Miscellaneous Writings, 1883-1896 Part 64

If good is G.o.d, even as G.o.d is good, then good and evil can neither be coeval nor coequal, for G.o.d is All-in- all. This closes the argument of aught besides Him, aught [5]

else than good.

If the sense of sin is too little, mortals are in danger of not seeing their own belief in sin, but of seeing too keenly their neighbor's. Then they are beset with egotism and hypocrisy. Here Christian Scientists must [10]

be most watchful. Their habit of mental and audible protest against the reality of sin, tends to make sin less or more to them than to other people. They must either be overcoming sin in themselves, or they must not lose sight of sin; else they are self-deceived sinners of the [15]

worst sort.

A Word To The Wise

Will all the dear Christian Scientists accept my tender greetings for the forthcoming holidays, and grant me this request,-let the present season pa.s.s without one [20]

gift to me.

Our church edifice must be built in 1894. Take thither thy saintly offerings, and lay them in the outstretched hand of G.o.d. The object to be won affords ample oppor- tunity for the grandest achievement to which Christian [25]

Scientists can direct attention, and feel themselves alone among the stars.

No doubt must intervene between the promise and event; faith and resolve are friends to Truth; seize them,

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trust the divine Providence, push upward our prayer in [1]

stone,-and G.o.d will give the benediction.

Christmas

This interesting day, crowned with the history of Truth's idea,-its earthly advent and nativity,-is [5]

especially dear to the heart of Christian Scientists; to whom Christ's appearing in a fuller sense is so precious, and fraught with divine benedictions for mankind.

The star that looked lovingly down on the manger of our Lord, lends its resplendent light to this hour: the [10]

light of Truth, to cheer, guide, and bless man as he reaches forth for the infant idea of divine perfection dawning upon human imperfection,-that calms man's fears, bears his burdens, beckons him on to Truth and Love and the sweet immunity these bring from sin, sick- [15]

ness, and death.

This polar star, fixed in the heavens of divine Science, shall be the sign of his appearing who "healeth all our diseases;" it hath traversed night, wading through darkness and gloom, on to glory. It doth meet the [20]

antagonism of error; addressing to dull ears and undis- ciplined beliefs words of Truth and Life.

The star of Bethlehem is the star of Boston, high in the zenith of Truth's domain, that looketh down on the long night of human beliefs, to pierce the darkness and [25]

melt into dawn.

The star of Bethlehem is the light of all ages; is the light of Love, to-day christening religion undefiled, divine Science; giving to it a new name, and the white stone in token of purity and permanence. [30]

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The wise men follow this guiding star; the watchful [1]

shepherd chants his welcome over the cradle of a great truth, and saith, "Unto us a child is born," whose birth is less of a miracle than eighteen centuries ago; and "his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty [5]

G.o.d, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

My heart is filled with joy, that each receding year sees the steady gain of Truth's idea in Christian Science; that each recurring year witnesses the balance adjusted more on the side of G.o.d, the supremacy of Spirit; as shown [10]

by the triumphs of Truth over error, of health over sick- ness, of Life over death, and of Soul over sense.

"The hour cometh, and now is, when the true wor- s.h.i.+ppers shall wors.h.i.+p the Father in spirit and in truth."

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made [15]

me free from the law of sin and death." "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Press on, press on! ye sons of light, Untiring in your holy fight, [20]

Still treading each temptation down, And battling for a brighter crown.

Card

In reply to all invitations from Chicago to share the hospitality of their beautiful homes at any time during [25]

the great wonder of the world, the World's Fair, I say, Do not expect me. I have no desire to see or to hear what is to be offered upon this approaching occasion.

I have a world of wisdom and Love to contemplate, that concerns me, and you, infinitely beyond all earthly [30]

[Page 322.]

expositions or exhibitions. In return for your kindness, [1]

I earnestly invite you to its contemplation with me, and to preparation to behold it.

Message To The Mother Church

_Beloved Brethren_:-People coming from a distance [5]

expecting to hear me speak in The Mother Church, are frequently disappointed. To avoid this, I may here- after notify the Directors when I shall be present to address this congregation, and the Clerk of the church can inform correspondents. Your dual and impersonal [10]

pastor, the Bible, and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," is with you; and the Life these give, the Truth they ill.u.s.trate, the Love they demonstrate, is the great Shepherd that feedeth my flock, and leadeth them "beside the still waters." By any personal pres- [15]

ence, or word of mine, your thought must not be diverted or diverged, your senses satisfied, or self be justified.

Therefore, beloved, my often-coming is unnecessary; for, though I be present or absent, it is G.o.d that feed- eth the hungry heart, that giveth grace for grace, that [20]

healeth the sick and cleanseth the sinner. For this consummation He hath given you Christian Science, and my past poor labors and love. He hath shown you the amplitude of His mercy, the justice of His judgment, the omnipotence of His love; and this, to compensate [25]

your zealous affection for seeking good, and for labor- ing in its widening grooves from the infinitesimal to the infinite.

CHAPTER IX. THE FRUIT OF SPIRIT