The
First Church of Christ
Scientist
and Miscellany
by
Mary Baker Eddy
Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science
and Author of Science and Health with
Key to the Scriptures
Published by the
Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker G. Eddy
Boston, U.S.A.
Copyright, 1913
By the Trustees under the Will of
Mary Baker G. Eddy
__________
All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign
languages, including the Scandinavian
Printed in the United States of America
Foreword
| 1 | Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet; Lest we forget - lest we forget ! |
| 3 | - Kipling's Recessional IN these stirring times of church building, when the attention of the whole world is fixed on Christian Sci- |
| 6 | ence, when the growth and prosperity of the Cause are matters of general wonderment and frequent comment, when the right hand of fellowship is being extended to |
| 9 | this people by other Christian denominations, when pop- ularity threatens to supersede persecution, it is well for earnest and loyal Christian Scientists to fortify them- |
| 12 | selves against the mesmerism of personal pride and self- 1. That Mary Baker Eddy discovered Christian Sci- |
| 15 | ence in 1866, and established the Cause on a sound basis by healing the sick and reforming the sinner quickly and completely, and doing this work "without money and |
| 18 | without price." 2. That in 1875, after nine years of arduous prelimi- |
| 21 | ence textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures;" that over four hundred thousand copies of this book have been sold - an unparalleled record for |
| 24 | a work of this description; that it has healed multi- Page vi |
| 1 | countless numbers - facts which prove, (1) that Science and Health does not need to be interpreted to those who |
| 3 | are earnestly seeking Truth; (2) that it is not possible to state truth absolutely in a simpler or more pleasing form. |
| 6 | 3. That no one on earth to-day, aside from Mrs. Eddy, knows anything about Christian Science except as he has learned it from her and from her writings; and |
| 9 | Christian Scientists are honest only as they give her full 4. That Mrs. Eddy organized The First Church of |
| 12 | Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., devised its church government, originated its form of public worship, wrote its Church Manual and Tenets, and always has been |
| 15 | and is now its guide, guardian, Leader, and wise and 5. That Mrs. Eddy founded The Christian Science |
| 18 | Journal in 1883, was its first editor and for years the principal contributor to its columns; that she organized The Christian Science Publishing Society, which in 1898, |
| 21 | with its assets valued at forty-five thousand dollars, she made over to trustees under agreement to pay all future profits to her church; that at the same time she |
| 24 | presented to her church the property at 95 and 97 Falmouth Street, then occupied by the Publishing So- ciety and valued at twenty-five thousand dollars, reserv- |
| 27 | ing for herself only a place for the publishing of her Page vii |
| 1 | which, together with The Christian Science Journal, are the property of the Publishing Society. |
| 3 | Strive it ever so hard, The Church of Christ, Scientist, can never do for its Leader what its Leader has done for this church; but its members can so protect their |
| 6 | own thoughts that they are not unwittingly made to de- prive their Leader of her rightful place as the revelator to this age of the immortal truths testified to by Jesus |
| 9 | and the prophets. Deeds, not words, are the sound test of love; and |
| 12 | ing - intelligent thinking untainted by the emotionalism which is largely self-glorification - is a reasonable service which all Christian Scientists can render their Leader. |
| 15 | - The Christian Science Journal, May, 1906 Part I The First Church of Christ Scientist CHAPTER I - "CHOOSE
YE" |
| 1 | MESSAGE FROM MARY BAKER EDDY ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE EXTENSION OF THE |
| 3 | MOTHER CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, JUNE 10, 1906 MY BELOVED BRETHREN: - The divine might of |
| 6 | strate truth, and this not alone in accord with human desire but with spiritual power. St. John writes: "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have |
| 9 | right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." The sear leaves of faith without works, scattered abroad in Zion's waste places, appeal to re- |
| 12 | formers, "Show me thy faith by thy works." Christian Science is not a dweller apart in royal
solitude; |
| 15 | heals only the sick. This Science is a law of divine Mind, a persuasive animus, an unerring impetus, an ever-present help. Its presence is felt, for it acts and acts wisely, |
| 18 | always unfolding the highway of hope, faith, understand- ing. It is the higher criticism, the higher hope, and its effect on man is mainly this - that the good which has |
| 21 | come into his life, examination compels him to think Page 4 |
| 1 | When, by losing his faith in matter and sin, one finds the spirit of Truth, then he practises the Golden Rule |
| 3 | spontaneously; and obedience to this rule spiritualizes man, for the world's nolens volens cannot enthrall it. Lust, dishonesty, sin, disable the student; they preclude |
| 6 | the practice or efficient teaching of Christian Science, the truth of man's being. The Scripture reads: "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy |
| 9 | of me." On this basis, how many are following the Way-shower? We follow Truth only as we follow truly, meekly, patiently, spiritually, blessing saint and sinner |
| 12 | with the leaven of divine Love which woman has put A genuine Christian Scientist loves Protestant and |
| 15 | Catholic, D.D. and M.D., - loves all who love God, good; and he loves his enemies. It will be found that, instead of opposing, such an individual subserves the |
| 18 | interests of both medical faculty and Christianity, and they thrive together, learning that Mind-power is good will towards men. Thus unfolding the true metal in |
| 21 | character, the iron in human nature rusts away; honesty and justice characterize the seeker and finder of Christian Science. |
| 24 | The pride of place or power is the prince of this world that hath nothing in Christ. Our great Master said: "Except ye . . . become as little children, ye shall not |
| 27 | enter into the kingdom of heaven," - the reign of right- eousness, the glory of good, healing the sick and saving the sinner. The height of my hope must remain. Glory |
| 30 | be to Thee, Thou God most high and nigh. Whatever is not divinely natural and demonstrably
Page 5 |
| 1 | originates in the minds of mortals. It is the Adam- dream according to the Scriptural allegory, in which |
| 3 | man is supposed to start from dust and woman to be the outcome of man's rib, - marriage synonymous with legalized lust, and the offspring of sense the murderers |
| 6 | of their brothers! Wholly apart from this mortal dream, this illusion
and |
| 9 | as God's image, His idea, coexistent with Him - God giving all and man having all that God gives. Whence, then, came the creation of matter, sin, and death, mortal |
| 12 | pride and power, prestige or privilege? The First Com- mandment of the Hebrew Decalogue, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," and the Golden Rule are the |
| 15 | all-in-all of Christian Science. They are the spiritual idealism and realism which, when realized, constitute a Christian Scientist, heal the sick, reform the sinner, and |
| 18 | rob the grave of its victory. The spiritual understanding which demonstrates Christian Science, enables the devout Scientist to worship, not an unknown God, but Him whom, |
| 21 | understanding even in part, he continues to love more and Beloved, I am not with you in propria persona at this |
| 24 | memorable dedication and communion season, but I am with you "in spirit and in truth," lovingly thanking your generosity and fidelity, and saying virtually what the |
| 27 | prophet said: Continue to choose whom ye will serve. Forgetting the Golden Rule and indulging sin, men |
| 30 | tence of divine Mind that heals the sick and the sinner. Page 6 |
| 1 | arguing for the plaintiff in favor of a decision which the defendant knows will be turned against himself. |
| 3 | We cannot serve two masters. Do we love God supremely? Are we honest, just, faithful? Are we true to ourselves? "God is not mocked: for whatsoever a |
