OPEN LETTERS

Dear Journal.—You come to us each month full of helpful thought and inspiration. Many times one single article has been worth the year's subscription to me.

We have taken up a new field of labor in the western part of the city, and are meeting with a good deal of interest and encouragement.

To-day I met a prominent evangelist, who spoke of a lamp now burning in the British Museum. It was picked up in the city of Pompeii by one of the Queen's party. About nine years ago this lamp was polished and furnished with a new wick and set burning; and there it burns night and day, seemingly just because it loves to, regardless of sunshine or darkness. For nearly eighteen hundred years it had been darkened by the debris of the buried city. In 1881 it was brought out and lighted again. As he was telling this to me, I thought what a true and beautiful type of the Christ truth.

Eighteen hundred years ago the world was illumined by a great light, even the Christ truth, "The light of the world." But, in a few years, this light was dimmed and darkened by unbelief; was lost sight of, buried in the debris of doctrines and material methods. In eighteen hundred eighty-one it was brought forth by a member of the royal company, even a daughter of the Great King, and set burning in the Massachusetts Metaphysical College (chartered that year) to send forth its light day and night, in love.

Seven years (the perfect number) of active labor by the founder of this college, and its wonderful, even marvellous work was accomplished. Its niche in human history was filled, and its doors closed. But the " Christ Truth brought again the second time to human consciousness," is shining out full and luminous " lighting all within the house." How rapidly, as the lightning's flash, shining from the East even unto the West, has this truth been established! and it shall shine brighter and brighter, to us, until the perfect day.

I am so glad every day for the light of Christian Science by which to understand the Word of God and am seeking for more, and yet more light.—A. E. P. W.

Four years ago I came to Michigan as the wife of a Presbyterian minister. I was quite a sufferer from neuralgia; in fact had, for over a year, been constantly under the doctor's care, and it seemed only a question of a few more struggles with the pain when my life should pay the forfeit. Through one of my husband's leading helpers,—not a church-member however,—who had been healed in the Truth, I heard of Christian Science.

She became my warmest friend; and gradually I began to see the "Truth" through her teaching. Then came a day when it must needs be Truth or error—Life or death—and my friend telegraphed the Scientist who had healed her to come at once. She came not, but simply gave me an absent treatment; yet I was made "every whit whole from that hour." Have never since taken medicine nor given any to my little son, who has implicit faith in Christian Science.

I now can intelligently read both my Bible and Science and Health, putting all belief of trouble and grief aside. For two years my health has been perfect, though belief of a great sorrow has thrown the support of myself and little son entirely upon me. This " support " came by my being offered a school, which I am now teaching.

One instance of my wading through the snow this winter shows that the full realization that "God is all" proves there is no such thing as "La Grippe."

One very cold and stormy day, L—and I started to school over drifts that the men thought it too severe to clear away. I said, it being my duty, I could do it, and did, taking our dinner with us. There were but a few of the scholars present, whom I dismissed early in the afternoon, as it was drifting so badly. I, being warm and comfortable, waited until the hour for closing, when I found it had drifted over the fences, leaving no path visible. I was not afraid however. Got through the first drift of about half a block in twenty-five minutes. I had a slight belief of being cold by that time; but conquered it just as one of the members of the School Board came with a snow-shovel. He said I should not have thought of teaching on such a day, when it was impossible for the horses to go over the road. I remarked that since I had been treated in Christian Science I had never once let a storm keep me from what I felt to be my duty. " Perfect Love casteth out fear; " and Christian Science is Love, and " Love is overall."—Teacher.

For the benefit of the readers of the Journal, I give the experience of one who, from the first of her understanding of Christian Science, has labored that the integrity of her life might interest others in the cause. This experience reveals the fact that, although honest and earnest, it is at the outset an easy matter to get led astray. Especially addressed are the readers of Mind-cure and Theosophical works.

