Page:Miscellaneous Writings.djvu/302

276 were superb, especially the large book of rare flowers, and the crescent with a star.

The reception in the spacious rooms of the Palmer House, like all else, was purely Western in its cordiality and largeness. I did not hold interviews with all with whom I desired to, solely because so many people and circumstances demanded my attention that my personality was not big enough to fill the order; but rest assured my heart's desire met the demand.

My students, our delegates, about one thousand Christian Scientists, active, earnest, and loyal, formed a goodly assemblage for the third convention of our National Association, — an assemblage found waiting and watching for the full coming of our Lord and Christ.

In Christian Science the midnight hour will always be the bridal hour, until “no night is there.” The wise will have their lamps aglow, and light will illumine the darkness.

Out of the gloom comes the glory of our Lord, and His divine Love is found in affliction. When a false sense suffers, the true sense comes out, and the bridegroom appears. We are then wedded to a purer, higher affection and ideal. I pray that all my students shall have their lamps trimmed and burning at the noon of night, that not one of them be found borrowing oil, and seeking light from matter instead of Spirit, or at work erroneously, thus shutting out spiritual light. Such an error and loss will be quickly learned when the door is shut. Error giveth no light, and it closes the door on itself.

In the dark hours, wise Christian Scientists stand firmer than ever in their allegiance to God. Wisdom