Miscellaneous Writings

_Beloved Students_:-Meet together and meet _en ma.s.se_, [10]

in 1888, at the annual session of the National Christian Scientist a.s.sociation. Be "of one mind," "in one place,"

and G.o.d 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 G.o.d's hour, the powers of earth and h.e.l.l 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 G.o.d's voice. Spiritual wickedness is stand- ing in high places; but, blind to its own fate, it will tumble into the bottomless.

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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, G.o.d'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 n.o.ble offering to the unity of good, and so cement the bonds of Love. [20]

With love, MARY BAKER EDDY

To The College a.s.sociation.

Letter read at the meeting of the Ma.s.sachusetts Metaphysical College a.s.sociation, June 3, 1891. [25]

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS' a.s.sOCIATION OF THE Ma.s.sACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE

_My Beloved Students_:-You may be looking to see me in my accustomed place with you, but this you must no

[Page 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

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

[Page 137.]

To The National Christian Scientist a.s.sociation.

_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 a.s.sociation, 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 a.s.sembly 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 pa.s.sed.

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 a.s.sociation! 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 appet.i.te, pa.s.sion, 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 a.s.socia- tions, form churches, and hold these organizations of their [30]

[Page 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 a.s.so- 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, G.o.d 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