Healed in the beginning by Christian Science, she received what she had sought from childhood, and determined to devote her life to the cause. Of a naturally investigating disposition, after having carefully perused Science and Health and the Bible she began to look farther; to read a great deal from different authors. At last looking into Theosophy, she saw, as she thought, the Truth, although clouded many times with error. Still, she believed Christian Science and Theosophy were identical; and although she endeavored not to judge, many times it seemed our teacher did wrong in condemning it. As time went on, she grew stronger in her demonstrations, and realized great happiness in her work; but she also realized periods of such misery that she longed to pass from, this sphere to another, hoping to gain thereby (thus limiting herself to a change in order to find Life!). At last she dreaded to take a case that might seem to take time, for fear she would have one of her " dark spells," as she called them. At length her misery became so intense that she feared suicide; but she strove for the Light, thinking: " If other Scientists have passed through this, I must. I must not leave them to battle alone." At last, the thought she had worked upon for a realization of Truth was taken from her, and she could not treat. She tried other methods, and would just begin to feel established in one when that would go, too. Finally the Truth came " in a still, small voice," and she knew her troubles were ended. She began again to read Science and Health, and it became very clear. " Why do they say it is hard to understand? My heart bleeds for the poor people whom I know are just where I was in thought. How can I reach them?" Then she thought: " I would not profit by the good advice of another, and they will not by mine." She sees that Theosophy may sparkle in part while other parts emit no lustre; that Christian Science admits no What? or Why? that it is All—with no degrees of comparison. She also feels that although many are striving to enter the sheepfold, few have entered the door as it is given in Science and Health; that in order to maintain Truth we must seem narrow to a world broad in error.

Thanking God for His revelation, she will labor to bring the Truth in its purity to those who are desirous—Mrs. W. G. S.

I will relate two little incidents, hoping they may be helpful to some who still linger in the consciousness of loss, or lack of memory.

At the breakfast table this morning someone asked the name of a certain flower, one that is common and of which I had heard and spoken many times, yet was in belief, repeatedly forgetting. I began, as of old, to recall the letters of the alphabet, thinking I could gain assistance in that way; but Truth soon asked a hearing. It said: "You are God's child. With Him is all knowledge. Memory is His. He will supply every felt need. Zacharias was dumb on account of unbelief; but when Truth was recognized, he was given the right word." Just as that thought finished, the name of the flower came, and I spoke the word, Zinia.

I love to speak of Him who gives the power; so I said: " I have found a better way than the old of calling to remembrance those words and ideas seemingly lost." I was asked if it as private, and replied, "All may know who desire."

A little later, I told my mother how the word came. " Well," she said, "can you remember the names of those two ladies whom we used to know several years ago? They were cousins to each other, but lived as sisters." Their names had always bothered both mother and myself. I first thought: "Now I have my mother's unbelief to contend against." Then she suggested that she thought one of the names began with a certain letter. I voiced the thought: "The old method is seemingly taking stronger and higher ground this time. Then Truth took the field and victory was gained.

Truth said: "These are God's children, therefore your sisters. You can see their faces. Truth knows them by name. You are a child of Truth, and what Truth possesses is also your possession." Then the names came. I said to my mother: "One was Miss Cassy; the other, Miss Wiart." The reply was simply: "Yes."

In belief, I have had much trouble to recall many things, especially names of persons and places; but Truth conquers all the beliefs of error.

I think it necessary and right to apply and demonstrate this Truth in the simple, ordinary (so called) details of daily living; thus becoming happy, whatever the occupation, and ready for greater tests,—even the fiery furnace.—B.

Eve-Ill.

Error has screamed about "personality," till it has finally uncovered "Evil " to my sense, and caused it to rebound back to its personality of the Hebrew Allegory. That all may with me rejoice more and more in its unreality and the reality of Good, I send my thought to the Journal. Error is represented in the Allegory as assuming divine form and character, simply to teach mankind never to believe a lie.

Jesus treated both sin and sickness upon the same Principle, " Whether is it easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk?" (Mark ii. 9.) Christian Science, we believe, will prove to be the tree whose "leaves were for the healing of the nations, and there shall be no more curse " (Rev. xxii. 2, 3). " No more curse": losing sight of the false claim of mankind to be living under a curse! Thus, the negation of evil will become more and more potent, and its beneficent effects more and more apparent to us.

This mortal ego, Eve, is not Mind's idea; but "Love thy neighbor as thyself, is. "God is Love "; and Love is a universal language. "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another." Christian Science enables us to see through the clouds of sense, and to rise above the material, serpentine lie called the Temptation and Fall.—B. S., Junction City, Kansas.

