LETTERS TO OUR LEADER

Riverside, Cal., Dec. 9, 1909.
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, Brookline, Mass.

Beloved Leader:—When my eyes fell upon your letter to the board of trustees of First Church of Christ, Scientist, New York city, as republished in the Sentinel Dec. 4, this thought came, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." When, in subsequent columns, I tasted of "firstfruits," I said in my heart, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you today."

Nothing has strengthened me like the recently published by-laws, the letters passing between The Mother Church Directors and the trustees in First Church, New York, and your trumpet-call of Nov. 13, above referred to. When I tell you that the past three years have striven to fill my experiences with bitterness and defeat because of "personal contagion," because of a seeming endeavor to exalt and worship personality rather than Principle, you will understand why I am so relieved and renewed today; why I praise God for a fearless, wise, and loving Leader,—the apostle of Truth in this age,—who joys in pointing to the straight and narrow way in which she has walked for forty years and has been blessed.

How befitting that right below your republished letter should appear Mr. McLellan's editorial, "A Religion of Doing," where is beautifully emphasized that holy affirmation, found on page 20 of "Messages to The Mother Church," "The song of Christian Science is, 'Work—work—work—watch and pray' "! The writer can testify that these very words have done much to sustain him as he has labored to see the right and to stand unflinchingly for it, no matter what the temporary cost. Verily does he realize, more and more, that each mortal must work out his own salvation, and that the sooner he begins the better. His friends, his practitioner, his teacher can only point to Principle after all, and it is this Principle which must be used by him as an individual in order that his problems may be solved. When ambushed by error; when opposed and dynamically denounced by humans: when to sense all was "chaos and old night," I held to the Bible and our text-book, Science and Health, working with all my power to understand the letter and to drink in its spirit. As I did so, striving to return good for evil, to forgive as I would be forgiven, and to follow you because you are proving constantly that you are following Christ, I have been lifted above the beating waves of discord, of woe, and have "glorified the God of Israel." My daily prayer is that I may be faithful and obedient to the demands of Principle, sowing seeds of kindness, love, and good will, that the harvest may be plenteous.

Loyally yours,
Stokes Anthony Bennett.

Mrs. Eddy's Comment.

The spirit of the above letter indicates that its author is armed and equipped as the Lord directs.

Concord, N. H., Dec. 6, 1909.
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy.

Beloved Leader:—Our annual lecture was given in the church edifice last evening by the Hon. Clarence A. Buskirk to the largest audience we have had and which just about filled the church. Mr. Buskirk was introduced in a gracious manner by Judge James W. Remick of Concord, whose remarks I enclose herewith, thinking you might be pleased to see them. Slowly, perhaps, but certainly, the ecclesiastically hidebound are being released from their bondage.

Gratefully and lovingly yours,
Charles B. Jamieson.

Boston, Mass., Nov. 5, 1909.

Beloved Leader:—Since coming here to the Monitor, I have longed to thank you, and now the understanding of you and of your work that has come this week is so wonderful that I must try to tell you how I love you, how I pray to be found worthy to call you Leader. The sword of the Spirit is separating us from material sense, opening the blind eyes to behold God. To begin so to see your heroism, love, and victory is to pledge ourselves anew to the work you open to us—the work in which we gain a thousand times more than we can give. I am being healed here of self-will, pride, earthliness—with all the joy of this beautiful work, besides. They let me write a little article about you,—what the world would understand; but an angel must write what has been shown me since of the meaning of your world-mission, and an angel is writing it in the hearts of men.

How can we fail to heed your lightest word—we who could be nothing in the service of our fellow-men but for the opportunity your work gives; and now the least and humblest of us may serve. I pray constantly to be found worthy. God bless you—dearly beloved. May He enable me to be faithful.

Yours,
M. Louise Baum.

Excelsior Springs, Mo., Nov. 30, 1909.
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy.

Dearly Beloved Leader:—Our little band of less than twenty members, who form the Excelsior Springs Christian Science Society, have requested me to inform you of their abiding love, loyalty, and gratitude to you for your teachings and for "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which has given them health and happiness and shown them the most efficient way in which not only to help themselves but to benefit all mankind. Being located in a health resort, where so many who are afflicted come for relief, we have an unusual opportunity for sowing the seed of healing where it is most needed, and to this end we have recently taken larger quarters in a better location, and our services are well attended.

We are indeed grateful to you for each new manifestation of your careful watch over our Cause, and especially for a recent evidence of unswerving allegiance to Principle over personality, in whatever quarter. Knowing that God has blessed you supremely, and that His love is unfailing, we shall continue to follow your guidance with the deepest love and affection.

Loyally yours,
Mrs. M. D. Capps.

For the Excelsior Springs, Mo., Christian Science Society.

Hyde Park, Cincinnati, O., Nov. 23, 1909.
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, Brookline, Mass.

Dear Leader:—No longer can I delay in thanking you for your purity and earnestness, through which the Word of God is proclaimed to this age. Love has truly given you the wisdom "to plant and water His vineyard" (Science and Health, Pref. p. xi.). I have recently returned from class instruction, and feel wondrously uplifted and grateful to God for His many blessings. Humbly am I thankful that man can know and love his Father, can be awake, can desire and expect the fulness of His presence.

Lovingly, gratefully yours,
Emma Kinney.

Sheffield, England, Oct. 27, 1909.

Beloved Leader:—We, the members of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Sheffield, England, just organized, wish to express our gratitude to you for the truth you have revealed, which alone has made possible the formation of this branch church. We realize that the growth of our Cause and its permanent usefulness are absolutely dependent upon the recognition of government by divine Principle, and not by person, which government is best expressed through our text-book, the teachings of which enable all to demonstrate that God is no respecter of persons.

We also desire to yield faithful obedience and loyalty to the Manual of The Mother Church, which we appreciate as the fruit of unique experience of and overcoming by the faithful followers of Christ.

Yours in truth and love for the members,
Alfred E. Grindrod, Clerk.

[Telegram.]

Detroit, Mich., Nov. 27, 1909.
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Beloved Leader:—Over two hundred attendants at a meeting called by the state publication committee to promote the growth of Christian Science through the greater and wiser circulation of its authorized literature in Michigan, send you greetings of love and assurances of unswerving loyalty. We are grateful for the presence of Mr. Mattox and his wise counsel. We are striving in Christ's name to carry to the weary wanderers athirst in the desert the saving truth which you have given us. Our hearts are full of gratitude for your inspiring leadership and for your immeasurable service in restoring to the world the healing and saving religion of Jesus the Christ.

New York, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1909. 

Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, Brookline, Mass.

Beloved Leader:—Never before has the spirit of Christian Science seemed so clear and near to me as it does today, and I feel impelled to write you of it. It has always seemed most natural for you, the Discoverer of Christian Science, to manifest its spirit in every way, but to me at least it was a big thing to strive for, gain, and demonstrate. During the last month, when there seemed to be in our church—well—a little lack of love toward those who have been and are upholding the Directors of The Mother Church, I have found more than usual pleasure in studying your "Miscellaneous Writings," and the fearlessness and strength of character, the sweetness, gentleness, selflessness, and purity of your nature expressed in your works, are indeed powerful healing forces. They have uncovered and laid low a number of obstructions in my consciousness, and raised up in my heart a broader, deeper, purer love, which is proving your teaching in better and quicker healing of those who seek my help. May the spirit of Love quicken me more and more each day, and may I prove its presence and power in more patience, forbearance, and compassion toward those who are struggling also to know and reflect God.

Dear Leader, I love you, and I shall try harder than ever before to serve you in my daily living and work.

Earnestly your follower,
Margaret Beecher White.