Miscellaneous Writings Part 29

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

Extract From A Letter

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.

To The Mother Church

_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,

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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 G.o.d 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]

To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Oconto

_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]

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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, Ma.s.s., 1889

To First Church Of Christ, Scientist, In Scranton

_Beloved Brethren_:-s.p.a.ce is no separator of hearts. [10]

Spiritually, I am with all who are with Truth, and whose hearts today are repeating their joy that G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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 "G.o.d is Love."

G.o.d is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no [25]

dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than to all, is G.o.d 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 G.o.d is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds,

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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]

G.o.d 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 c.u.mbereth it the ground?"

G.o.d 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 G.o.d? 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 G.o.d 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]

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