At the Communion Service held in the Mother Church on Sunday, January 2, 1898, the following letter from the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy was read by the First Reader:—
"My Beloved Brethren:— The change in the time for holding our semi-annual church meetings, I have suggested, in order to separate these sessions from the excitement and commotion of the season's holidays.
"In metaphysics, we learn that the strength of peace and of suffering is sublime, a true, tried mental conviction that is neither tremulous nor relapsing. This strength is like the ocean, able to carry navies, yet yielding to the touch of a finger. This peace is spiritual, never selfish, stony, or stormy, but generous, reliable, helpful, and always at hand.
