Laus Deo! by Mary Baker Eddy (1895)
The work celebrates the laying of the corner-stone of The Mother Church, emphasizing themes of divine love, spiritual awakening, and the establishment of a sacred community. It conveys a sense of triumph and fulfillment, encapsulated in the phrase "Laus Deo," which translates to "Praise be to God." The text reflects on the significance of the church as a manifestation of divine principles, portraying it as a steadfast foundation for its congregation. The imagery of the stone symbolizes strength, permanence, and the divine nature of the church. The author encourages the faithful to remain vigilant and active in their spiritual journey, urging them to embody the qualities of the stone—steadfastness and serenity—while rejecting sorrow. The work intertwines elements of praise, reflection, and a call to action, reinforcing the idea that the church is not merely a physical structure but a living embodiment of spiritual truth and community. Throughout the piece, there is a strong emphasis on the relationship between God and humanity, highlighting the notion that understanding God as Love is central to the church's mission. The text serves as both a celebration of a significant milestone in the church's history and a spiritual manifesto, inviting readers to engage deeply with their faith and to recognize the divine presence in their lives. The overall tone is one of reverence, hope, and commitment to a higher purpose, encapsulating the essence of a community united in spiritual understanding and love.
By Mary Baker Eddy · First published 1895 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Inspirational Writing · 216 words
First lines
The laying of the corner-stone of The Mother Church.
Laus Deo, it is done! Rolled away from loving heart Is a stone. Lifted higher, we depart, Having one.
_Laus Deo_, -- on this rock (Heaven chiseled squarely good) Stands His church, -- God is Love, and understood By His flock.
_Laus Deo_, night star-lit Slumbers not in God's embrace; Be awake; Like this stone, be in thy place: Stand, not sit.
What this Textopian page supports
Laus Deo! is listed on Textopian as a poem by Mary Baker Eddy, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Mary Baker Eddy
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Inspirational Writing, Philosophical Poetry, Devotional Literature
- Length: 216 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work expresses themes of faith, divine love, and the establishment of a church, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Spiritual Literature — The text reflects spiritual themes and the importance of understanding God's love, aligning with spiritual literature.
- Inspirational Writing — The uplifting tone and message of hope and steadfastness serve to inspire readers.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of concepts such as existence, purpose, and divine presence lends a philosophical aspect to the poetry.
Tags
Christianity · Philosophy · Spirituality · Theology · Self-Help · Personal Development · Religion · Faith · Inspiration · Motivational · Meditation · Mindfulness