ALL local history is interesting, mainly, to those who have helped to make that history, by contributing, each, his or her little share of work or experience, toward the accomplishment of some desirable end. The growth of the church thought among Christian' Scientists, has, as yet a brief history, so far as distinct organization is concerned; but each effort in this direction, honestly made, opens the way for larger growth, and clearer thought as to what the church really is, and what it is designed to accomplish. From this point of view, perhaps a few way-marks in connection with the first year's work of the Church of Christ Scientist in Quincy, Ill. may have an interest outside the little circle which comprises its membership.
Genuine Christian Science came to Quincy, as an active, permeating force in July 1888. It found a little band of Truth seekers. Under the guiding thought of a loyal student, who soon after became a student of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, they assembled week after week, to study the Book, and search the Scriptures, to find the way of eternal Life and Truth.
When the Bible Lessons became a feature in Science development, a Sunday service was inaugurated. This study continued with increasing interest and profit, until a year ago last September, when further word from the Teacher on church organization, and the movement of this thought in the general consciousness, brought us face to face with the question: Are we ready to go forward and establish the Cause of Christian Science on a firmer, broader basis, in our city, by organizing a branch of the Church of Christ Scientist.
The subject was pondered with much deliberation and caution, until action in this direction seemed imperative.
As a preliminary step, three Trustees were elected to obtain Articles of Incorporation, in accordance with the Constitution of the State. Soon after, the sister who had been our faithful leader for the past three years, was elected pastor. Early in Oct. 1891, twelve persons signed their names to the Tenets, and during the year, eighteen others; making the present membership of the church, thirty. A few of this number are non-residents, who for various reasons, wished to be associated with us.
Formerly, all meetings had been held at the house of our leader; but more public and permanent quarters were secured, where uninterrupted services have been held every Sunday; and the study of the Bible Lessons every Friday afternoon. Semimonthly meetings of the church, for the promotion of spiritual growth, have also been found most profitable. The Sunday school has long been an important feature of the work here, meeting Sunday morning, before the regular service.
The Reading Room and Dispensary work, too has been carried forward with a degree of success,— the Room being open from 9—12 a. m. and from 2— 5 p. m. every week day, when some one from among the students has been present, to converse with any who might desire information on Christian Science, to furnish Christian Science literature to those desiring it, and to aid those who had need of healing. Science and Health, and all the works of Mrs. Eddy are on sale here. One copy of the Christian Science Journal is on file, and two other copies are kept for sale. About $85 worth of literature has been sold during the year.
This Headquarters of Christian Science, is a pleasant commodious room,— one third of which, furnished with carpet, chairs, tables, book-case and organ— is denominated the Reading Room and Dispensary. The remaining two thirds is the Service Hall, with a seating capacity of about sixty.
The method adopted for the support of the church viz— by pledges— has proved successful, and with occasional donations, has enabled us to meet all material demands. Additional contributions have given us an organ and chairs for the Service Hall.
The literature fund, begun by special donations, has become self-sustaining.
The experiences of this first year of our church life inspire us to press forward with renewed courage and zeal.—
The Journal comes to us every month fraught with good news from all over our broad land, and how much help and strength it gives us as we read of the progress of the work in other places! These reports give us so much encouragement that it has prompted us to send our little word to tell of the seed of Truth which has been sown among us. It is indeed "the least of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." It seems only a short time since many of us first became interested in the study of Science and Health which now gives us so much joy,— a joy not born of earth. A little over two years ago a Bible Class was started, which met in a hall that we hired.
Last winter, feeling that we desired to take every footstep which would in any way advance our spiritual growth, and having the way so clearly pointed out to us by our Leader, we decided to organize a church, which we did, and now have sixteen members. As in nearly all places where this work is carried on, we felt the need of a reading room where the Christian Science literature could be on sale, and also, where we could invite a few who desired this blessed Truth. Not being able at the time to hire a room, a lady kindly offered the use of one in her house, until we were able to walk alone and have a better place. Even in this small way much literature and many copies of Science and Health were sold, and we began to feel that we were outgrowing this and desired to take action toward something on a larger scale. A pleasant room in a central location was secured. When the subject came up for consideration, and it was made known that all we needed to go forward, was the necessary means to purchase furniture, the money came in quite freely, and we found that we had enough to make our room very pleasant. We hope to make our Reading Room and Dispensary a place where people will love to come who are longing for food from the heavenly Father's storehouse; and that through a close companionship, and clear understanding of Him we shall be able to feed those hungry hearts with the living bread, and that it may be the means of dispensing the Gospel of Healing to many.
