yours.

I proposed to merge the adjourned meeting in the one

held at Chicago, because I saw no advantage, but great

disadvantage, in one student's opinions or modus oper- [15]

andi becoming the basis for others: read “Retrospection”

on this subject. Science is absolute, and best under-

stood through the study of my works and the daily Chris-

tian demonstration thereof. It is their materiality that

clogs the progress of students, and “this kind goeth not [20]

forth but by prayer and fasting.” It is materialism through

which the animal magnetizer preys, and in turn becomes

a prey. Spirituality is the basis of all true thought and

volition. Assembling themselves together, and listening

to each other amicably, or contentiously, is no aid to [25]

students in acquiring solid Christian Science. Experi-

ence and, above all, obedience, are the aids and tests of

growth and understanding in this direction.

With love,

Mary B. G. Eddy [30]

[pg 157]

Ученику

My Dear Student:—It is a great thing to be found

worthy to suffer for Christ, Truth. Paul said, “If we

suffer, we shall also reign with him.” Reign then, my

beloved in the Lord. He that marketh the sparrow's fall [5]

will direct thy way.

I have written, or caused my secretary to write, to Mr.

and Mrs. Stewart, of Toronto, Canada (you will find their

card in The C. S. Journal,) that you or your lawyer will

ask them all questions important for your case, and re- [10]

quested that they furnish all information possible. They

will be glad to help you. Every true Christian Scientist

will feel “as bound with you,” but as free in Truth and

Love, safe under the shadow of His wing.

Yes, my student, my Father is your Father; and He [15]

helps us most when help is most needed, for He is the

ever-present help.

I am glad that you are in good cheer. I enclose you

the name of Mr. E. A. Kimball, C. S. D., of Chicago,—

5020 Woodlawn Ave.,—for items relative to Mrs. Steb- [20]

bin's case.

“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him;

and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth

thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the

noonday.” This I know, for God is for us. [25]

Write me when you need me. Error has no power

but to destroy itself. It cannot harm you; it cannot stop

the eternal currents of Truth.

Ever with love,

Mary B. G. Eddy

[pg 158]

Ученику

My Beloved Student:—In reply to your letter I will

say: God's ways are not as our ways; but higher far

than the heavens above the earth is His wisdom above

ours. When I requested you to be ordained, I little [5]

thought of the changes about to be made. When I insisted

on your speaking without notes, I little knew that

so soon another change in your pulpit would be demanded.

But now, after His messenger has obeyed the message

of divine Love, comes the interpretation thereof. But you [10]

see we both had first to obey, and to do this through faith,

not sight.

The meaning of it all, as now shown, is this: when

you were bidden to be ordained, it was in reward for your

faithful service, thus to honor it. The second command, [15]

to drop the use of notes, was to rebuke a lack of faith in

divine help, and to test your humility and obedience in

bearing this cross.

All God's servants are minute men and women. As

of old, I stand with sandals on and staff in hand, wait- [20]

ing for the watchword and the revelation of what, how,

whither. Let us be faithful and obedient, and God will

do the rest.

In the April number of The Christian Science Journal

you will find the forthcoming completion (as I now think) [25]

of the divine directions sent out to the churches. It is

satisfactory to note, however, that the order therein given

corresponds to the example of our Master. Jesus was

not ordained as our churches ordain ministers. We

have no record that he used notes when preaching. He

[pg 159]

spake in their synagogues, reading the Scriptures and [1]

expounding them; and God has given to this age “Science

and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” to elucidate

His Word.

You may read this letter to your church, and then [5]

send it to Rev. Mr. Norcross, and he will understand.

May the God of all grace give you peace.

With love,

Mary Baker Eddy

Отрывок из рождественского письма

Beloved Students:—My heart has many rooms: one

of these is sacred to the memory of my students. Into

this upper chamber, where all things are pure and of

good report,—into this sanctuary of love,—I often

retreat, sit silently, and ponder. In this chamber is [15]

memory's wardrobe, where I deposit certain recollec-

tions and rare grand collections once in each year. This

is my Christmas storehouse. Its goods commemorate,

—not so much the Bethlehem babe, as the man of God,

the risen Christ, and the adult Jesus. Here I deposit [20]

the gifts that my dear students offer at the shrine of

Christian Science, and to their lone Leader. Here I talk

once a year,—and this is a bit of what I said in 1890:

“O glorious Truth! O Mother Love! how has the sense

of Thy children grown to behold Thee! and how have [25]

many weary wings sprung upward! and how has our

Model, Christ, been unveiled to us, and to the age!”

I look at the rich devices in embroidery, silver, gold,

and jewels,—all gifts of Christian Scientists from all

parts of our nation, and some from abroad,—then al- [30]

[pg 160]

most marvel at the power and permanence of affection [1]

under the régime of Christian Science! Never did grati-

tude and love unite more honestly in uttering the word

thanks, than ours at this season. But a mother's love

behind words has no language; it may give no material [5]

token, but lives steadily on, through time and circum-

stance, as part and paramount portion of her being.