| 6 | man soweth, that shall he also reap." To abide in our unselfed better self is to be done forever with the sins of the flesh, the wrongs of human life, the tempter and |
| 9 | temptation, the smile and deceit of damnation. When we have overcome sin in all its forms, men may revile us and despitefully use us, and we shall rejoice, "for great |
| 12 | is [our] reward in heaven.'' You have dexterously and wisely provided for The |
| 15 | ple wherein to enter and pray. Greatly impressed and encouraged thereby, deeply do I thank you for this proof of your progress, unity, and love. The modest edifice |
| 18 | of The Mother Church of Christ, Scientist, began with the cross; its excelsior extension is the crown. The room of your Leader remains in the beginning of this edifice, |
| 21 | evidencing the praise of babes and the word which pro- ceedeth out of the mouth of God. Its crowning ulti- mate rises to a mental monument, a superstructure high |
| 24 | above the work of men's hands, even the outcome of their hearts, giving to the material a spiritual significance - the speed, beauty, and achievements of goodness. |
| 27 | Methinks this church is the one edifice on earth which CHAPTER II THE EXTENSION OF THE MOTHER CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST: ITS INCEPTION, CONSTRUCTION, AND DEDICATION MRS. EDDY'S MESSAGE TO THE MOTHER
CHURCH, JUNE 15, 1902 |
| 3 | [Extract] HERE allow me to interpolate some matters of busi- ness that ordinarily find no place in my Message. |
| 6 | It is a privilege to acquaint communicants with the financial transactions of this church, so far as I know them, and especially before making another united effort |
| 9 | to purchase more land and enlarge our church edifice so THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MOTHER CHURCH, JUNE 18, 1902 - TWO MILLION DOLLARS
PLEDGED Edward A. Kimball, C.S.D., offered the following |
| 15 | motion: - "Recognizing the necessity for providing an auditorium |
| 18 | sand persons, and acting in behalf of ourselves and the Page 8 |
| 1 | any portion of two million dollars that may be necessary for this purpose." |
| 3 | In support of the motion, Mr. Kimball said in part: "Our denomination is palpably outgrowing the institu- tional end thereof. We need to keep pace with our own |
| 6 | growth and progress. The necessity here indicated is be- Judge William G. Ewing, in seconding the motion,
said: - |
| 9 | "As we have the best church in the world, and as we have the best expression of the religion of Jesus Christ, let us have the best material symbol of both of these, and |
| 12 | in the best city in the world. "Now I am sure that I have but expressed the
universal |
| 15 | thing done, and done immediately, to make reasonable accommodation for the regular business of the Christian Science church, and I believe really, with my faint |
| 18 | knowledge of arithmetic and the relationship of figures, that a church of twenty-four thousand members should have a seating capacity of more than nine hundred, if |
| 21 | they are all to get in." The motion was carried unanimously. Greeting from the Church to Mrs.
Eddy |
| 24 | "Ten thousand Christian Scientists from throughout the world, convened in annual business meeting in Boston, send our greeting to you, whom we recognize |
| 27 | as logically the natural and indispensable Leader of our "Since the last report, in 1900, one hundred and five |
| 30 | new churches or congregations have been added, and Page 9 |
| 1 | those previously established have had large accessions to their membership. In recognition of the necessity for |
| 3 | providing an audience-room in The Mother Church which will seat four or five thousand persons, we have agreed to contribute any portion of two million dollars that may |
| 6 | be needed for that purpose.
|
| 9 | Father, but induces him to glory in every good deed and thought on the part of every man - this would be scant indeed if it did not continually move us to utter our grati- |
| 12 | tude to you and declare the depth of our affection and "To you, who are standing in the forefront of the effort |
| 15 | for righteous reform, we modestly renew the hope and OUR LEADER'S THANKS To the Members of The Mother Church: - I am bankrupt |
| 21 | annual meeting pledged yourselves with startling grace to contribute any part of two millions of dollars towards the purchase of more land for its site, and to enlarge |
| 24 | our church edifice in Boston. I never before felt poor in thanks, but I do now, and will draw on God for the amount I owe you, till I am satisfied with what my |
| 27 | heart gives to balance accounts. PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H., July 21, 1902 1 The First Church of Christ, Scientist Christian Science Sentinel, May 16, 1903 It is inevitable that the transforming influence of |
| 3 | Christian Science should improve the thought, enlarge the favorable expectation, and augment the achievements of its followers. It was inevitable that this mighty impulse |
| 6 | for good should have externalized itself, ten years ago, in an edifice for The Mother Church. It is inevitable that this same impulsion should now manifest itself in a |
| 9 | beautiful, ample building, embodying the best of design, Some money has been paid in towards the fund, and |
| 12 | some of the churches and other organizations have taken steps in this direction, but the time is at hand, now, for this entire donation to be specifically subscribed as to |
| 15 | amount and date of payment. No appeal has ever been made in this behalf, and it is probable that none will be made or ever be needed. It is doubtful if the Cause of |
| 18 | Christian Science could prosper, in any particular, on the basis of fretful or reluctant sacrifice on the part of its people. Christian Scientists are not expected to contrib- |
| 21 | ute money against their will or as the result of impor- They will provide the money necessary to this end, |
| 24 | because they recognize the importance of The Mother Church to the Cause. They realize that there must be a prosperous parent church, in order to insure the pros- |
| 27 | perity of the branch churches; indeed, they know that it is the prosperous growth of this movement which now necessitates this onward step. They know that |
| 30 | their own individual welfare is closely interwoven with Page 11 |
| 1 | Notwithstanding the fact that as Christian Scientists we are as yet but imperfect followers of the perfect Christ, |
| 3 | and although we may falter or stumble or loiter by the way, we know that the Leader of this movement, Mrs. Eddy, has been constantly at her post during all the |
| 6 | storms that have surged against her for a generation. She has been the one of all the world who has encountered the full force of antagonism. We know, too, that during |
| 9 | these years she has not tried to guide us by means of forced marches, but has waited for us to grow into readi- ness for each step, and we know that in all this time she |
| 12 | has never urged upon us a step that did not result in our A year ago she quietly alluded to the need of our |
| 15 | Mother Church. She knew that we were ready; the re- sponse was instant, spontaneous. Later on she expressed much gratification because of prompt and liberal action, |
| 18 | and it needs no special insight to predict that she will be cheered and encouraged to know that, having seized upon this privilege and opportunity, we have also made good |
| 21 | the pledge. Editorial in Christian Science
Sentinel, May 16, 1903 Our readers have been informed of the purchase of the |
| 24 | land upon which the new building will be erected, and that this land has been paid for. The location is, there- fore, determined. The size of the building was decided |
| 27 | last June, but there still remained for definite decision the amount to be expended and the date for commen- cing building operations. The pledge of the annual |
| 30 | meeting was "any portion of two million dollars that Page 12 |
| 1 | may be necessary for this purpose," and this of course carried the implication that work should be commenced |
| 3 | as soon as the money in hand justified the letting of The spontaneous and liberal donations which enabled |
| 6 | those having the work in charge to secure the large parcel of land adjoining The Mother Church, gives promise of the speedy accumulation of a sum sufficient |
| 9 | to justify the decision of these remaining problems. Each person interested must remember, however, that his individual desires, both as to the amount to be |
