An attempt was made to start the work of Christian Science in Rochester in the spring of 1886; but it was not fully established until the spring of 1887. The people being conservative, success was then attained only through the full determination of its followers, God with them, to plant it there at whatever cost. The spring of 1887 found the Scientist in charge with more than she unaided could do; but students were taught, and the work went on.
All tendency to differences has uniformly been discouraged; and one faith in one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all—one "strait and narrow way," has been so thoroughly discussed and accepted that harmony has prevailed. Striving "to be of the same mind that was in Christ Jesus," we have been strong to cope with error, and few have gone astray.
A Sunday school has been, established, and public services consisting of music, silent prayer, and a Bible lecture in explanation of the Scripture from the standpoint Christian Science, are held every Sunday afternoon, with an attendance of from forty, to fifty. No association, but that of Love has been formed. Student's meetings, held on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday evenings are well attended. No dispensary has been organized, but each practitioner does all of this work that is possible. Christian Science literature has been freely circulated.
The demonstrations of Christian Science have changed public opinion in a marked degree; even some of the most eminent physicians admitting that this blessed Truth is a power. Although it is still bitterly opposed in some quarters it is steadily gaining ground—those most bitter, one by one accepting it.
This spiritualization of thought, has so changed the pulpits, that they are fast forgetting to preach their doctrine, and are giving much Truth instead.
Rochester having long been known to mortal sense as the city of spiritualism, mesmerism, magnetism, and theosophy, there appears much wrong thought to destroy. Christian Science has been established upon a firm basis however; its foundation being none other than the Bible and Science and Health; hence most of its adherents are able to meet and conquer this seeming error.
All that is needed to hasten the work in this locality is quiet, earnest, prayerful thought—the outcome of the "still small voice" that surely produces demonstration.—
Dear Journal.—I wish very much to send a word of greeting to the dear Scientists at home, from this country across the sea. I have been travelling about the continent for several months, and everywhere have found work to do in Science. Hardly a day passes in which I do not have some opportunity to sow a little "seed," and all whom I have conversed with seemed glad to receive, and eager to acquire a deeper knowledge. I have been everywhere struck with the deep-seated unrest, manifested by people of every pursuit, profession, and especially of every religious persuasion. Everywhere time-honored (?) creeds are being deserted for larger teachings, and, in consequence, the churches are seizing at compromises which, a few years ago, would have been regarded as heresies. One feature, which seems to me very significant, is the widespread interest shown in the sermons and pamphlets which are flooding the country. Many of them are from the pen of the clergy of the Church of England, and have reached enormous editions. They teach the idea of God as Spirit, Love, Truth; urge that "the personal be left out of religion and the churches," and, in many ways, are undoubtedly making ready the mortal thought for the reception of Truth. Is this not the "silent leavening"? Must we not read "the signs of the times"?
I am most grateful to our dear Journal for the helpful thoughts it has brought to me, and the reports of the great work which is going on at home. During my wanderings, away from intercourse with Scientists, the "Notes from the Field" have been more than ever welcome and inspiring. I have felt keenly this separation from my fellow workers, yet I am fully persuaded that forced to rely solely upon Principle, we learn lessons which we can be taught in no other way.— Germany, June 19, 1890.
. . . Science and Health, the Journal and Series, are the bread of life to me. I do know, with my little understanding of Truth, that we can only gain immortality in proportion as we blot out mortal sense, and live in the consciousness that love is the " fulfilling of the law."— Horton, Kans.
Dear Journal:—As each month rolls by and we are again greeted with the helpful thoughts contained in each new number, I more fully realize that Christian Science is, indeed, daily growing in the realization of many dear brothers and sisters; and, best of all, is being demonstrated more and more. Truly, "the good time coming" is "almost here"; the marked improvement in Journal being sufficient evidence of itself that Scientists are slowly but surely progressing—are "growing into the perfect stature of manhood which was with Christ Jesus.” The day is indeed breaking through the clouds and darkness that seemed so real. I will insert right here a short article copied from the Syracuse Standard.
"A hopeful sign," from the Toledo Bee; "It is a good omen for the world of women, that of the body's coming to be a part of the creed of good and true living. The days for extolling a saintly soul within a pained and suffering body that ought to be healthy and vigorous, are happily passed away. The idea that the time will come when disease will be looked upon as almost a crime or the hereditary result of ignorance, which will be classed with crime, is not so startling as it was when first promulgated."