Thus may our lives flow on in the same sweet rhythm

of head and heart, till they meet and mingle in bliss super-

nal. There is a special joy in knowing that one is gaining [10]

constantly in the knowledge of Truth and divine Love.

Your progress, the past year, has been marked. It satis-

fies my present hope. Of this we rest assured, that every

trial of our faith in God makes us stronger and firmer in

understanding and obedience. [15]

Lovingly yours,

Mary Baker G. Eddy

[pg 161]

Глава VI. Проповеди.

Рождественская проповедь

Delivered in Chickering Hall, Boston, Mass., on the

Sunday Before Christmas, 1888

Subject: The Corporeal and Incorporeal Saviour

Text: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the [5]

government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The

Prince of Peace.—Isaiah ix. 6.

To the senses, Jesus was the son of man: in Science,

man is the son of God. The material senses could [10]

not cognize the Christ, or Son of God: it was Jesus'

approximation to this state of being that made him the

Christ-Jesus, the Godlike, the anointed.

The prophet whose words we have chosen for our

text, prophesied the appearing of this dual nature, as [15]

both human and divinely endowed, the personal and the

impersonal Jesus.

The only record of our Master as a public benefactor,

or personal Saviour, opens when he was thirty years of

age; owing in part, perhaps, to the Jewish law that none [20]

should teach or preach in public under that age. Also,

it is natural to conclude that at this juncture he was

specially endowed with the Holy Spirit; for he was given

the new name, Messiah, or Jesus Christ,—the God-

[pg 162]

anointed; even as, at times of special enlightenment, [1]

Jacob was called Israel; and Saul, Paul.

The third event of this eventful period,—a period of

such wonderful spiritual import to mankind!—was the

advent of a higher Christianity. [5]

From this dazzling, God-crowned summit, the Naza-

rene stepped suddenly before the people and their schools

of philosophy; Gnostic, Epicurean, and Stoic. He must

stem these rising angry elements, and walk serenely over

their fretted, foaming billows. [10]

Here the cross became the emblem of Jesus' history;

while the central point of his Messianic mission was peace,

good will, love, teaching, and healing.

Clad with divine might, he was ready to stem the tide

of Judaism, and prove his power, derived from Spirit, to [15]

be supreme; lay himself as a lamb upon the altar of

materialism, and therefrom rise to his nativity in Spirit.

The corporeal Jesus bore our infirmities, and through

his stripes we are healed. He was the Way-shower, and

suffered in the flesh, showing mortals how to escape from [20]

the sins of the flesh.

There was no incorporeal Jesus of Nazareth. The

spiritual man, or Christ, was after the similitude of the

Father, without corporeality or finite mind.

Materiality, worldliness, human pride, or self-will, by [25]

demoralizing his motives and Christlikeness, would have

dethroned his power as the Christ.

To carry out his holy purpose, he must be oblivious of

human self.

Of the lineage of David, like him he went forth, simple [30]

as the shepherd boy, to disarm the Goliath. Panoplied

in the strength of an exalted hope, faith, and understand-

[pg 163]

ing, he sought to conquer the three-in-one of error: the [1]

world, the flesh, and the devil.

Three years he went about doing good. He had for

thirty years been preparing to heal and teach divinely;

but his three-years mission was a marvel of glory: its [5]

chaplet, a grave to mortal sense dishonored—from which

sprang a sublime and everlasting victory!

He who dated time, the Christian era, and spanned

eternity, was the meekest man on earth. He healed

and taught by the wayside, in humble homes: to arrant [10]

hypocrite and to dull disciples he explained the Word

of God, which has since ripened into interpretation

through Science.

His words were articulated in the language of a de-

clining race, and committed to the providence of God. [15]

In no one thing seemed he less human and more divine

than in his unfaltering faith in the immortality of Truth.

Referring to this, he said, “Heaven and earth shall

pass away, but my words shall not pass away!” and

they have not: they still live; and are the basis of divine [20]

liberty, the medium of Mind, the hope of the race.

Only three years a personal Saviour! yet the founda-

tions he laid are as eternal as Truth, the chief corner-stone.

After his brief brave struggle, and the crucifixion of [25]

the corporeal man, the incorporeal Saviour—the Christ

or spiritual idea which leadeth into all Truth—must

needs come in Christian Science, demonstrating the spir-

itual healing of body and mind.

This idea or divine essence was, and is, forever about [30]

the Father's business; heralding the Principle of health,

holiness, and immortality.

