Accession: 215.36.012
Editorial Title: William I. Gill to Mary Baker Eddy, June 21, 1886
Author: William I. Gill 
Recipient: Mary Baker Eddy 
Date: June 21, 1886
Manuscript Description: Handwritten by William I. Gill on lined paper from Lawrence, Massachusetts.
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LawrenceAs Written:Laurence, MassachusettsAs Written:Mass. June 21 / 1886As Written:86
Mrs. Eddy:
Dear & honored Teacher,

On reflection I wish to say to you a few words concerning your proposal to resign the pastorate. The proposal does not approve itself to my judgment or my feelings. You will excuse my freedom in so speaking.

I am sure it will not have a good effect on a large number in the Ch. They will feel troubled and hurt to have you withdrawn; and that would react against my usefulness.

Then I myself shall feel better to have you stay where you are. It will do me good to feel that I am a fellow pastor with you I shall receive strength by thus touching the hem of your garmentMatt 9:20 ¶And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: Matt 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. Matt 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. . I should enjoy it better than in being alone.

I would therefore suggest that I be simply called as pastor. Then we are both pastors, and of course, I am the junior, tho the more active, pastor. I shall thus appear to the outside world in a light which would be likely to promote my influence for good in the community relative to ChristianAs Written:Chrn. Science.

I think this will have the best effect and inflicts no indignity anywhere. I want to do what is best, and I am not so sensitive about myself as I am solicitous concerning the success of the causeEditorial Note: The cause of Christian Science..

Dear teacher, I do not want even in name, to be dissociated from you in the pastorate, now or ever. I cannot assume such an appearance of independence, and self-sufficiency. Morally independent I am and must be, as you desire. But that Ch. is your own child; and I can only help the mother as a dry nurse in bringing it up. It must still be your charge; and whatever I can do to help you shall be done.

I speak thus in all candor and frankness to you because it is just, Christian and scientific. The Lord bless us both and our common work

Gratefully Yours
Wm I Gill
215.36.012
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Reproduced from the archive of The Mary Baker Eddy Library
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LaurenceCorrected:Lawrence, Mass.Expanded:Massachusetts June 21 / 86Expanded:1886
Mrs. Eddy:
Dear & honored Teacher,

On reflection I wish to say to you a few words concerning your proposal to resign the pastorate. The proposal does not approve itself to my judgment or my feelings. You will excuse my freedom in so speaking.

I am sure it will not have a good effect on a large number in the Ch. They will feel troubled and hurt to have you withrdrawn; and that would react against my usefulness.

Then I myself shall feel better to have you stay where you are. It will do me good to feel that I am a fellow pastor with you I shall receive strength by thus touching the hem of your garmentMatt 9:20 ¶And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: Matt 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. Matt 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. . I should enjoy it better than in being alone.

I would therefore suggest that I be simply called as pastor. Then we are both pastors, and of course, I am the junior, tho the more active, pastor. I shall thus appear to the outside world in a light which would be likely to promote my influence for good in the community relative to Chrn.Expanded:Christian Science.

I think this will have the best effect and inflicts no indignity anywhere. I want to do what is best, and I am not so sensitive about myself as I am solicitous concerning the success of the causeEditorial Note: The cause of Christian Science..

Dear teacher, I do not want even in name, to be dissociated from you in the pastorate, now or ever. I cannot assume such an appearance of independence, and self-sufficiency. Morally independent I am and must be, as you desire. But that Ch. is your own child; and I can only help the mother as a dry nurse in bringing it up. It must still be your charge; and whatever I can do to help you shall be done.

I speak thus in all candor and frankness to you because it is just, Christian and scientific. The Lord bless us both and our common work

Gratefully Yours
Wm I Gill
 
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