Your sincere and Christian letter came duly to hand. Mrs. C—called, and I found her a very pleasant and helpful visitor. She spoke of Peter, when he would have walked the deep, and allowed his eyes to be drawn away from Jesus. It has been so, truly, with me. Used only to a most secluded life, I was four years ago, by the loss of my husband, thrown suddenly into contact with such darkness and storm, I had finally almost despaired of the Master's presence. But, helped by your hopeful words and Mrs. C—'s, I feel again the quickening confidence that underneath me still are the "Everlasting Arms." I am sorry to say I do not feel physically improved, but I feel helped in my trial and determination to perform, with the Lord's help, that all-conquering inward miracle of love to enemies.

"With sincerest thanks for your swift sympathy and kindness in every way.—I. N., Washington, D. C.

... I received your circular letter asking that we be more active in our efforts for the Journal and the publications of our Society. I think we all need a good shaking up on this point and your letter will do good. The management of the past has had the tendency to discourage not a few. It has not been at all pleasant to send a special letter month after month regarding the non-reception of the Journal. Another mistake in my opinion was the premium plan. Previous to that innovation I had been accustomed to securing what names I could by personal solicitation in each place where I have labored, but the premium plan handicapped my efforts. This is what I mean. Premiums being offered, each locality had those who were working for premiums and I did not desire to appear working for the same end. It seems to me that only that work which is done unselfishly and from Principle will stand. Subscriptions secured for premium's sake, etc., are not so apt to be renewed. Each Christian Scientist must be interested in the Journal cause. It is our only means of being provided with a knowledge of our general growth. As far as its contributions are confined to the experience of the writers, and do not reach out to aid something which those trying are not able to do, or to advance some idea or criticism not occurring to the Truth as studied in Science and Health, the Journal is a source of great good to the cause. Such is the present effort of the Journal. We get asleep regarding our duty to the Journal as well as in other lines of work. Yours with best wishes for the Journal and the Society. —A. F., Topeka, Kans.

Once, while surf-bathing at Newport, I joined hands with two or three others and walked out into the water, until only my head was above the surface. The volume and immensity of the ocean seemed at once so great, a sudden fear came over me, and I begged those with me to turn around. As soon as the sea was behind, and I could see the land once more, my fear departed.

So it seems now, when we face this sea of error. If we would turn and put it behind us, and see only the Real and True, we would not be in such fear of being engulfed. We could more bravely go on and let the sea roar behind us; knowing that if we but keep going towards the land ahead our feet will at last stand on the solid rock of Truth.

The only civil word Jesus ever had for error was, "Get behind me, Satan." (S. & H.)—N. B. E., Lincoln, Neb.

I do not think the remarks about church service in May Journal would have been made had Sister Noyes' article given more of detail. Some one always reads the selections from Science and Health and the Bible who has demonstrated enough to believe what he or she is reading, and this carries conviction to the hearer. In several instances to our knowledge, "the signs" have followed.

I hardly think a phonograph could fill the place any more than it could for the Bible readings every Sunday from the pulpits. The Word of God must be spoken, and Truth voicing itself is not putting "new wine into old bottles "; this is "living the life of demonstration." "The tree is known by its fruits," and we have much to thank God for in our being led to this point through the wilderness.—Mrs. G. W.

When a child is born, the father and mother talk for it. Hence, now, the Bible and Science and Health are speaking in our new-born church, which is founded on them. I believe churches all ought to start in this way, and that Science and Health will be shown to be the best preacher with a student who loves and understands it. The people are much pleased, and say, "How good it is to be here."

In Science and Health we recognize the Teacher, Healer, and Preacher,—the three in one, and this action is bound to prosper, for people are being healed with our service. The pure service is doing the work, and when we are older grown the students will be able, with God's power, to give sermons of demonstration.—M. B. B.

[The Note Book's remarks were not made with any special reference to the services of our Chicago friends. They were directed against the spirit of routine, and the habit of dependence, either on a regular speaker or some one delegated to do a certain work for the others. It is this that destroys vitality in the public services of the sects. There is a natural tendency with Scientists, who mostly come out from the old churches, to start off on much the same lines. The more use that can be made of the Bible and of Science and Health, the better. Probably the experience of any one assembly cannot be exactly repeated in any other. Whether we are now working out a form of church service, or whether individual participation will characterize Scientists' meetings no one can, to-day, tell. But we can all agree that the final appeal in every development of Science among men is to demonstration.—Editor.]