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 accumulating 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 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.

From careful observation and experience came my clue to the uses and abuses of organization.  Therefore, in accord with my special request, followed that noble, unprecedented action of the Christian Scientist Association 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.