The Portland daily press., 1899-06-05

Hold Annual Communion Ser
vices In Boston.
Abstract OF Address ofPastor Emeritus,
Rev. Mnry Baker Eddy.

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Christian Science today Observer com
inunion day with four largely astanded
services as the mother church. ths ilrsl
church Of Christian Scientists in this city.
Thousancs fiocked into tine edifioei
merely for the privilege of kneeling IL
silent communion, for few moments, ~
listening to the reading of brief message
and the exchange of kindly greetings
with fellow members. As fast as the
brief services were concluded and the cone
gregation had departed, anothex gE<As
ooncourse streamed into - church
and the simple, peaceful service was re-
peated.
Even the knowledge that the leader,
Mrs. Eddy. would not be present. had
little effect ON those who joined In the
services, and her message, full of love
and peace, was received with silent
thankfulness,
The communion was devoid OF symbols.
At each Of the services. the worshippers
knelt for few moments in silence after
which the FIRST reader, Septimus J.
Hanna, invited those present TO join in
the communion.
After the silent prayer, the annual mes
sage OF the pastor, Emeritus Mary Baker
Eddy, TO the Mother church, was read by
John W. Reeder, and listened to with
great interest. The following is an
abstract Of IL,
On comparison, 1t will be found that
Christian Science possesses more Of
Christ's teachings and example than all
other religions since the first century.
Comparing our scientific system Of
metaphysical therapeutics with materia
mediea, we lind It completely overshadows
and overwhelms 1t. even as Aa.on's rod
swallowed up the rods of the magi- ans of
Egypt. deliberately declare that whom !
was in practice, out OF 100 cases I healed
80 90 the 10 of materia medica.
We should thank God for persecution
and for prosecution, II thereby ensue q
purer professionalism and monotheism for
the latter days Of the 18th century. A
Siege OF the combined centuries, culmi-
mating in fierce attack, cannot demolish
our strongholds. The forts of Christian
Science. garrisoned by Gods chossn ones.
can never surrender. Unlike Russia's
armament, ours Is not costly as men
count cost; but 1t IL rich beyond price;
staunch and understandable on land and
sea. And whereforef Because it is
peace ON earth, good will towards
men, IA cover and q defence adapted to
all men, ali nations. all times, olimes,
and races.
A coroner's inquest. q board of health,
or class legislation is less than the Consti-
tuition Of the United States; and infnite-
ly less than Gods benign governments,
which is no respectersof persons. Truth
crushed 20 earth springs spontaneously
upward, and whispers In the breeze man
inalienable birthright. Liberty. Whore
the spirit of the Lord Ia. there is liberty.
God IL everywhere, nor. crown nor soepter,
nor rulers rampant Can quench the vital
heritage of freedom-man's right to adopt
a religion, TO employ physician, to live
or to die according to the dictates of his
own rational consoience and enlightened
understanding. Man cannot punish a
man for suscide-God does that.
Christian Scientists abide by the laws
of God and the laws of the land; andFfol-
lowing the.oommand Of the Mastsr they
60 into all the world, preaching the
gospel and healing..the sick. Therefore be
wise and harmless for without the former
the latter were impracticable.
! reluctantly forssse great danger
threatening our nation-imperialism
monopoly and a lax system of religion.
But the spirit of humanity, ethics. and
Christianity sown broadcast ooncomi-
tants of Christian Science-is taking
strong hold of the public thought
throughout our beloved country and in
foreign lands. and is tending to counter.
acs the trerd Of mad ambition.
Lean not too much on your leader
trust God to direct your steps. Accept
my counsel and teachings only as they
include the spirit and the letter of the
Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes,
and the teachings and example Of Christ
Jesus. Refrain from public controversy
correct the false with the true then leave
the latter to propagate. The effort of dis