Revelation xii, 15, 16.  And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.  And the earth helped the woman; and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Millions of unprejudiced minds—­simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—­are waiting and watching for rest and drink.  Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences.  What if the old dragon sends forth a new flood, to drown the Christ-idea?  He can neither drown your voice with its roar, nor again sink the world into the deep waters of chaos and old night.  In this age the earth will help the woman; the spiritual idea will be understood.  Those ready for the blessing you impart will give thanks.  The waters will be pacified, and Christ will command the wave.

When God heals the sick or the sinful, they should know the great benefit Mind has wrought.  They should also know the great delusion of mortal mind, when it makes them sick or sinful.  Many are willing to open the eyes of the people to the power of good resident in divine Mind; but they are not as willing to point out the evil in human thought, and expose its hidden mental ways of accomplishing iniquity.

Why this backwardness, since exposure is necessary, to ensure the avoidance of the evil?  Because people like you better when you tell them their virtues, than when you tell them their vices.  It requires the spirit of our great Master to tell a man his faults, and so risk human displeasure, for the sake of doing right and benefiting our race.  Who is telling mankind of their foe in ambush?  Is the informer one who sees the foe?  If so, listen and be wise.  Escape from evil, and designate those as unfaithful stewards, who have seen the danger and yet have given no warning.

At all times, and under all circumstances, overcome evil with Good.  Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil.  Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you.  The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one Divinity.

HYMNS.

BY REV.  MARY BAKER EDDY.

(Set to the Church chimes and sung on this occasion.)

LAYING THE CORNER STONE.

Laus Deo, it is done.  Rolled away from loving heart Is a stone,—­ Joyous, risen, we depart Having one.

Laus Deo,—­on this rock (Heaven chiseled squarely good) Stands His Church—­ God is Love and understood By His flock.

Laus Deo, night starlit Slumbers not in God’s embrace; Then oh, man!  Like this stone be in thy place; Stand, not sit.

Cold, silent, stately stone, Dirge and song and shoutings low, In thy heart Dwell serene,—­and sorrow?  No, It has none, Laus Deo!

FEED MY SHEEP.