| 12 | expended and the date of commencing work, will be best 15 [Mrs. Eddy in Christian Science Sentinel, May 30, 1903] NOW AND THEN This was an emphatic rule of St. Paul: "Behold, now |
| 18 | is the accepted time." A lost opportunity is the great- est of losses. Whittier mourned it as what "might have been." We own no past, no future, we pos- |
| 21 | sess only now. If the reliable now is carelessly lost in speaking or in acting, it comes not back again. What- ever needs to be done which cannot be done now, |
| 24 | God prepares the way for doing; while that which can be done now, but is not, increases our indebtedness to God. Faith in divine Love supplies the ever-present |
| 27 | help and now, and gives the power to "act in the living The dear children's good deeds are gems in the settings |
| 30 | of manhood and womanhood. The good they desire to Page 13 |
| 1 | do, they insist upon doing now. They speculate neither on the past, present, nor future, but, taking no thought |
| 3 | for the morrow, act in God's time. A book by Benjamin Wills Newton, called "Thoughts
|
| 6 | 1853, was presented to me in 1903 by Mr. Marcus Holmes. This was the first that I had even heard of it. When scanning its interesting pages, my attention |
| 9 | was arrested by the following: "The church at Jerusalem, like a sun in the centre of its system, had other churches, like so many planets, revolving around it. It was |
| 12 | strictly a mother and a ruling church." According to his description, the church of Jerusalem seems to pre- figure The Mother Church of Christ, Scientist, in |
| 15 | Boston. I understand that the members of The Mother Church, |
| 18 | any part of two millions of money with which to build an ample temple dedicate to God, to Him "who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who |
| 21 | redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed |
| 24 | like the eagle's," - to build a temple the spiritual spire of which will reach the stars with divine overtures, holy harmony, reverberating through all cycles of systems and |
| 27 | spheres. Because Christian Scientists virtually pledged
this |
| 30 | returns it unto them after many days, their loving giving Page 14 |
| 1 | thing whereto [God, Spirit] sent it." In the now they brought their tithes into His storehouse. Then, when |
| 3 | this bringing is consummated, God will pour them out a blessing above the song of angels, beyond the ken of mortals - a blessing that two millions of love currency |
| 6 | will bring to be discerned in the near future as a gleam of reality; not a madness and nothing, but a sanity and something from the individual, stupendous, Godlike |
| 9 | agency of man. Editorial in Christian Science
Sentinel, January 2, 1904 A few days ago we received a letter from a friend in |
| 12 | another city, saying that he had just been informed - and his informant claimed to have good authority for the statement - that the entire amount required to complete |
| 15 | The Mother Church building fund had been paid in; consequently further payments or subscriptions were not desired. |
| 18 | Our friend very promptly and emphatically pro- nounced the story a fabrication of the evil one, and he was entirely right in doing so. If the devil were really |
| 21 | an entity, endowed with genius and inspiration, he could not have invented a more subtle lie with which to en- snare a generous and loyal people. |
| 24 | As a matter of fact, the building fund is not complete, but it is in such a healthy state that building operations have been commenced, and they will be carried on without |
| 27 | interruption until the church is finished. The rapidity with which the work will be pushed forward necessitates large payments of money, and it is desirable that the con- |
| 30 | tributions to the building fund keep pace with the dis- Page 15 |
| 1 | [Christian Science Sentinel, March 5, 1904] AMENDMENT TO BY-LAW |
| 3 | Section 3 of Article XLI (XXXIV in revised edition) of THE MOTHER CHURCH BUILDING. - SECTION 3. The |
| 6 | edifice erected in 1894 for The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., shall neither be demolished nor removed from the site where it was built, without the |
| 9 | written consent of the Pastor Emeritus, Mary Baker COMMUNION, 1904 |
| 12 | My Beloved Brethren: - My heart goes out to you as ever in daily desire that the Giver of all good transform you into His own image and likeness. Already I have |
| 15 | said to you all that you are able to bear now, and thanking you for your gracious reception of it I close with Kate Hankey's excellent hymn, - |
| 18 | I love to tell the story, Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and his glory, |
| 21 | Of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, Because I know 'tis true; |
| 24 | It satisfies my longings, I love to tell the story; |
| 27 | For those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting To hear it like the rest. |
| 30 | And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the NEW, NEW SONG, 'Twill be the OLD, OLD STORY |
| 33 | That I have loved so long. Page 16 EXTRACT FROM THE TREASURER'S REPORT,
JUNE 14, 1904 The report of Mr. Stephen A. Chase, treasurer of the |
| 3 | building fund of The Mother Church, made to the annual meeting, showed that a total of $425,893.66 had been received up to and including May 31, 1904, and that |
| 6 | there was a balance of $226,285.73 on hand on that date, after paying out the sum of $ 199,607.93, which included the purchase price of the land for the site of the new |
| 9 | building. THE CORNER-STONE LAID The corner-stone of the new auditorium for The Mother |
| 12 | Church in Boston was laid Saturday, July 16, 1904, at eight o'clock in the forenoon. In addition to the members of the Christian Science Board of Directors, who have |
| 15 | the work directly in charge, there were present on this occasion: Mr. Alfred Farlow, President of The Mother Church; Prof. Hermann S. Hering, First Reader; Mrs. |
| 18 | Ella E. Williams, Second Reader; Mr. Charles Brigham and Mr. E. Noyes Whitcomb, respectively the architect and the builder of the new edifice. |
| 21 | The order of the services, which were conducted by the Scripture reading, Isaiah 28: 16, 17, - |
| 24 | "Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall |
| 27 | not make haste. "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and
righteous- Page 17 |
| 1 | refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." |
| 3 | Also, 1 Peter 2: 1-6, - "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all
guile, and |
| 6 | "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is
gracious. |
| 9 | "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, |
| 12 | an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, accept- "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, |
| 15 | Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: The reading of selections from "Science and Health |
| 18 | with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, - Page 241, lines 13-30 " 136, " 1-5, 9-14 " 137, " 16-5 " 35, " 20-25 |
| 24 | This was followed by a few moments of silent prayer and the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer with its spiritual interpretation, as given in the Christian Science |
| 27 | textbook, after which the following extracts from Mrs. "Hitherto, I have observed that in proportion as this |
| 30 | church has smiled on His 'little ones,' He has blessed Page 18 |
| 1 | Church, I have seen, that in the ratio of her love for others, hath His love been bestowed upon her; water- |
| 3 | ing her waste places, and enlarging her borders. "One thing I have greatly desired, and again
earnestly |
| 6 | where, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importunately. When a hungry heart petitions the divine Father-Mother |
| 9 | God for bread, it is not given a stone, - but more grace, obedience, and love. If this heart, humble and trustful, faithfully asks divine Love to feed it with the bread of |
| 12 | heaven, health, holiness, it will be conformed to a fitness to receive the answer to its desire; then will flow into it the 'river of His pleasure,' the tributary of divine Love, |
| 15 | and great growth in Christian Science will follow, - even that joy which finds one's own in another's good." (Mis- cellaneous Writings, p. 127.) |
| 18 | "Beloved brethren, the love of our loving Lord was never more manifest than in its stern condemnation of all error, wherever found. I counsel thee, rebuke and exhort |
