[Page 382.]

were either a truism or a rule, my experience would [1]

contradict it and prove an exception.

No works on the subject of Christian Science existed, prior to my discovery of this Science. Before the publi- cation of my first work on this doctrine, a few manu- [5]

scripts of mine were in circulation. The discovery and founding of Christian Science has cost more than thirty years of unremitting toil and unrest; but, comparing those with the joy of knowing that the sinner and the sick are helped thereby, that time and eternity bear witness to [10]

this gift of G.o.d to the race, I am the debtor.

In the latter half of the nineteenth century I discov- ered the Science of Christianity, and restored the first patient healed in this age by Christian Science. I taught the first student in Christian Science Mind-healing; was [15]

author and publisher of the first books on this subject; obtained the first charter for the first Christian Science church, originated its form of government, and was its first pastor. I donated to this church the land on which in 1894 was erected the first church edifice of this denomination [20]

in Boston; obtained the first and only charter for a metaphysical medical college,-was its first and only president; was editor and proprietor of the first Christian Science periodical; organized the first Christian Scientist a.s.sociation, wrote its const.i.tution and by- [25]

laws,-as also the const.i.tution and by-laws of the National Christian Science a.s.sociation; and gave it _The Christian Science Journal_; inaugurated our denom- inational form of Sunday services, Sunday School, and so the entire system of teaching and practising Christian [30]

Science.

In 1895 I ordained that the Bible, and "Science and

[Page 383.]

Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Christian Science [1]

textbook, be the pastor, on this planet, of all the churches of the Christian Science denomination. This ordinance took effect the same year, and met with the universal ap- proval and support of Christian Scientists. Whenever [5]

and wherever a church of Christian Science is established, its pastor is the Bible and my book.

In 1896 it goes without saying, preeminent over igno- rance or envy, that Christian Science _is founded by its_ _discoverer_, and built upon the rock of Christ. The el- [10]

ements of earth beat in vain against the immortal parapets of this Science. Erect and eternal, it will go on with the ages, go down the dim posterns of time unharmed, and on every battle-field rise higher in the estimation of thinkers and in the hearts of Christians. [15]

CHAPTER XI. POEMS

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Come Thou

Come, in the minstrel's lay; [2]

When two hearts meet, And true hearts greet, And all is morn and May. [5]

Come Thou! and now, anew, To thought and deed Give sober speed, Thy will to know, and do.

Stay! till the storms are o'er- [10]

The cold blasts done, The reign of heaven begun, And Love, the evermore.

Be patient, waiting heart: Light, Love divine [15]

Is here, and thine; You therefore cannot part.

"The seasons come and go: Love, like the sea, Rolls on with thee,- [20]

But knows no ebb and flow.

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"Faith, hope, and tears, triune, [1]

Above the sod Find peace in G.o.d, And one eternal noon."

Oh, Thou hast heard my prayer; [5]

And I am blest!

This is Thy high behest: Thou, here and _everywhere_.

Meeting Of My Departed Mother And Husband

"Joy for thee, happy friend! thy bark is past [10]

The dangerous sea, and safely moored at last- Beyond rough foam.

Soft gales celestial, in sweet music bore- Spirit emanc.i.p.ate for this far sh.o.r.e- Thee to thy home. [15]

"You've travelled long, and far from mortal joys, To Soul's diviner sense, that spurns such toys, Brave wrestler, lone.

Now see thy ever-self; Life never fled; Man is not mortal, never of the dead: [20]

The dark unknown.

"When hope soared high, and joy was eagle-plumed, Thy pinions drooped; the flesh was weak, and doomed To pa.s.s away.

But faith triumphant round thy death-couch shed [25]

Majestic forms; and radiant glory sped The dawning day.

[Page 386.]

"Intensely grand and glorious life's sphere,- [1]

Beyond the shadow, infinite appear Life, Love divine,- Where mortal yearnings come not, sighs are stilled, And home and peace and hearts are found and filled, [5]

Thine, ever thine.

"Bearest thou no tidings from our loved on earth, The toiler tireless for Truth's new birth All-unbeguiled?

Our joy is gathered from her parting sigh: [10]

This hour looks on her heart with pitying eye,- What of my child?"

"When, severed by death's dream, I woke to Life, She deemed I died, and could not know the strife At first to fill [15]

That waking with a love that steady turns To G.o.d; a hope that ever upward yearns, Bowed to His will.

"Years had pa.s.sed o'er thy broken household band, When angels beckoned me to this bright land, [20]