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 passing 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 fellowship has accomplished its end, continued organization
retards 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.
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