| 21 | one another. Love all Christian churches for the gospel's sake; and be exceedingly glad that the churches are united in purpose, if not in method, to close the war between |
| 24 | flesh and Spirit, and to fight the good fight till God's will be witnessed and done on earth as in heaven." (Christian Science versus Pantheism, p. 13.) |
| 27 | The corner-stone was then laid by the members of the Christian Science Board of Directors. It contained the following articles: The Holy Bible; "Science and Health |
| 30 | with Key to the Scriptures" and all other published Page 19 |
| 1 | and Founder of Christian Science; Christian Science Hymnal; "The Mother Church;" the current numbers of |
| 3 | The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, Der Herold der Christian Science, and the Christian Science Quarterly. |
| 6 | The ceremony concluded with the repetition of "the scientific statement of being," from Science and Health (p. 468), and the benediction, 2 Corinthians 13:14: |
| 9 | "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of UNSELFISH LOYALTY To one of the many branch churches which contributed |
| 15 | building fund, Mrs. Eddy wrote as follows: - FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, Colorado Springs, Col. |
| 18 | Beloved Brethren: - It is conceded that our shadows follow us in the sunlight wherever we go; but I ask for more, even this: That this dear church shall be pursued |
| 21 | by her substance, the immortal fruition of her unselfed love, and that her charity, which "seeketh not her own" but another's good, shall reap richly the reward of |
| 24 | goodness. Those words of our holy Way-shower, vibrant through |
| 27 | giving, no doubt fill the memory and swell the hearts of the members of The Mother Church, because of that gift which you so sacredly bestowed towards its church build- |
| 30 | ing fund. These are applicable words: "Verily I say Page 20 |
| 1 | throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her." (Mark 14: 9.) |
| 3 | Gratefully yours in Christ, MARY BAKER EDDY PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H., |
| 6 | September 1, 1904 HOLIDAY GIFTS Beloved Students: - The holidays are coming, and I |
| 9 | trow you are awaiting on behalf of your Leader the loving liberty of their license. May I relieve you of selecting, and name your gifts to her, in advance? |
| 12 | Send her only what God gives to His church. Bring all your tithes into His storehouse, and what you would expend for presents to her, please add to your givings |
| 15 | to The Mother Church building fund, and let this suffice for her rich portion in due season. Send no gifts to her the ensuing season, but the evidences of glorious |
| 18 | growth in Christian Science. PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H., |
| 21 | October 31, 1904 A WORD FROM THE DIRECTORS, MAY,
1905 In view of the fact that a general attendance of the |
| 24 | members of The Mother Church at the communion and annual meeting in Boston entails the expenditure of a large amount of money, and the further fact that |
| 27 | it is important that the building fund of The Mother Church should be completed as early as possible, it has been decided to omit this year the usual large gathering |
| 30 | in Boston, and to ask the members to contribute to Page 21 |
| 1 | the building fund the amount which they would have expended in such an event. |
| 3 | We all know of the loving self-sacrifices which have been made by many of the branch churches in transferring to this fund the money which had been collected for the |
| 6 | purpose of building church homes of their own, and it will thus be seen that the course suggested will not only hasten the completion of The Mother Church, but will |
| 9 | also advance the erection of many branch churches. We therefore feel sure that all Christian Scientists will gladly forego a visit to Boston at this time, in order to |
| 12 | contribute more liberally to the building fund and thereby Christian Scientists have learned from experience that |
| 15 | divine Love more than compensates for every seeming trial and deprivation in our loyalty to Truth, and it is but right to expect that those who are willing to forego |
| 18 | their anticipated visit this year will receive a greater blessing - "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." The local members, who |
| 21 | have always experienced much pleasure in welcoming their brethren from far and near, and who have antici- pated much joy in meeting very many of them this year, |
| 24 | will feel that they have been called upon to make no less sacrifice than have others; but we are confident that they too will be blessed, and that all will rejoice in the |
| 27 | glad reunion upon the completion of the new edifice in IRA O. KNAPP, JOSEPH ARMSTRONG, |
| 30 | WILLIAM B. JOHNSON, STEPHEN A. CHASE, Page 22 THE ANNUAL MEETING, JUNE 13, 1905
Extract from the Clerk's Report |
| 3 | In the year 1902 our Leader saw the need of a larger edifice for the home of The Mother Church, one that would accommodate the constantly increasing attendance |
| 6 | at all the services, and the large gatherings at the annual meeting; and, at the annual meeting in June, 1902, a sum of money adequate to erect such a building was |
| 9 | pledged. Christian Scientists have contributed already for this grand and noble purpose, but let us not be uncon- sciously blind to the further needs of the building fund, |
| 12 | in order to complete this great work, nor wait to be urged Since 1866, almost forty years ago, - almost forty |
| 15 | years in the wilderness, - our beloved Leader and teacher, Mrs. Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science, has labored for the regeneration of mankind; and time has put its |
| 18 | seal of affirmation upon every purpose she has set in motion, and the justification of her labors is the fruit. In these years of work she has shown wisdom, faith, and |
| 21 | a spiritual discernment of the needs of the present and of In years to come the moral and the physical effects |
| 24 | produced by The Mother Church, and by the advanced position taken by our Pastor Emeritus and Leader, will appear in their proper perspective. Is it not therefore |
| 27 | the duty of all who have touched the healing hem of Christian Science, to get immediately into the proper perspective of the meaning of the erection of the new |
| 30 | edifice of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Page 23 |
| 1 | It is not necessary for us to delay our contributions in order to find out how much our neighbor has given, or to |
| 3 | compute by the total membership of The Mother Church what amount each shall send the Treasurer. The divine Love that prompted the desire, and supplied the means to |
| 6 | consummate the erection of the present edifice in 1894, is Extract from the Treasurer's Report Building Fund: - Amount on hand June 1, 1905, |
| 12 | $388,663.15; total receipts June 19, 1902 to June l, Amount necessary to complete the sum of $2,000,000 |
| 15 | pledged at the annual meeting, 1902, $1,108,539.51. Greeting to Mrs. Eddy from the Annual Meeting Beloved Teacher and Leader: - The members of your |
| 18 | church, The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., in annual business meeting assembled, send their loyal and loving greetings to you, |
| 21 | the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and We rejoice greatly that the walls of our new edifice are |
| 24 | rising, not only to faith but also to sight; that this temple, which represents the worship of Spirit, with its inseparable accompaniment, the Christ-healing, is being built in our |
| 27 | day; and that we have the privilege of participating Page 24 |
| 1 | impelled to ask, What means this edifice? and they learn that the truth which Christ Jesus revealed - the truth |
| 3 | which makes free - is to-day being proven and is ready to heal all who accept its divine ministry. We congratu- late you that the building is to express in its ample audi- |
| 6 | torium something of the vastness of the truth it represents, and also to symbolize your unmeasured love for humanity, which inspires you to welcome all mankind to the privi- |
| 9 | leges of this healing and saving gospel. As the walls are builded by the prayers and offerings of the thousands who have been healed through Christian Science, we know |
| 12 | that you rejoice in the unity of thought and purpose which is thus expressed, showing that The Mother Church "fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the |
| 15 | Lord." Editorial in Christian Science