"Now unto him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," do we consecrate this work and all we hope to accomplish along these lines in the future With Love in our hearts, we have reason to feel assured that a successful future awaits the cause of Christian Science in our city.— Auburn, Me.
In Truth there is but one Spirit, even Christ the Lord. It is needless for me to tell of the many cures which I have wrought through Christian Science. Science and Health is my Teacher. I was a member of the church of Christ in good standing. I thought I was right, because they took the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible for their guide. When I heard of Christian Science I was stiff-necked and uncircumcised of heart, until Christ the Lord of glory showed to me, as he did to the doubting Thomas, that he was the Prince of Life, and the resurrection. My wife was sick and dying. She was past speaking, and fast passing away. She motioned to me that she wanted air. I carried her in my arms to the rocking chair, placing it where she could get a draught of air, then sent for help. I do not know why, but I sent for a Christian Scientist. When he got there she was unconscious, her eyes seemed to be set; she was quite helpless. The Scientist held her in silent thought for about ten minutes, when she opened her eyes and said, "I am all right." She arose and went into the dining room and ate breakfast; and she has been well ever since. This was two years ago. She was healed through Christ. And there were two cleansed, instead of only one. For whereas I was blind, now I see. Before I had the form of godliness, but denied the power thereof. We both turned and gave God thanks for his blessings. His blessing was upon us for his mercy endureth forever. I write this for the edification of others who are looking to Christ for healing. Though I am poor in this world's goods, yet I am rich in Christ. I write that others may know that there is proof of Christian Science. I am not ashamed of the work, for it is Truth. He that thinks he is wise, let him become a fool that he may be wise.—
Rev. 217. "To him that overcometh will I give . . . a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." It was an ancient custom connected with the public games, that the victor "he that overcometh" among other honors, was presented with a white stone (tessera) with his name inscribed on it. Such a stone was often of two parts, each bearing a portion of the name, and was thus used as a talisman or sacred token between friends or families. None but the two parts made for each other completed the device. Each, whenever presented in whatever part of the world, would instantly match into its place, and constitute the bearer's passport to kindness and favor with the kindred of its fellow's owner. So we know that when the race is run, and the white stone obtained, there will be to our consciousness a perfect understanding of the Principle and idea of the relation of God to man, and the new name (character) will be ours which no man knoweth save him who receiveth it.—
A brother working in the field thus writes: I have been made very happy this week by a spiritual birth. The prodigal son came to me with a new and enlarged meaning. This experience brought me nearer our Teacher's thought I know, for I came into touch with the thought expressed in "Pond and Purpose." First, baptism, second, repentance. We are nicely located in rooms here,— very homelike. The students are struggling with the "Financial element in Christian Science." I know it will be rightly solved when we land on bed-rock,— divine Principle. I feel conscious of a growth now that gives me great encouragement to press forward more diligently.
At our last students meeting we discussed Principle," "Prophet," and "Purse." I realized more clearly than ever before that Principle is Love, and that every act and thought that is not governed by Love, in the broadest, highest sense of that term is unprincipled. I learned too, that a Prophet is not necessarily one who foretells coming events, but a Spiritual Seer, or one who sees spiritually. Paul must have meant this higher sense of prophecy, when he tells us of all gifts to covet prophesying, or in other words to become conscious only of spiritual facts, by excluding all others, "which seem to be, but are not."—
One who has but recently come into Christian Science thus writes: I think I learn new truths every day. I do not mean new Truth, for Truth is everlasting, but I understand old truths in a very different light, and think I have been instrumental in doing a little good. I find I learn the most by doing. In short, if I follow the light so far as I see it, I always seem to get more. Another who came in at the same time thus writes In all its workings we find Christian Science more satisfactory than anything we had ever been taught before. It brings with it a restful feeling that nothing else had ever done.
