I enclose a letterEditorial Note: This letter is not extant. and a couple dollarsEditorial Note: $2.00 in 1884 is the equivalent of $56.43 in 2018. to Mrs Crosse, for two more "Journals".

So many things I desire to say to you regarding the situation here, that pen and paper are a very poor medium. I expect to be able in the future, to come; and take a course in your normal class, for no one knows more than I, how much I need it; but just at present I cannot, for many, very important, reasons bid me wait.

Every day has its demands, and I am oft times perplexed, what course to persue Corrected: pursue , To instance - a few days since an invitation from ElginEditorial Note: Elgin, Illinois to come, and deliver a lecture on Christian Science, annother Corrected: another proposition to get up a class; if I will go to Chicago and teach it. Then comes letters from places in our own state, saying a student of Mrs Coursen is practicing, or coming there to practice; and wish Corrected: wishes to know if they are Christian Scientists, or practicing Mrs Eddy's system Etc. Etc. To the first, however much I may desire to advance the causeEditorial Note: The cause of Christian Science.; I do not feel competent yet to take the position, toward which circumstances seem to impel me. I am only desirous of being sure that whatever I do in Christian work; that it is Christ working in mePhil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. , and choosing meJohn 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: .

To the inquiries of Mrs Coursen, I have made no direct replies, for this reason, I have letters in my possession of Mrs Coursen's, in which she claims that she is no better off, than before she studied with you. Her students all state that she teaches Metaphysics; but they also claim it is the same method she practiced, and learned from Osgood.

For instance - One of the Mal-practioners, (for such they seem to me) remarks - Mrs Eddy says "There is no disease, and no reality to it." "But she could not make Mrs Coursen believe it, and Mrs C - would not be set down on by Mrs Eddy either"

This is but one of the many kind of remarks coming to me, and it is not Mrs Coursen alone, but others, sending out a host of these deluded mortals to impose upon an ignorant public. They claim of course, their practice is Metaphysics. And will point to wonderful cures performed even as the satellites of Aren's and Kenndy point to their leaders. Heretofore I have spoken no word for or against these deluded ones; but have worked faithfully in ScienceEditorial Note: Christian Science, against the sin, the "Mal's", and have taught my students to do so, and how to work, even as you taught me, and I could apprehend.

Now the question arises, shall I reply to these inquiries in the negative, and state that these so-called Metaphysicians are not practicing Christian Science, as taught by Mrs Eddy; or, shall I tell them to write to Bro Frye for information.

I would gladly pay the expense of a trip to B-Editorial Note: Boston, Massachusetts if I could step in and have one consultation with you upon these important questions that seem pressing upon us.

I sometimes inquire of my though; if these very questions, and perplexities, are not the "thorn" in the flesh"II Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. II Cor 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. II Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. , to stimulate me to a more faithfull Corrected: faithful adherence to this work, and to purge one's self of sin, self-righteousness. If so, I praise His name, for the reawakening of consciousness to my danger of falling into Error.

I do know this; I have realized within the past week, a closer communion with Spirit, and my understanding of its creations are clearer; I want its constant ever presence & strongly fortified in such a consciousness, these demands of every day can be met.

None are better aware than you, that even husband and wife do not see these demands alike, perhaps it is best, though I cannot understand why it is. Whatever I am, I must be entire that thing, so that I find my mind as an advocate, and a worker in ScienceEditorial Note: Christian Science, leading to hate all opposed to it. Hate; not in the material sense, but an intense desire to sweep all this material sense out of its seeming existence. This thought extends to my own house, as well as others

Now if you have not the entire co-operation of our own, in your work for Christ, as you conceive, then do we desire more of Love, to reflect Love, know it, and feel it, in its highest and reality. What a point to arrive at, and distinguish between the human affection, and divine love? that you are right. Such, my teacher, has been my position many times since I entered upon the study of Christian Science.

Not that the house is dividedMark 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. , Oh; no; we all work for Truth, and are growing; but not so strong, so rapid, as we might. I would be entirely burried with ChristRom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. , not even go into society, order my whole conversation in ScienceEditorial Note: Christian Science; Mortal man being a depravity, a lie from the beginning, then nothing good can be derived from yielding to ought suggested by it. Even to the belief of sleep I do not yield to its being a necessity, and insist upon watchfullness Corrected: watchfulness in that Error.

My wife says I am an extremest Corrected: extremist ; I tell her I am glad, for perhaps my extremity brings, or will bring me nearer God's opportunity, and the nearer I can get to Him, the further I am from sin, sickness, and death.

West & Co - still have "S & H"Editorial Note: Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. on hand, I called in to see. Do you propose making the same prices with firms, that you do with individuals? I take it from the last circular that you do.

Faithfully yours in Truth

S J. Sawyer.

Sat. morn - Dear Mrs Eddy

I trust I do not tire you with my lengthy epistles, tell me if I do, but I had such a desire last evn'gExpanded:evening to know more of divine Love, as you once talked to me of, when I was last in Boston. You were speaking of Dr Eddy, and your leading him into that higher "Realm", - divine Love; - and his bidding you cease, for a little, until he might apprehend it. I have not forgotten the impression it made upon me: - (a longing desire to understand more of it myself). - and within a few days those angel visitants have been with me, to an increased degree. There seems a call to me, to go and get more, and I interpret it, that if I could sit through a special class, or receive special instruction from you in those higher forms of thought, it would advance my demonstrations; and prepare me to lead others in this field, where the harvest is so plenteous, and of true and faithfull laborers, so fewMatt 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Matt 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. .

That I am coming to see you again I am sure; but there are many obstacles in the way now, and one, the most difficult to overcome, because it should be a help instead, I refer to Mrs S - . I can speak of her to you because you understand it is in ScienceEditorial Note: Christian Science, and not from in a material sense. She does not, or has not studied into this work of sin, demonology, as I have, therefore cannot see the necessity of mastering it to that extent, that it shall not hinder any of your demonstrations.

She cannot understand why sin, malicious mortal mind, should make it an object to attack us here, and that if I go to Boston again it invites the "Mal's" attacks.

I have, and continue to labor with her, and every day, I take up those "Mal's", that they have not, cannot, and shall not make a law to influence Mrs S - or come between husband and wife, or between Mrs Eddy and ourselves or prevent me from coming to Boston.

I am not discouraged, but feel that if you could help me or if Mrs Crosse would, and then if you will write to her direct, but in a manner that she will not suspect I have suggested it.

They, the "Mals", I think am sure, have made a law to her that she is suspicious of yourself; Mrs Crosse; and that we have some secret understanding, and you are trying to induce me to take a course in the normal class, and that all you care for in Boston is to get money, and hold a check upon Students, Etc. Etc. I mention these as a few of the works of those "demons" I have been contending with for a long time.

Do you wonder I am crying for more Love and Wisdom. I have not even mentioned to Mrs S - a design of coming to B-Editorial Note: Boston, Massachusetts, therefore I am so sure it is the work of demonology. Do not think we have any quarrel? that I would never permit, because such would please those "sinners", and help their cause.

Mrs S- unfortunately read your letter of Oct 31stEditorial Note: See V00848., and misconstrued its meaning. I would suggest that when you write, let it be to both of us, and in relation to the last meeting of the "C.S.A." the Church, and what else the Spirit may reveal. address it to 809 Grand Ave -

Please address your reply to this as usual to 119 Wisconsin St, because I get my mail several hours earlier, here than at my house.