Sentinel, November 25, 1905 We are prompted to state, for the benefit of those who |
| 18 | have inquired about the progress of the work on the extension to The Mother Church, that the erection of the building is proceeding rapidly; in fact, it is being pushed |
| 21 | with the utmost energy, and at the present time there are no less than fifteen different trades represented. The beauty of the building, and the substantial and enduring |
| 24 | character of its construction, have been remarked by the many visitors who have recently inspected the work, and they have gone away with the conviction that the structure |
| 27 | is worthy of our Cause and that it will meet the needs of The Mother Church as well as this can be done by a building with a seating capacity of five thousand. |
| 30 | It therefore occurs to us that there could be no more Page 25 |
| 1 | the present Thanksgiving season; and it is suggested to our special effort during the coming week to dispose
fully and [Christian Science Sentinel, March
17, 1906] GIFTS FROM THE CHILDREN The great interest exhibited by the children who
attend |
| 9 | their contributions to the building fund. The following figures are taken from the report of the secretary of the Sunday School and are most gratifying: |
| 12 | March 1, 1903 to February 29, 1904, $621.10; March 1, CARD Will one and all of my dear correspondents accept
this, |
| 18 | consumed in travel, et cetera, I cannot be present in propria persona at our annual communion and the dedi- cation in June next of The Mother Church of Christ, |
| 21 | Scientist. But I shall be with my blessed church "in I have faith in the givers and in the builders of this |
| 24 | church edifice, - admiration for and faith in the grandeur and sublimity of this superb superstructure, wherein all vanity of victory disappears and the glory of divinity |
| 27 | appears in all its promise. PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H., |
| 30 | April 8, 1906 Page 26 |
| 1 | [Christian Science Sentinel, April 14, 1906] ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DEDICATION
|
| 3 | The Christian Science Board of Directors takes pleasure in announcing that the extension of The Mother Church will be dedicated on the date of the annual communion, |
| 6 | Sunday, June 10, 1906. [Christian Science Sentinel, April 28, 1906] TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
| 9 | My Beloved Students: - Your generous check of five thousand dollars, April 23, 1906, is duly received. You can imagine my gratitude and emotion at the touch of |
| 12 | memory. Your beneficent gift is the largest sum of money that I have ever received from my church, and quite unexpected at this juncture, but not the less appreciated. |
| 15 | My Message for June 10 is ready for you. It is too short to be printed in book form, for I thought it better to be brief on this rare occasion. This communion and |
| 18 | dedication include enough of their own. The enclosed notice I submit to you, and trust
that you |
| 21 | throttle the lie that students worship me or that I claim their homage. This historical dedication should date some special reform, and this notice is requisite to give |
| 24 | the true animus of our church and denomination. MARY BAKER EDDY |
| 27 | PLEASANT VIEW, Concord, N. H., April 23, 1906 Page 27 NOTICE To the Beloved Members of my Church, The Mother Church, |
| 3 | The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston. - Divine Love bids me say: Assemble not at the residence of your Pastor Emeritus at or about the time of our annual |
| 6 | meeting and communion service, for the divine and not the human should engage our attention at this sacred season of prayer and praise. |
| 9 | MARY BAKER EDDY NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS TO THE BUILDING
FUND The contributors to the building fund for the extension |
| 12 | of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., are hereby notified that sufficient funds have been received for the completion of |
| 15 | the church building, and the friends are requested to send no more money to this fund. STEPHEN A. CHASE, |
| 18 | Treasurer of the Building Fund BOSTON, MASS., June 2, 1906 Editorial in Christian Science
Sentinel, June 9, 1906 |
| 21 | Christian Scientists will read with much joy and thanksgiving the announcement made by Mr. Chase in this issue of the Sentinel that sufficient funds have been |
| 24 | received by him, as treasurer of the building fund, to Page 28 |
| 1 | has been able to make this announcement coincident with the completion of the building will be deeply |
| 3 | significant. Our Leader has said in Science and Health (p. 494), "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need," and this has been proved |
| 6 | true in the experience of many who have contributed The treasurer's books will show the dollars and cents |
| 9 | received by him, but they can give no more than a hint of the unselfish efforts, and in many instances the loving self-sacrifice, of those who have given so generously to the |
| 12 | building of this church. Suffice it to say, however, that the giving to this fund has stimulated those gentle qualities which mark the true Christian, and its influence |
| 15 | upon the lives of thousands has been of immense value to The significance of this building is not to be found in |
| 18 | the material structure, but in the lives of those who, under the consecrated leadership of Mrs. Eddy, and following her example, are doing the works which Jesus said should |
| 21 | mark the lives of his followers. It stands as the visible symbol of a religion which heals the sick and reforms the sinful as our Master healed and reformed them. It |
| 24 | proclaims to the world that Jesus' gospel was for all time and for all men; that it is as effective to-day as it was when he preached the Word of God to the multitudes of |
| 27 | Judea and healed them of their diseases and their sins. It speaks for the successful labors of one divinely guided woman, who has brought to the world the spiritual under- |
| 30 | standing of the Scriptures, and whose ministry has revealed Page 29 |
| 1 | [Christian Science Sentinel, June
16, 1906. Reprinted from COMMUNION SERVICE AND DEDICATION
Five thousand people kneeling in silent communion;
|
| 6 | vast congregation, the words of the Lord's Prayer! Such was the closing incident of the dedicatory services of the extension of The Mother Church, The First Church of |
| 9 | Christ, Scientist, at the corner of Falmouth and Norway Streets, yesterday morning. And such was the scene repeated six times during the day. |
| 12 | It was a sight which no one who saw it will ever be able to forget. Many more gorgeous church pageantries have been seen in this country and in an older civilization; |
| 15 | there have been church ceremonies that appealed more to the eye, but the impressiveness of this lay in its very simplicity; its grandeur sprang from the complete |
| 18 | unanimity of thought and of purpose. There was some- thing emanating from the thousands who worshipped under the dome of the great edifice whose formal open- |
| 21 | ing they had gathered to observe, that appealed to and fired the imagination. A comparatively new religion launching upon a new era, assuming an altogether differ- |
| 24 | ent status before the world! Even the sun smiled kindly upon the dedication of the |
| 27 | to temper the heat, the thousands who began to congregate about the church as early as half past five in the morning were able to wait patiently for the opening of the doors |
| 30 | without suffering the inconveniences of an oppressive day. Page 30 |
| 1 | Falmouth and Norway Streets held large crowds of people, either coming from a service or awaiting admission to |
| 3 | one. As all the services were precisely the same in every respect, nobody attended more than one, so that there were well over thirty thousand people who witnessed |
| 6 | the opening. Not only did these include Scientists from all over the world, and nearly all the local Scientists, but many hundreds of other faiths, drawn to the church |
| 9 | from curiosity, and from sympathy, too. It spoke much for the devotion of the members to
their |
| 12 | congregations were business men come from far distant points at personal sacrifices of no mean order; profes- sional men, devoted women members, visitors from |
| 15 | Australia, from India, from England, from Germany, from Switzerland, from South Africa, from Hawaii, from the coast States. |
| 18 | They gave generously of their means in gratitude for the epoch-making event. The six collections were large, and when the plates were returned after having been through |
