Mason City, la., June 5, 1908.
Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, Brookline, Mass.
Dear Leader:—The Directors have informed me that I am selected to be First Reader of The Mother Church for the ensuing term. For this preferment and opportunity I thank you and them most heartily. I am preparing to resign my present office and assume my new duties at the appointed time.
Please accept from Mrs. Smith and me the assurance of our love. Sincerely yours,
Boston, Mass, June 15, 1908.
Beloved Leader:—In closing my term as First Reader of The Mother Church I wish to send you just a few words. My service during these three years of momentous historic importance has brought to me an added appreciation of the nature of your mission. It is so far reaching that at times one involuntarily halts to make sure of the next steps. You are leading in untrodden paths, where moral courage which God alone can supply and strength which He only can provide are needed every hour. As one of your humble followers, one of the rank and file, I have had momentary glimpses of the meaning of this advance of yours. I thank you profoundly for showing the way in your immortal book, Science and Health, and in your other writings. God blesses your advancing steps and crowns you with truth and love.
Yours faithfully,
Boston, Mass., June 17, 1908.
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, Boston.
Beloved Leader:—I know that the only worthy evidence of my gratitude and appreciation of the high honor conferred upon me in your Church is the evidence of trustworthiness shown by work done, yet an honest declaration in words has often proved a helpful bond; therefore I joyously promise to watch and pray that never "one backward step, one relinquishment of right in an evil hour, one faithless tarrying" (Miscellaneous Writings, P. 339) may befall me in this, my new and highest commission. Lovingly,
Concord, N. H., June 8, 1908.
Dearly Beloved Leader:—Some of the pupils of our Sunday School expressed a desire to send a contribution to the Publishing House building fund. Upon securing the approval of our trustees, I presented the question to the children yesterday for action, and they were delighted with the thought. When asked how much they wanted to send, one of the boys promptly said, "Let's send all we've got," which suggestion was heartily agreed to, and the secretary is to-day sending Mr. Chase a check for one hundred and one dollars. The teachers asked the privilege of contributing also. I told the children what the publishing house stands for and its relation to the Cause, and of our duty to headquarters, knowing that we cannot too soon instil into the minds of the children and all beginners the unity of our Cause and our part in it, and thus early develop the spirit of loving cooperation.
With deepest love, in which Mrs. Hering joins me,
Your devoted student,
A greeting from the Christian Science churches and societies of New Hampshire:—
Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy,
Chestnut Hill, Brookline, Mass.
Dear Leader:—The Christian Science churches and societies of this your native State, unite in sending you an expression of loving appreciation and gratitude. Time reveals to us more and more the infinitude of the truth you teach and the wisdom of your leadership. The love and unselfishness with which you have met the attacks of ignorance and malice have been to us another proof that your Christianity is the Christianity of Christ, who forgave his enemies. Your example has shown us the way. While we regret your departure from New Hampshire, we rejoice that you are where you can best be "living, loving, acting, enjoying" (Christian Science Sentinel, May 16).
Lovingly yours,
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Concord, N. H.
Brookline, Mass., June 9, 1908.
Dear Teacher:—We are nearer heaven in thought and effect since you came to live in Brookline. We do love you so for all the truth you have taught us. Mr. Longyear called my attention to this little poem, which was at the bottom of the page closing the mythology of your mortal life as given by McClure. This was mortal mind's unconscious tribute to your fruits! I am praying each day to be fitted to serve Love more acceptably.
With love,
[The following poem is the one to which reference is made in the above letter.—Editor.]
