After the sermon by Rev. W. I. Gill, Mrs. Eddy spoke as follows:—
The great theme, so deeply and solemnly expounded by the preacher, has been exemplified in all ages, but chiefly in the great crises of nations or the human race. It is then that supreme devotion to Principle has been especially called for and manifested. It is then that we learn a little more of the nothingness of evil, and the divine energies of good, and strive valiantly for the liberty of the sons of God.
The day we celebrate reminds us of the heroes and heroines who counted not their own lives dear to them, when they sought the New England shores, not as the flying or as conquerors, but, steadfast in faith and love, to build upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, that true idea of God,—the supremacy of Spirit, and the nothingness of matter. When first the Pilgrims planted their feet upon Plymouth Rock, frozen ritual and creed should have forever melted away in the fire of love which came down from Heaven. They came to establish a nation in true freedom, in the rights of conscience.