[pg 164]

Its divine Principle interprets the incorporeal idea, or [1]

Son of God; hence the incorporeal and corporeal are

distinguished thus: the former is the spiritual idea that

represents divine good, and the latter is the human

presentation of goodness in man. The Science of Chris- [5]

tianity, that has appeared in the ripeness of time, re-

veals the incorporeal Christ; and this will continue

to be seen more clearly until it be acknowledged, under-

stood,—and the Saviour, which is Truth, be compre-

hended. [10]

To the vision of the Wisemen, this spiritual idea of the

Principle of man or the universe, appeared as a star. At

first, the babe Jesus seemed small to mortals; but from

the mount of revelation, the prophet beheld it from the

beginning as the Redeemer, who would present a wonder- [15]

ful manifestation of Truth and Love.

In our text Isaiah foretold, “His name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting

Father, The Prince of Peace.”

As the Wisemen grew in the understanding of Christ, [20]

the spiritual idea, it grew in favor with them. Thus it

will continue, as it shall become understood, until man

be found in the actual likeness of his Maker. Their

highest human concept of the man Jesus, that portrayed

him as the only Son of God, the only begotten of the [25]

Father, full of grace and Truth, will become so magnified

to human sense, by means of the lens of Science, as to

reveal man collectively, as individually, to be the son of

God.

The limited view of God's ideas arose from the testimony [30]

of the senses. Science affords the evidence that God is the

Father of man, of all that is real and eternal. This spir-

[pg 165]

itual idea that the personal Jesus demonstrated, casting [1]

out evils and healing, more than eighteen centuries ago,

disappeared by degrees; both because of the ascension

of Jesus, in which it was seen that he had grown beyond

the human sense of him, and because of the corruption of [5]

the Church.

The last appearing of Truth will be a wholly spiritual

idea of God and of man, without the fetters of the flesh, or

corporeality. This infinite idea of infinity will be, is, as

eternal as its divine Principle. The daystar of this appear- [10]

ing is the light of Christian Science—the Science which

rends the veil of the flesh from top to bottom. The light

of this revelation leaves nothing that is material; neither

darkness, doubt, disease, nor death. The material cor-

poreality disappears; and individual spirituality, perfect [15]

and eternal, appears—never to disappear.

The truth uttered and lived by Jesus, who passed on

and left to mortals the rich legacy of what he said and

did, makes his followers the heirs to his example; but

they can neither appreciate nor appropriate his treasures [20]

of Truth and Love, until lifted to these by their own

growth and experiences. His goodness and grace pur-

chased the means of mortals' redemption from sin; but,

they never paid the price of sin. This cost, none but the

sinner can pay; and accordingly as this account is settled [25]

with divine Love, is the sinner ready to avail himself of

the rich blessings flowing from the teaching, example,

and suffering of our Master.

The secret stores of wisdom must be discovered, their

treasures reproduced and given to the world, before man [30]

can truthfully conclude that he has been found in the

order, mode, and virgin origin of man according to divine

[pg 166]

Science, which alone demonstrates the divine Principle [1]

and spiritual idea of being.

The monument whose finger points upward, commemorates

the earthly life of a martyr; but this is not all of

the philanthropist, hero, and Christian. The Truth he [5]

has taught and spoken lives, and moves in our midst a

divine afflatus. Thus it is that the ideal Christ—or

impersonal infancy, manhood, and womanhood of Truth

and Love—is still with us.

And what of this child?—“For unto us a child is [10]

born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall

be upon his shoulder.”

This child, or spiritual idea, has evolved a more ready

ear for the overture of angels and the scientific under-

standing of Truth and Love. When Christ, the incor- [15]

poreal idea of God, was nameless, and a Mary knew not

how to declare its spiritual origin, the idea of man was

not understood. The Judæan religion even required the

Virgin-mother to go to the temple and be purified, for

having given birth to the corporeal child Jesus, whose [20]

origin was more spiritual than the senses could inter-

pret. Like the leaven that a certain woman hid in three

measures of meal, the Science of God and the spiritual

idea, named in this century Christian Science, is leaven-

ing the lump of human thought, until the whole shall [25]

be leavened and all materialism disappear. This action

of the divine energy, even if not acknowledged, has

come to be seen as diffusing richest blessings. This

spiritual idea, or Christ, entered into the minutiæ of the

life of the personal Jesus. It made him an honest man, [30]

a good carpenter, and a good man, before it could make

him the glorified.

[pg 167]

The material questions at this age on the reappearing [1]

of the infantile thought of God's man, are after the man-

ner of a mother in the flesh, though their answers per-

tain to the spiritual idea, as in Christian Science:—

Is he deformed? [5]

He is wholly symmetrical; the one altogether lovely.

Is the babe a son, or daughter?

Both son and daughter: even the compound idea of

all that resembles God.

How much does he weigh? [10]

His substance outweighs the material world.

How old is he?

Of his days there is no beginning and no ending.

