Letters to Mrs. Eddy

with contributions from JAMES J. ROME, WILLIAM BRADFORD DICKSON

19 Norway Street, Boston, Mass., August 5, 1903.

Dear Leader and Guide:—I have often had a desire to tell you of some thoughts that once came to me in the night when mortal sense seemed to be asleep. There was something in the conversation we had a few weeks ago that awakened them afresh and enabled me to see more truth and beauty in them.

I thought I was in a large, beautiful building, a place that reminded me of a part of the Crystal Palace in London. Everything seemed very pleasant until some one told me that I was doomed to stay there all my life without any hope of change or escape. Shortly, however, another told me that there was one way out, but it was so dangerous that no one would think of trying it. On asking where it was, I was shown a narrow door. I went to it and was able to open it, but when I passed out all I found was a flight of slippery-looking steps leading to the edge of a large marsh or bog, filled with loathsome reptiles; on the other side was a hill over which ran a path. To reach that hill meant deliverance, but how to reach it was the question. As I looked a little longer and closer, I was able to discern a line of footprints; following them with my eyes I soon espied a female figure, about two thirds of the way across, stepping in the footprints as they had been left by one other, but he had gone up the hill and around a turn out of my range of sight. It is unnecessary to say who I thought those two were. Now if only I could put my feet exactly in these steps, I too could gain my freedom and help to show others the way. I determined to do so to the best of my ability, and have been striving so to do for the last twelve years. I have gained a few steps and would not, could not, go back, and "beyond the hill-crest" is home.

The inspiration of your talk and benediction have awakened within me new courage, new hope, and an intense longing for a more spiritual attitude of thought and life. As I think of you away in advance. I pray that divine Love may lighten, illumine with heavenly joy, your lone but not lonesome footsteps.

Here is a little poem I wrote a few years ago that seems to be in such close harmony with my present thought that I would like to give it.

Give me, O Lord, an understanding heart,
That I may learn to know myself, and see
Where I should spurn the wrong and choose the better part,
And thus from sinful bondage be set free.

Give me, O Lord, a meek and contrite heart,
That I may learn to quell all selfish pride,
Bowing before Thee, see Thee as Thou art,
And neath Thy sheltering feathers safely hide.

Give me, O Lord, a gentle, loving heart,
That I may learn to be more tender, kind,
And with the healing touch, each bleeding smart
With Christly bands of Love and Truth to bind.

And grant, dear Lord, that I may ever be,
With every closing eve or morn begun,
Steadfast and true, my heart at one with Thee,
And this my earnest prayer, "Thy will be done."

Sincerely and obediently yours.
JAMES J. ROME.

Fort Wayne, Ind., September I, 1903.

Rev. Mary Baker Eddy,

Concord, New Hampshire.

Beloved Leader, Teacher, Guide, Friend:—We who have watched you guide the Science Ship of State so safely and surely throughout the storm-filled years, past rocks and shoals and across hidden currents, have learned by happy experiences a divine confidence in the wisdom of your rulings.

Times and times during the past decade I have seen direfully threatening evil foreseen, forestalled, and forefended, by your sapient laws and decisive moves, and the good ship Science brought safely into the haven of the Infinite.

And I say this because of my gratitude for the helpful rulings in the new Manual,—rulings so helpful to the Cause and the individual.

May divine Love keep your hand long on the helm is the grateful wish of your

Loving disciple,
WILLIAM BRADFORD DICKSON.

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Mrs. Eddy and the Children

September 12, 1903

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