Early in September, 1888, a wonderful demonstration of the healing power of Truth so aroused the people of Pompey Hill and vicinity that it was deemed best to send a healer to this locality. So urgent seemed the need, that a Scientist was by telegraph summoned from Brooklyn, N. Y. Three days later she commenced work at this point.
The first day, an elderly lady who had been for many weeks confined to her bed—and whose demise, according to medical science (?) was only a matter of time—arose from her bed, and from that time took her meals with the family.
A pronounced "incurable," with heart disease of many years' standing, began at once to deny the claims of matter, and matter conditions. After a few weeks' treatment she entered a class, and is now doing valiant work for Truth. Thus, two homes are speedily transformed from hospitals into "quiet resting-places"; and Christian Science, according to the evidence of the senses, had "spoiled two funerals on Pompey Hill"!
Much other good work was done; although some cases did not, for various reasons, respond to the Truth.
During the fall and winter of 1888-'89, a Scientist of Syracuse gave many excellent practical talks on the subject of Christian Science. A goodly number of interested hearers met him in a commodious summer hotel, the proprietor of which, with his family, being very kindly disposed towards the Science. Much valuable assistance in many ways was rendered by those through whom the work was started and carried forward.
Pompey Hill is justly proud of her eminence, not only from a geographical standpoint, but because of the notable list of gifted men and cultured women she has sent out into the noble army of the world's workers. Here from year to year gather the weary seekers who, fleeing from the dust and din of the great cities find, in the quiet seclusion of her hillside homes, rest and refreshing. Who shall estimate the good to accrue from the seed of Truth sown in honest hearts in these peaceful homes—to radiate thence into hundreds of other homes scattered throughout the States? Already six loyal, earnest workers in this and adjoining towns, are proclaiming the glad tidings of this Gospel of the Kingdom to all who will hear; and the end is not yet.
A Bible class was established early which still maintains its interest, while another class as an outgrowth of this has been organized in a neighboring town.
If we failed to chronicle much bitter opposition (which in Christian Science, as in all things else, is the "life of business"), we should feel we had omitted one incontrovertible proof of the genuineness of our work; but despite this opposition, the cause is onward, and we feel that God has abundantly blessed our labor here. Again we verify the promise: "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."—
... There are six families to whom I regularly pass my Journals and occasionally some outside of my regular readers. I am in hopes in the quite near future to send you some subscriptions. I commenced my work in this place last July in the most quiet and unobtrusive way; I had been spending a few months in Chicago, where I had a course of lessons, and came home filled with the harmony of Christian Science. I never thought I would be able to interest so many. My friends wondered at the change in me, "I had an appearance of such contentment "; and thus began the questioning, until now I have quite a number gathering about me all asking for more. We are progressing in the study of the Bible and Science and Health. I proposed, after thinking a long time upon the matter, to meet Sunday afternoons and study the Journal together, and we did so. Each and all united in saying, why did you not propose this sooner? I have always been so retiring, it is very hard to think of even having the appearance of leading. In the nine months, I have sent for five copies of Science and Health, my own copy making six in our little village.— Constantine, Mich.
... Am glad for your note on page 603 of the March Journal, for one voicing the same thought has nearly made some of the students here discontinue the Journal. How could we get on without it? I do all I can for the Journal. It makes me realize the magnitude of the work and our unity in the Spirit. I keep on sale all the pamphlets and books.—Heb. vi: 1-3.— Vermillion, S. Dakota.
Dear Journal.—The April No is at hand full of good things, as usual. I read the communication and answer on page 43 and, although you often tell us opinions are of no account, I will give it as my opinion that the work of the Journal and C. S. Publishing Society will not be voted "finished " until all of the so-called sons and daughters of "Adam" are gathered into the fold of our native understanding, so we can communicate with each other by thinking. I, myself, am what is called one of the isolated ones, there not being a true C. S. within fifty miles or more; and I so long to know how the world is progressing in understanding Truth; I shall not vote the work of Journal finished as long as I stay in this dream, I fear.