What is his name?

Christ Science. [15]

Who are his parents, brothers, and sisters?

His Father and Mother are divine Life, Truth, and

Love; and they who do the will of his Father are his is

brethren.

Is he heir to an estate? [20]

“The government shall be upon his shoulder!” He

has dominion over the whole earth; and in admiration

of his origin, he exclaims, “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord

of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things

from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto [25]

babes!”

Is he wonderful?

His works thus prove him. He giveth power, peace,

and holiness; he exalteth the lowly; he giveth liberty

[pg 168]

to the captive, health to the sick, salvation from sin to [1]

the sinner—and overcometh the world!

Go, and tell what things ye shall see and hear: how

the blind, spiritually and physically, receive sight; how

the lame, those halting between two opinions or hob- [5]

bling on crutches, walk; how the physical and moral

lepers are cleansed; how the deaf—those who, having

ears, hear not, and are afflicted with “tympanum on the

brain”—hear; how the dead, those buried in dogmas

and physical ailments, are raised; that to the poor— [10]

the lowly in Christ, not the man-made rabbi—the

gospel is preached. Note this: only such as are pure

in spirit, emptied of vainglory and vain knowledge, re-

ceive Truth.

Here ends the colloquy; and a voice from heaven seems [15]

to say, “Come and see.”

The nineteenth-century prophets repeat, “Unto us a

son is given.”

The shepherds shout, “We behold the appearing of

the star!”—and the pure in heart clap their hands. [20]

Отрывки из проповеди, выбранные редактором

Text: Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of

God.—Matt. xxii. 29.

The Christian Science Journal reported as follows:—

The announcement that the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy [25]

would speak before the Scientist denomination on the

afternoon of October 26, drew a large audience. Haw-

thorne Hall was densely packed, and many had to go

away unable to obtain seats. The distinguished speaker

began by saying:— [30]

[pg 169]

Within Bible pages she had found all the divine Science [1]

she preaches; noticing, all along the way of her researches

therein, that whenever her thoughts had wandered into

the bypaths of ancient philosophies or pagan literatures,

her spiritual insight had been darkened thereby, till [5]

she was God-driven back to the inspired pages. Early

training, through the misinterpretation of the Word,

had been the underlying cause of the long years of in-

validism she endured before Truth dawned upon her

understanding, through right interpretation. With the [10]

understanding of Scripture-meanings, had come physical

rejuvenation. The uplifting of spirit was the upbuild-

ing of the body.

She affirmed that the Scriptures cannot properly be

interpreted in a literal way. The truths they teach must [15]

be spiritually discerned, before their message can be

borne fully to our minds and hearts. That there is a

dual meaning to every Biblical passage, the most eminent

divines of the world have concluded; and to get at the

highest, or metaphysical, it is necessary rightly to read [20]

what the inspired writers left for our spiritual instruction.

The literal rendering of the Scriptures makes them noth-

ing valuable, but often is the foundation of unbelief and

hopelessness. The metaphysical rendering is health and

peace and hope for all. The literal or material reading is [25]

the reading of the carnal mind, which is enmity toward

God, Spirit.

Taking several Bible passages, Mrs. Eddy showed how

beautiful and inspiring are the thoughts when rightly

understood. “Let the dead bury their dead; follow [30]

thou me,” was one of the passages explained metaphysi-

cally. In their fullest meaning, those words are salvation

[pg 170]

from the belief of death, the last enemy to be overthrown; [1]

for by following Christ truly, resurrection and life im-

mortal are brought to us. If we follow him, to us there

can be no dead. Those who know not this, may still

believe in death and weep over the graves of their beloved; [5]

but with him is Life eternal, which never changes to

death. The eating of bread and drinking of wine at the

Lord's supper, merely symbolize the spiritual refresh-

ment of God's children having rightly read His Word,

whose entrance into their understanding is healthful life. [10]

This is the reality behind the symbol.

So, also, she spoke of the hades, or hell of Scripture,

saying, that we make our own heavens and our own hells,

by right and wise, or wrong and foolish, conceptions of

God and our fellow-men. Jesus interpreted all spirit- [15]

ually: “I have bread to eat that ye know not of,” he

said. The bread he ate, which was refreshment of divine

strength, we also may all partake of.

The material record of the Bible, she said, is no more

important to our well-being than the history of Europe [20]

and America; but the spiritual application bears upon

our eternal life. The method of Jesus was purely meta-

physical; and no other method is Christian Science. In

the passage recording Jesus' proceedings with the blind

man (Mark viii.) he is said to have spat upon the dust. [25]

Spitting was the Hebrew method of expressing the utmost

contempt. So Jesus is recorded as having expressed

contempt for the belief of material eyes as having any

power to see. Having eyes, ye see not; and ears, ye hear

not, he had just told them. The putting on of hands [30]