Page:The Life of Mary Baker Eddy (Wilbur).djvu/453

Rh from pronouncing it, began to deliver his message, and they received it in calmness to the close, after which there was no display of emotion beyond the fact that many eyes filled with tears. The message was given in these words:

I shall now read part of a letter written by our revered Leader and reprinted on page 135 of “Miscellaneous Writings”:

“, — You may be looking to see me in my accustomed place with you, but this you must no longer expect. When I retired from the field of labor it was a departure socially, publicly, and finally from the routine of such material modes as society and our societies demand. Rumors are rumors, nothing more. I am still with you in the field of battle, taking forward marches, broader and higher views, and with the hope that you will follow. All our thoughts should be given to the absolute demonstration of Christian Science. You can well afford to give me up since you have in my last revised editions of ‘Science and Health’ your teacher and guide.”

Although these lines were written years ago, they are true to-day, and will continue to be true. But it has now become my duty to announce that Mrs. Eddy passed from our sight last night at 10.45 o’clock, at her home in Chestnut Hill.

After the pronunciation of the benediction the congregation seemed held in an awesome spell, as the top crest of a wave seems to hang before it breaks. A flood of music from the great organ seemed to release the suspension, the recessional being a Toccata of Bach’s which filled the church