| 21 | the congregations, they were heaped high with bills, with silver, and with gold. Some of these contributions were one-hundred-dollar bills. Without ostentation and quite |
| 24 | voluntarily the Scientists gave a sum surpassing some of the record collections secured by evangelists for the work of Christianity. |
| 27 | Though the church was filled for the service at half past seven, and hundreds had to be turned away, by far the largest crowd of the day applied for admission at the |
| 30 | ten o'clock service, and it was representative of the entire Before half past seven the chimes of the new church Page 31 |
| 1 | began to play, first the "Communion Hymn," succeeded by the following hymns throughout the day: "The |
| 3 | morning light is breaking;" "Shepherd, show me how to go;" "Just as I am, without one plea;" "I need Thee every hour;" "Blest Christmas morn;" "Abide |
| 6 | with me;" "Day by day the manna fell;" "Oh, the clanging bells of time;" "Still, still with Thee;" "O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind;" Doxology. |
| 9 | Promptly at half past six the numerous doors of the church were thrown open and the public had its first glimpse of the great structure, the cost of which approxi- |
| 12 | mates two millions of dollars, contributed from over the entire world. The first impression was of vastness, then of light and cheerfulness, and when the vanguard of the |
| 15 | thousands had been seated, expressions of surprise and of admiration were heard on every hand for the beauty and the grace of the architecture. The new home for worship |
| 18 | that was opened by the Scientists in Boston yesterday can take a place in the front rank of the world's houses of worship, and it is no wonder that the first sight which |
| 21 | the visitors caught of its interior should have impressed First Reader William D. McCrackan, accompanied by |
| 24 | the Second Reader, Mrs. Laura Carey Conant, and the soloist for the services, Mrs. Hunt, was on the Readers' platform. Stepping to the front of the platform, when |
| 27 | the congregation had taken their seats, the First Reader announced simply that they would sing Hymn 161, written by Mrs. Eddy, as the opening of the dedicatory |
| 30 | service. And what singing it was! As though trained Page 32 |
| 1 | Spontaneous unanimity and repetition in unison were two of the most striking features of the services. When, |
| 3 | after five minutes of silent communion at the end of the service, the congregation began to repeat the Lord's Prayer, they began all together, and their voices rose as |
| 6 | one in a heartfelt appeal to the creator. So good are the acoustic properties of the new
structure |
| 9 | perfectly in every part of it, and they did not have to lift Following the organ voluntary - Fantasie in E minor, |
| 12 | Merkel - the order of service was as follows: - Hymn 161, from the Hymnal. Words by the Rev. |
| 15 | Reading from the Scriptures: Deuteronomy 26: 1, 2, Silent prayer, followed by the audible repetition of the |
| 18 | Lord's Prayer with its spiritual interpretation as given in Hymn 166, from the Hymnal.(2) |
| 21 | Reading of notices. Reading of Tenets of The Mother Church. Collection. |
| 24 | Solo, "Communion Hymn," words by the Rev. Mary Reading of annual Message from the Pastor Emeritus, |
| 27 | the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy. Reading the specially prepared Lesson-Sermon. After the reading of the Lesson-Sermon, silent com- |
| 30 | munion, which concluded with the audible repetition of (1) Hymn 306, (2) Hymn 108, in Revised Hymnal Page 33 |
| 1 | Singing the Communion Doxology. Reading of a despatch from the members of the church |
| 3 | to Mrs. Eddy. Reading of "the scientific statement of being" (Sci- ence and Health, p. 468), and the correlative Scripture, |
| 6 | 1 John 3: 1-3. The subject of the special Lesson-Sermon was "Adam, |
| 9 | Where Art Thou?" the Golden Text: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, |
| 12 | and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalms 139: 23, 24.) The responsive reading was from Psalms 15: 1-5; 24: 1-6, 9, 10. |
| 15 | 1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteous- |
| 18 | ness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his |
| 12 | neighbor. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to |
| 24 | his own hurt, and changeth not. 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these |
| 27 | things shall never be moved. 1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. |
| 30 | 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established Page 34 |
| 1 | 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? |
| 3 | 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. |
| 6 | 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that |
| 9 | seek thy face, O Jacob. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. |
| 12 | 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he The Lesson-Sermon consisted of the following citations |
| 15 | from the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, and was read by Mr. McCrackan and Mrs. Conant: - |
| 18 | I The Bible Science and Health (1) Genesis 3: 9-11 224: 22 |
| 21 | Proverbs 8: 1, 4, 7 559: 8-10, 19 Mark 2: 15-17 181: 21-25 307: 31-8 |
| 24 | II Psalms 51: 1-3, 6, 10, 12, 308: 8, 16-28 This; 13, 17 Jacob 323: 19-24, 28-32 When; The effects (1)The Science and Health references in this lesson are according |
| 30 | to the 1913 edition. Page 35 |
| 1 | III The Bible Science and Health |
| 3 | Hebrews 11: 1, 3, 6 297: 20 Faith Proverbs 3: 5, 6 241: 23-27 Job 28: 20, 23, 28 275: 25 |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 14: 20 505: 21-28 Under- standing 536: 8 |
| 9 | IV Psalms 86: 15, 16 345: 31 Matthew 9: 2-8 337: 10 |
| 12 | 525: 4 476: 32-4 |
| 15 | 171: 4 V Mark 12: 30, 31 9: 17-21 Dost thou |
| 18 | John 21: 1 (first 53: 8-11 clause), 14-17 54:29- 1 1 John 4: 21 560: 11-19, 22 The |
| 21 | great; Abuse VI |
| 24 | John 21: 4-6, 9, 12, 13 34: 29-29 Revelation 3: 20 Revelation 7: 13,14,16,17 |
| 27 | During the progress of each service, First Reader Page 36 |
| 1 | dedicatory Message from their teacher and Leader, Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy. |
| 3 | The telegram from the church to Mrs. Eddy was read by Mr. Edward A. Kimball of Chicago, and the five thousand present rose as one to indicate their approval |
| 6 | of it. REV. MARY BAKER EDDY, Pastor Emeritus
Beloved Teacher and Leader: - The members of your |
| 9 | church have assembled at this sacred time to commune with our infinite heavenly Father and again to consecrate all that we are or hope to be to a holy Christian service |
| 12 | that shall be acceptable unto God. Most of us are here because we have been delivered from |
| 15 | from vice or redeemed from obdurate sin. We have ex- changed the tears of sorrow for the joy of repentance and the peace of a more righteous living, and now with blessed |
| 18 | accord we are come, in humility, to pour out our gratitude to God and to bear witness to the abundance of salvation through His divine Christ. |
| 21 | At this altar, dedicated to the only true God, we who have been delivered from the depths increase the measure of our devotion to the daily life and purpose which are in |
| 24 | the image and likeness of God. By these stately walls; by this sheltering dome; by |
| 27 | of the world, in tender affection for the cause of human weal, have fulfilled a high resolve and set up this taber- nacle, which is to stand as an enduring monument, a sign |
| 30 | of your understanding and proof that our Supreme Page 37 |
| 1 | of all our diseases and hath ordained the way of salva- tion of all men from all evil. No vainglorious boast, |
| 3 | no pride of circumstances has place within the sacred confines of this sanctuary. Naught else than the gran- deur of humility and the incense of gratitude and com- |
| 6 | passionate love can acceptably ascend heavenward from It is from the depths of tenderest gratitude, respect, |
| 9 | and affection that we declare again our high appreciation of all that you have done and continue to do for the ever- lasting advantage of this race. Through you has been |
| 12 | revealed the verity and rule of the Christianity of Christ which has ever healed the sick. By your fidelity and the constancy of your obedience during forty years you have |
| 15 | demonstrated this Science before the gaze of universal humanity. By reason of your spiritual achievement the Cause of Christian Science has been organized and main- |
