UPON the occasion of the dedication of the new edifice of First Church of Christ, Scientist, New York City, November 29, 1903, the following letter was received by the Church from Mrs. Eddy and was read at each service.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, New York City.
Beloved Brethren:— Carlyle writes, "Give a thing time; if it succeeds, it is a right thing." Here I aver that you have grasped time and labor—taking the first by the forelock, and the last by love. In this lofty temple, dedicated to God and humanity, may the prophecy of Isaiah be fulfilled "Fear not, for I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." Within its sacred walls may song and sermon generate only such as Christianity writes in broad facts over great continents—sermons that fell forests and remove mountains—songs of joy and gladness.
The letter of your work dies, as do all things material, but the spirit thereof is immortal. Remember that a temple but foreshadows the idea of God—the "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," while a silent grand man or woman healing sickness and destroying sin builds a heaven-reacher. Only that group of men and women gain greatness who gain themselves, in a complete subordination of self.