Although not altogether scientific it will do very well, having come through the hands of two editors of daily newspapers.
A dear sister in Truth gave one helping thought lately, viz.: "Realize fully that the people in your town do want to know the Truth, but they are not conscious of it"
I enclose money-order for six half-yearly subscriptions to Journal, hoping it may help at least as many dear ones to behold the light which is shining therein.—
. . . I love the Journal and Series and feel that I could not go on the way without their timely words. I am trying to work for the Master and I love the work. I cannot see the fruits of my labor as I could wish, but this I know that whereas three years ago when I began to speak of Christian Science, some would "laugh me to scorn," others would gnash on me with their teeth; now those same persons read the Journal and Series. I have given out a number of the tracts, " The Way to Begin in Christian Science." Am going to take a course of lectures soon and am in hopes to grow stronger and " put on the whole armor of God" and be able to stand.— Cambridge, Ill.
Yet does the "still, small voice" of Truth come to our hearts, bringing its messages of Life and Love, and strengthening us with its daily manna, to work out this problem of life. I thank God for His love in showing me more and more of Himself. I am led to exclaim: "Oh, the length, and breadth, and height and depth!" It was infinite Love that gave me the teachings of Science, in order to give me a right understanding of my relationship to Himself. But I feel the need of a much greater understanding; that I must be wholly crucified to self to be able to demonstrate more fully. I can only rely on Him who "giveth liberally and upbraideth not."
We have Bible class every Wednesday and Sunday; and find it a source of pleasure and profit to meet and commune with one another. Living in the shadow of Yale University, we have some false claims to take up and handle. It is sometimes asked what good our meetings are doing; but Truth will steadily advance, and Love is deep and abiding. We are earnestly seeking to be like the Christ, in following in his footsteps, and sowing the seed.— New Haven, Conn.
...Please accept congratulations upon the Journal the last few months. I wish I could place the April number in every house in this city. I can hardly wait till each copy comes. No one but a pioneer can tell what a blessing it is to receive it each month. The work in Truth is growing beautifully here. I have sold four copies or Science and Health. I think when I can place that volume in a home, that the seed is sown that eventually will bring forth good fruit. One of our ministers of the gospel cannot understand how it is that a boy can heal the sick when they who have spent years in college and study of the Scriptures cannot. Some of them have tried to preach against it; but they only advertise it, as error is powerless before Truth. I have, under treatment, one minister who says, like the blind man "Once I was blind, but now I see."— London, Ont.
... Enclosed find New York draft for four subscriptions to the Journal to the following addresses, commencing with the April number..... We note a grand improvement in our beloved Journal with every succeeding number.— Arkansas City, Kansas
Through the instrumentality of a faithful Scientist I was led from the pitfall of so-called Scientists, and have since been busy undoing many of my former thoughts. I have several times encountered in belief the error known as animal magnetism; but, in the power of that Love which says: "I will counsel you with mine eye upon you," we still press forward to the "mark of the high calling of Good" as it is in Christ Jesus, and are nailing the world, the flesh, and the devil to the cross of Truth. May we soon come into the understanding of this Love of which I have been reading, and be among the wise virgins! Let us demonstrate the Principle and "prove the Spirit whether they be of Good or not."—
... I was deeply interested in the confession of a sister Scientist, in regard to her mistake in condemning another sister. I felt a comfort when I read it. When we have the Christ, Truth in our hearts, what need we care for persecution? If we put on the "full armor of God"—have Love and Truth for our armor and shield, we are safe.
Yesterday the Mormon people held a meeting for the condemnation of Christian Scientists, claiming us to be workers of the evil one, and as such to be avoided. I know what they will try to do with us, but I have no fears.— Salt Lake City, Utah.
... How the Truth is marching on! This seems to be with us, a time of purification more than of healing. We are doing some hard fighting, but, through Spirit, we shall be victors.— Amsterdam, N. Y.
I could not be without the dear Journal. It is worth more to me than twice its value. It is my life and my light and affords me more comfort than I can express. How anxious I am for its arrival each month! I have read every number since Jan. 1889.
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I had been in bondage to sickness the most of the time for number of years. Had tried many remedies but had received no lasting benefit. Through the kindness of a friend, I heard of Science and Health. While perusing its pages, a new light seemed to dawn upon my mind that I was healed of disease by a power I knew came from the Spirit of Truth and Love.— Wilton, Me.