| 18 | tained, its followers have been prospered, and the philos- ophy of the ages transformed. Recognizing the grand truth that God is the supreme cause of all the activities of |
| 21 | legitimate existence, we also recognize that He has made known through your spiritual perception the substance of Christian Science, and that this church owes itself and |
| 24 | its prosperity to the unbroken activity of your labors, which have been and will still be the pretext for our confident and favorable expectation. |
| 27 | We have read your annual Message to this church. We are deeply touched by its sweet entreaty, its ineffable loving-kindness, its wise counsel and admonition. |
| 30 | With sacred resolution do we pray that we may give Page 38 |
| 1 | long sacrifice and bestow upon you the balm of heavenly joy, but knowing that every perfect gift cometh from |
| 3 | above, and that in God is all consolation and comfort, we rest in this satisfying assurance, while we thank you and renew the story of our love for you and for all that |
| 6 | you are and all that you have done for us. WILLIAM B. JOHNSON, Clerk By means of a carefully trained corps of ushers, num- |
| 9 | bering two hundred, there was no confusion in finding seats, and when all seating space had been filled no more were admitted until the next service. The church was |
| 12 | filled for each service in about twenty minutes, and was emptied in twelve, in spite of the fact that many of the visitors showed a tendency to tarry to examine the |
| 15 | church. It was "children's day" at noon, for
the service at half |
| 18 | all the seats in the body of the church, and when it came to the singing, the little ones were not a whit behind their elders, their shrill trebles rising with the roll of the organ |
| 21 | in almost perfect time. In every respect their service was There was no more impressive feature of the dedication |
| 24 | than the silent communion. Devout Scientists said after THE ANNUAL MEETING, JUNE 12, 1906
The annual meeting of The First Church of Christ, |
| 30 | Mother Church, Tuesday, June 12, at ten o'clock in the Page 39 |
| 1 | forenoon, and in order to accommodate those who could not gain admittance at that hour a second session was held |
| 3 | at two o'clock in the afternoon. The meeting was opened by the President, Rev. William P. McKenzie, who read from the Bible and Science and Health as follows: - |
| 6 | The Bible Science and Health Isaiah 54: 1-5, 10-15, 571: 22 17 574: 3-16, 27 The Revela- |
| 9 | Revelation 19: 1, 6-9 tor; The very Then followed a short silent prayer and the audible |
| 12 | repetition of the Lord's Prayer, in which all joined. The following list of officers for the ensuing year was read by the Clerk: - |
| 15 | President, Willis F. Gross, C.S.B.; Treasurer, Stephen In introducing the new President, Mr. McKenzie
said: - |
| 18 | When I introduce the incoming President, my modest task will be ended. You will allow me, however, the privilege of saying a few words of reminder and prophecy. |
| 21 | My thoughts revert to a former occasion, when it was my pleasant duty to preside at an annual meeting when our Pastor Emeritus, Mrs. Eddy, was present. We remember |
| 24 | her graciousness and dignity. We recall the harmonious tones of her gentle voice. Our hearts were thrilled by her compassion, and the memory lives with us. But even more |
| 27 | distinctly may we realize her presence with us to-day. Why? Because our own growth in love and unity enables us to comprehend better the strength and beauty of her |
| 30 | character. Page 40 |
| 1 | Moreover, this completed extension of The Mother Church is an evidence to us of her hospitable love. She |
| 3 | has desired for years to have her church able to give more adequate reception to those who hunger and thirst after practical righteousness; and we are sure that now |
| 6 | the branch churches of The Mother Church will also en- large their hospitality, so that these seekers everywhere may be satisfied. This will imply the subsidence of criti- |
| 9 | cism among workers. It may even imply that some who have been peacebreakers shall willingly enter into the blessedness of peacemakers. Nothing will be lost, how- |
| 12 | ever, by those who relinquish their cherished resentments, forsake animosity, and abandon their strongholds of rivalry. Through rivalries among leaders Christendom |
| 15 | became divided into warring sects; but the demand of this age is for peacemaking, so that Christianity may more widely reassert its pristine power to bring |
| 18 | health and a cure to pain-racked and sorrow-worn hu- manity. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, . . . And the fruit of righteous- |
| 21 | ness is sown in peace of them that make peace." "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." |
| 24 | Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has presented to the world the ideal of Christianity, because she is an exact metaphysi- cian. She has illustrated what the poet perceived when he |
| 27 | said, "All's love, but all's law." She has obeyed the divine Principle, Love, without regrets and without resistance. Human sense often rebels against law, hence the proverb: |
| 30 | Dura lex, sed lex (Hard is the law, nevertheless it is Page 41 |
| 1 | multitude - how great no man can number - to be- come gladly obedient to law, so that they think rightly |
| 3 | or righteously. No one can change the law of Christian metaphysics,
|
| 6 | effects. It is a forever fact that the meek and lowly in heart are blessed and comforted by divine Love. If the proud are lonely and uncomforted, it is because they |
| 9 | have thoughts adverse to the law of love. Pride, arro- gance, and self-will are unmerciful, and so receive judg- ment without mercy; but the law of metaphysics says, |
| 12 | "Blessed are the merciful," and will allow no one to escape that blessedness, howsoever far he may stray, whatsoever lawlessness of hatred he may practise and |
| 15 | suffer from. So we see that Christian Science makes no compromise |
| 18 | perfect standard of truth and righteousness and joy. It teaches us to rise from sentimental affection which ad- mires friends and hates enemies, into brotherly love which |
| 21 | is just and kind to all and unable to cherish any enmity. It brings into present and hourly application what Paul termed "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," and |
| 24 | shows man that his real estate is one of blessedness. Why should any one postpone his legitimate joy, and disregard his lawful inheritance, which is "incorruptible and unde- |
| 27 | filed"? Our Leader and teacher not only discovered Christian Science, but through long years of consecration has obeyed its every demand, for our sakes as well as |
| 30 | for her own; and we begin to understand how illim- Page 42 |
| 1 | to be truly grateful to her who has depicted its form and comeliness. We have found it true that "she |
| 3 | openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is It is my pleasure to introduce to you a faithful follower |
| 6 | of this Leader as the President for the coming year, Willis F. Gross, C.S.B., one who has for many years "witnessed a good confession" in the practice of Christian Science. |
| 9 | You are no doubt already acquainted with him as one of the helpful contributors to our periodicals, so that any further words of mine are unnecessary. |
| 12 | Mr. Gross, on assuming office, said: - Beloved Friends:
- Most unexpectedly to me came the |
| 15 | this opportunity to express my thanks for the honor con- ferred upon me. With a heart filled with gratitude for the countless blessings which have come into my life through |
| 18 | Christian Science, I shall endeavor to perform this service It affords me great pleasure to welcome you to our first |
| 21 | annual meeting held in the extension of The Mother Church. I shall not attempt to speak of the deep signifi- cance of this momentous occasion. I realize that only as |
| 24 | infinite good unfolds in each individual consciousness can we begin to comprehend, even in small degree, how great is the work that has been inaugurated by our beloved |
| 27 | Leader, how faithful is her allegiance to God, how untiring are her efforts, and how successful she is in the performance of her daily tasks. |
| 30 | "With a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm" Page 43 |
| 1 | the Egyptians, but this deliverance did not put them in possession of the promised land. An unknown wilder- |