I have Science and Health and, through the generous kindness of a friend and brother in C. S., have all of Mrs. Eddy's smaller works also, and read them over and over. Most of the people around me are not very much interested in C. S. however, and they seem "dead" to me; but the Journal comes to me full of the presence of so many living thoughts, that it seems a great boon to me. I am wishing all the time we could have a weekly paper as full of good things as is the Journal; then I should not get so hungry as I do, for two or three weeks before the latter comes. Long live the Journal.—
We did not know before that we were doing more than others in sending out Christian Science literature. We are working quietly, trying to "sow beside all waters," scattering here and there, and trusting God for the " increase." The promise of the harvest is sure.
I am glad to tell you that in the pockets of our few workers are consecrated purses. Some of these contain only the "widow's mite." You know what Jesus said about that. Others, more bountifully filled, are opened by the fingers of "cheerful givers"; so the time of need has never come to us yet, but that the supply followed at once. We thank God, and take courage.
What a precious work our Publishing Society is doing in sending out so many messages of Truth! I think the Series and Tracts will carry the Truth into many a home which the larger publications could not reach, unless preceded by these.— Syracuse, N. Y.
The love of Christian Science grows upon me day by day. As this date marks my 69th birthday, I am prompted to celebrate it with a thank-offering for what that grand book has been to me, and place Science and Health in two families where I hope much good may result from its perusal. The interest of Christian Science is growing in our city, and we hope for great prosperity in the near future. Our Sunday afternoon meetings are very pleasant and we find writing out our Bible Lessons very instructive. We are looking toward our annual meeting with much interest. I think our city will be represented, at least, the Scientist part of it. They all desire to go.— Kansas City.
... I enclose herein the order for renewal of my subscription to the Journal. And may I suggest that the Journal is so absolutely the one medium for inquiries and helpful advice from the founder of both the Science and the Journal—that I wonder if it would not be better to simply let the Truth "shine,"—without any "explanations." It seemes strange to me that "our" Journal should need to be defended from criticism of those who have been students.— East Los Angeles.
... The little tract you sent (Familiar Talks on Christian Science) did great good in a few hours after I received it. It was the means of truly converting a physician. He said he read it and caught the hinge to Christian Science; said if Christ's teachings were right, Christian Science was right. His wife is my patient—she came seventy-two miles for treatment.— Paola, Kansas.
... Let me say how much I appreciate the Journal. Every copy grows better and better and the last is splendid. I do not, neither could I, recommend any literature than that which comes from the Publishing Society. To mortal mind, I know this seems narrow; but "the way" is very narrow. For the senses, Jesus' sayings were narrow. "I am the way, the truth, and the life," viewed from the senses, is not only narrow but egotistical, but these words understood, are Life, for they mean demonstration. Our Journal laden with demonstrations shows the spirit or understanding that none other possibly could, no matter how clearly the letter is stated.—
... I have been privileged to listen to Brother L—the past two Sundays. He is holding up the Truth in D—, like Paul declared the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do know there has been a wonderful awakening there since last fall—a high form of pure teaching never manifested before. The same spirit is manifest in Canon City. They have had regular weekly meetings since last January. A Sunday school has been organized, and the noble and faithful band are preaching the gospel in their lives. I rejoice to notice also the excellent condition of the work in Pueblo. Last November, a class of five was taught; in January, a class of eighteen; in February, one of eight. The Journal is very necessary in every home of Christian Scientists and I do all I can in the direction of getting people interested in its reading.— Buffalo Springs, Colo.
... On my return to the city after an absence of some time, I found our Society in possession of your box so kindly sent us, and for which we all join in thanking you. With circulars enclosed, the Journals shall be widely distributed. Truth is unfolding here slowly but surely. We are very much in earnest and are doing excellent healing. The leaven of Love is working. God will bless your Society and effort in giving to the world and to us higher Truths of which we long to know more and more about.— Atlanta, Ga.
... The April Journal is good and many things helpful. While the Journal is what we all want, I am glad it is growing more and more to be the means of exchange of experiences, answers to questions, etc.; that there is less and less opinion by different students on Science. For Science, we have the Bible and Science and Health. It is all there.— Washington, Iowa.
... Accept my hearty thanks for the benefit the Journal has wrought for me, especially the Children's Department. I fully realize that to enter the kingdom of perfect Harmony, we must become as little children.— Pittsburg, Pa.
... We are very much delighted with your Christian Science Series, and enjoy them so much that we can hardly wait for their monthly arrival. Beside the benefit we ourselves derive from them, there is no estimating the good they do in the little circle we hand them round in.— Washington, D. C.
