Part 4 (1/2)

The first Christian Scientist a.s.sociation was organized by myself and six of my students in 1876, on the Centennial Day of our nation's freedom. At a meeting of the Christian Scientist a.s.sociation, on April 12, 1879, it was voted to organize a church to commemorate the words and works of our Master, a Mind-healing church, without a creed, to be called the Church of Christ, Scientist, the first such church ever organized. The charter for this church was obtained in June, 1879,[D] and during the same month the members, twenty-six in number, extended a call to me to become their pastor. I accepted the call, and was ordained in 1881, though I had preached five years before being ordained.

When I was its pastor, and in the pulpit every Sunday, my church increased in members, and its spiritual growth kept pace with its increasing popularity; but when obliged, because of acc.u.mulating work in the College, to preach only occasionally, no student, at that time, was found able to maintain the church in its previous harmony and prosperity.

Examining the situation prayerfully and carefully, noting the church's need, and the predisposing and exciting cause of its condition, I saw that the crisis had come when much time and attention must be given to defend this church from the envy and molestation of other churches, and from the danger to its members which must always lie in Christian warfare. At this juncture I recommended that the church be dissolved. No sooner were my views made known, than the proper measures were adopted to carry them out, the votes pa.s.sing without a dissenting voice.

This measure was immediately followed by a great revival of mutual love, prosperity, and spiritual power.

The history of that hour holds this true record. Adding to its ranks and influence, this spiritually organized Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, still goes on. A new light broke in upon it, and more beautiful became the garments of her who ”bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace.”

Despite the prosperity of my church, it was learned that material organization has its value and peril, and that organization is requisite only in the earliest periods in Christian history. After this material form of cohesion and fellows.h.i.+p has accomplished its end, continued organization r.e.t.a.r.ds spiritual growth, and should be laid off,--even as the corporeal organization deemed requisite in the first stages of mortal existence is finally laid off, in order to gain spiritual freedom and supremacy.

From careful observation and experience came my clue to the uses and abuses of organization. Therefore, in accord with my special request, followed that n.o.ble, unprecedented action of the Christian Scientist a.s.sociation connected with my College when dissolving that organization,--in forgiving enemies, returning good for evil, in following Jesus' command, ”Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” I saw these fruits of Spirit, long-suffering and temperance, fulfil the law of Christ in righteousness. I also saw that Christianity has withstood less the temptation of popularity than of persecution.

”FEED MY SHEEP”

Lines penned when I was pastor of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston.

Shepherd, show me how to go O'er the hillside steep, How to gather, how to sow,-- How to feed Thy sheep; I will listen for Thy voice, Lest my footsteps stray; I will follow and rejoice All the rugged way.

Thou wilt bind the stubborn will, Wound the callous breast, Make self-righteousness be still, Break earth's stupid rest.

Strangers on a barren sh.o.r.e, Lab'ring long and lone, We would enter by the door, And Thou know'st Thine own.

So, when day grows dark and cold, Tear or triumph harms, Lead Thy lambkins to the fold, Take them in Thine arms; Feed the hungry, heal the heart, Till the morning's beam; White as wool, ere they depart, Shepherd, wash them clean.

COLLEGE CLOSED

The apprehension of what has been, and must be, the final outcome of material organization, which wars with Love's spiritual compact, caused me to dread the unprecedented popularity of my College. Students from all over our continent, and from Europe, were flooding the school. At this time there were over three hundred applications from persons desiring to enter the College, and applicants were rapidly increasing. Example had shown the dangers arising from being placed on earthly pinnacles, and Christian Science shuns whatever involves material means for the promotion of spiritual ends.

In view of all this, a meeting was called of the Board of Directors of my College, who, being informed of my intentions, unanimously voted that the school be discontinued.

A Primary cla.s.s student, richly imbued with the spirit of Christ, is a better healer and teacher than a Normal cla.s.s student who partakes less of G.o.d's love. After having received instructions in a Primary cla.s.s from me, or a loyal student, and afterwards studied thoroughly Science and Health, a student can enter upon the gospel work of teaching Christian Science, and so fulfil the command of Christ. But before entering this field of labor he must have studied the latest editions of my works, be a good Bible scholar and a consecrated Christian.

The Ma.s.sachusetts Metaphysical College drew its breath from me, but I was yearning for retirement. The question was, Who else could sustain this inst.i.tute, under all that was aimed at its vital purpose, the establishment of _genuine_ Christian Science healing? My conscientious scruples about diplomas, the recent experience of the church fresh in my thoughts, and the growing conviction that every one should build on his own foundation, subject to the one builder and maker, G.o.d,--all these considerations moved me to close my flouris.h.i.+ng school, and the following resolutions were pa.s.sed:--

At a special meeting of the Board of the Metaphysical College Corporation, Oct. 29, 1889, the following are some of the resolutions which were presented and pa.s.sed unanimously:--

WHEREAS, The Ma.s.sachusetts Metaphysical College, chartered in January, 1881, for medical purposes, to give instruction in scientific methods of mental healing on a purely practical basis, to impart a thorough understanding of metaphysics, to restore health, hope, and harmony to man,--has fulfilled its high and n.o.ble destiny, and sent to all parts of our country, and into foreign lands, students instructed in Christian Science Mind-healing, to meet the demand of the age for something higher than physic or drugging; and

WHEREAS, The material organization was, in the beginning in this inst.i.tution, like the baptism of Jesus, of which he said, ”Suffer it to be so now,” though the teaching was a purely spiritual and scientific impartation of Truth, whose Christly spirit has led to higher ways, means, and understanding,--the President, the Rev. Mary B.G. Eddy, at the height of prosperity in the inst.i.tution, which yields a large income, is willing to sacrifice all for the advancement of the world in Truth and Love; and

WHEREAS, Other inst.i.tutions for instruction in Christian Science, which are working out their periods of organization, will doubtless follow the example of the _Alma Mater_ after having accomplished the worthy purpose for which they were organized, and the hour has come wherein the great need is for more of the spirit instead of the letter, and Science and Health is adapted to work this result; and

WHEREAS, The fundamental principle for growth in Christian Science is spiritual formation first, last, and always, while in human growth material organization is first; and