| 3 | ness was before them, and that wilderness must be con- quered. The law was given that they might know what was required of them, that they might have a definite rule |
| 6 | of action whereby to order aright the affairs of daily life. Obedience to the demands of the law revealed the God of their fathers, and they learned to know Him. During |
| 9 | their sojourn in the wilderness they suffered defeats and met with disappointments, but they learned from experi- ence and finally became willingly obedient to the voice of |
| 12 | their leader. The crossing of the Jordan brought them into the promised land, and this experience was almost as marvellous as had been the passage of the Red Sea |
| 15 | forty years before. In obedience to the command of Joshua, twelve stones taken from the midst of the river were set up on the other side for a memorial. In future |
| 18 | generations when it was asked, "What mean ye by these stones?" it was told them: Israel came over this Jordan on dry ground. |
| 21 | Forty years ago the Science of Christian healing was revealed to our beloved Leader, the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy. A few years later she gave us our textbook, |
| 24 | "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Obedi- ence to the teachings of this book has brought us to this hour. We have learned from experience, and to-day we |
| 27 | rejoice that we have found in Christian Science that The world looks with wonder upon this grand achieve- |
| 30 | ment, - the completion and dedication of our magnificent Page 44 |
| 1 | of human beliefs has been revealed. Through the under- standing of God as an ever-present help, the sick are being |
| 3 | healed, the shackles of sin are being broken, heavy burdens are being laid down, tears are being wiped away, and Israel is going up to possess the promised land of eternal, |
| 6 | harmonious existence. Friends, our progress may be fast or it may be
slow, |
| 9 | dient to the loving counsel of our ever faithful Leader. The Christ is here, has come to individual conscious- ness; and the faithful disciple rejoices in prophecy ful- |
| 12 | filled, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of Telegram to Mrs. Eddy |
| 15 | Judge Septimus J. Hanna then advanced to the front of the platform, read the following despatch, and moved that it be forwarded at once to our Leader, |
| 18 | Mrs. Eddy. The motion was carried unanimously by a The despatch was as follows: - |
| 21 | TO THE REV. MARY BAKER EDDY, Beloved Teacher and Leader: - The members of The |
| 24 | Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., in annual meeting assembled, hereby convey to you their sincere greetings and their deep |
| 27 | love. They desire to express their continued loyalty to your |
| 30 | dom of your leadership, and their confident assurance Page 45 |
| 1 | that strict and intelligent recognition of and obedience to the comprehensive means by you provided for the further- |
| 3 | ance of our Cause, will result in its perpetuity as well as in the ultimate regeneration of its adherents and of mankind. |
| 6 | We are witnessing with joy and gratitude the significant events associated with this, one of the greatest and most important gatherings of Christian Scientists in the annals |
| 9 | of our history. Yet the upwards of thirty thousand who are physically present at the dedication represent only a small part of the entire body who are of us and with us |
| 12 | in the animus and spirit of our movement. The great temple is finished! That which you have
long |
| 15 | cent edifice stands a fitting monument of your obedience and fidelity to the divine Principle revealed to you in that momentous hour when purblind mortal sense declared you |
| 18 | to be in extremis. You followed unswervingly the guid- ance of Him who went before you by day in a pillar of cloud to lead you in the way, and by night in a pillar |
| 21 | of fire to give you light, and the results of such following have been marvellous beyond human ken. As clearly as in retrospect we see the earlier leading, we now discern |
| 24 | the fulfilment of the later prophecy, that "He took not away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night," for each advancing step has logically followed |
| 27 | the preceding one. The great temple is finished! This massive pile
of New |
| 30 | of two hundred and twenty-four feet, one foot loftier than Page 46 |
| 1 | arches, in generous hallways, in commodious foyer and broad stairways, in exquisite and expansive auditorium, |
| 3 | and in towering, overshadowing dome, the great structure stands, silently but eloquently beckoning us on towards a higher and more spiritual plane of living, for we know |
| 6 | that without this spiritual significance it were but a pass- In the best sense it stands in prophetic verity of the |
| 9 | primary declaration of this church in its original organiza- tion; namely, "To organize a church designed to com- memorate the word and works of our Master, which should |
| 12 | reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing." (Church Manual, p. 17.) To rise to the demands of this early pronouncement is the work of true |
| 15 | Christian Scientists. To preach the gospel and heal the sick on the Christ- |
| 18 | tianity. Only as we pledge ourselves anew to this demand, and then fulfil the pledge in righteous living, are we faith- ful, obedient, deserving disciples. |
| 21 | On this solemn occasion, and in the presence of this assembled host, we do hereby pledge ourselves to a deeper consecration, a more sincere and Christly love of God and |
| 24 | our brother, and a more implicit obedience to the sacred teachings of the Bible and our textbook, as well as to the all-inclusive instructions and admonitions of our Church |
| 27 | Manual in its spiritual import, that we may indeed reach "unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general |
| 30 | assembly and church of the firstborn." BOSTON, MASS., June 12, 1906 Page 47 |
| 1 | Report of the Clerk Beloved Brethren of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, |
| 3 | in Boston, Mass.: - It seems meet at this time, when thousands of Christian Scientists have gathered here from all parts of the world, many of whom have not had |
| 6 | the means of knowing the steps by which this church has reached its present growth, to present in this report a few of the stages of its progress, as gleaned from the pages of |
| 9 | its history. After a work has been established, has grown to great |
| 12 | by its influence for good, it is with joy that those who have labored unceasingly for the work look back to the pictur- esque, interesting, and epoch-marking stages of its growth, |
| 15 | and recall memories of trials, progress, and victories that are precious each and all. To-day we look back over the years that have passed since the inception of this great |
| 18 | Cause, and we cannot help being touched by each land- mark of progress that showed a forward effort into the well-earned joy that is with us now. For a Cause that |
| 21 | has rooted itself in so many distant lands, and inspired so many of different races and tongues into the demonstration of the knowledge of God, the years that have passed since |
| 24 | Mrs. Eddy founded her first church seem but a short time. And this little church, God's word in the wilder- ness of dogma and creed, opened an era of Christian |
| 27 | worship founded on the commands of Jesus: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. . . . And these signs shall follow them that |
| 30 | believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they Page 48 |
| 1 | pents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they |
| 3 | shall recover." Not until nineteen centuries had passed was there
one |
| 6 | sciousness the stone that had been rejected, and which Mrs. Eddy made "the head of the corner" of The Church of Christ, Scientist. |
| 9 | With the reading of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy insisted that her students make, every day, a prayerful study of |
| 12 | the Bible, and obtain the spiritual understanding of its promises. Upon this she founded the future growth of her church, and twenty-six years later the following |
| 15 | splendid appreciation of her efforts appeared in the Methodist Review from the pen of the late Frederick Lawrence Knowles:- |
| 18 | "Mrs. Eddy . . . in her insistence upon the constant daily reading of the Bible and her own writings, . . . has given to her disciples a means of spiritual development |