Part Four

PERFIDY AND SLANDER

9 What has an individual gained by losing his own self-

respect? or what has he lost when, retaining his own,

he loses the homage of fools, or the pretentious praise of

hypocrites, false to themselves as to others?

Shakespeare, the immortal lexicographer of mortals,

writes: -

15 To thine own self be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man.

18 When Aristotle was asked what a person could gain

by uttering a falsehood, he replied, "Not to be credited

when he shall tell the truth."

21 The character of a liar and hypocrite is so contempti-

ble, that even of those who have lost their honor it might

be expected that from the violation of truth they should

be restrained by their pride.

Perfidy of an inferior quality, such as manages to evade

the law, and which dignified natures cannot stoop to

notice, except legally, disgraces human nature more than

do most vices.

Slander is a midnight robber; the red-tongued assas-

sin of radical worth; the conservative swindler, who

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1 sells himself in a traffic by which he can gain nothing.

It can retire for forgiveness to no fraternity where its

3 crime may stand in the place of a virtue; but must at

length be given up to the hisses of the multitude, with-

out friend and without apologist.

6 Law has found it necessary to offer to the innocent,

security from slanderers - those pests of society - when

their crime comes within its jurisdiction. Thus, to evade

9 the penalty of law, and yet with malice aforethought to

extend their evil intent, is the nice distinction by which

they endeavor to get their weighty stuff into the hands

12 of gossip! Some uncharitable one may give it a forward

move, and, ere that one himself become aware, find

himself responsible for kind (?) endeavors.

15 Would that my pen or pity could raise these weak,

pitifully poor objects from their choice of self-degrada-

tion to the nobler purposes and wider aims of a life made

18 honest: a life in which the fresh flowers of feeling blos-

som, and, like the camomile, the more trampled upon,

the sweeter the odor they send forth to benefit mankind;

21 a life wherein calm, self-respected thoughts abide in

tabernacles of their own, dwelling upon a holy hill, speak-

ing the truth in the heart; a life wherein the mind can

24 rest in green pastures, beside the still waters, on isles

of sweet refreshment. The sublime summary of an

honest life satisfies the mind craving a higher good, and

27 bathes it in the cool waters of peace on earth; till it

grows into the full stature of wisdom, reckoning its

own by the amount of happiness it has bestowed upon

others.

Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies, is the

command of almighty wisdom; and we take this to be

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1 a safer guide than the promptings of human nature.

To know that a deception dark as it is base has been

3 practised upon thee, - by those deemed at least indebted

friends whose welfare thou hast promoted, - and yet

not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself; is to take

6 a new standpoint whence to look upward; is to be calm

amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure amid

corruption.

9 To be a great man or woman, to have a name whose

odor fills the world with its fragrance, is to bear with

patience the buffetings of envy or malice - even while

12 seeking to raise those barren natures to a capacity for a

higher life. We should look with pitying eye on the

momentary success of all villainies, on mad ambition

15 and low revenge. This will bring us also to look on a

kind, true, and just person, faithful to conscience and

honest beyond reproach, as the only suitable fabric out

of which to weave an existence fit for earth and

heaven.

CONTAGION

21 Whatever man sees, feels, or in any way takes cog-

nizance of, must be caught through mind; inasmuch

as perception, sensation, and consciousness belong to

24 mind and not to matter. Floating with the popular

current of mortal thought without questioning the re-

liability of its conclusions, we do what others do,

27 believe what others believe, and say what others say.

Common consent is contagious, and it makes disease

catching.

People believe in infectious and contagious diseases,

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1 and that any one is liable to have them under certain

predisposing or exciting causes. This mental state pre-

3 pares one to have any disease whenever there appear the

circumstances which he believes produce it. If he believed

as sincerely that health is catching when exposed to con-

6 tact with healthy people, he would catch their state of

feeling quite as surely and with better effect than he does

the sick man's.

9 If only the people would believe that good is more

contagious than evil, since God is omnipresence, how

much more certain would be the doctor's success, and

12 the clergyman's conversion of sinners. And if only the

pulpit would encourage faith in God in this direction

and faith in Mind over all other influences governing

15 the receptivity of the body, theology would teach man

as David taught: "Because thou hast made the Lord,

which is my refuge, even the most High thy habitation;

there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague

come nigh thy dwelling."

The confidence of mankind in contagious disease would

21 thus become beautifully less; and in the same propor-

tion would faith in the power of God to heal and to save

mankind increase, until the whole human race would

24 become healthier, holier, happier, and longer lived. A

calm, Christian state of mind is a better preventive of

contagion than a drug, or than any other possible sana-

tive method; and the "perfect Love" that "casteth out

fear" is a sure defense.

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IMPROVE YOUR TIME

Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon

3 the improvement of moments more than upon any other

one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking

nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one

should do. If one would be successful in the future, let

him make the most of the present.

Three ways of wasting time, one of which is con-

9 temptible, are gossiping mischief, making lingering calls,

and mere motion when at work, thinking of nothing or

planning for some amusement, - travel of limb more

than mind. Rushing around smartly is no proof of ac-

complishing much.

All successful individuals have become such by hard

15 work; by improving moments before they pass into hours,

and hours that other people may occupy in the pursuit

of pleasure. They spend no time in sheer idleness, in

18 talking when they have nothing to say, in building air-

castles or floating off on the wings of sense: all of which

drop human life into the ditch of nonsense, and worse

than waste its years.

"Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait."

THANKSGIVING DINNER

It was a beautiful group! needing but canvas and the

touch of an artist to render it pathetic, tender, gorgeous.

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1 Age, on whose hoary head the almond-blossom formed a

crown of glory; middle age, in smiles and the full fruition

3 of happiness; infancy, exuberant with joy, - ranged side

by side. The sober-suited grandmother, rich in ex-

perience, had seen sunshine and shadow fall upon ninety-

6 six years. Four generations sat at that dinner-table.

The rich viands made busy many appetites; but, what

of the poor! Willingly - though I take no stock in

spirit-rappings - would I have had the table give a

spiritual groan for the unfeasted ones.

Under the skilful carving of the generous host, the

12 mammoth turkey grew beautifully less. His was the

glory to vie with guests in the dexterous use of knife and

fork, until delicious pie, pudding, and fruit caused un-

conditional surrender.

And the baby! Why, he made a big hole, with two

incisors, in a big pippin, and bit the finger presump-

18 tuously poked into the little mouth to arrest the peel!

Then he was caught walking! one, two, three steps, -

and papa knew that he could walk, but grandpa was

21 taken napping. Now! baby has tumbled, soft as thistle-

down, on the floor; and instead of a real set-to at crying,

a look of cheer and a toy from mamma bring the soft

24 little palms patting together, and pucker the rosebud

mouth into saying, "Oh, pretty!" That was a scientific

baby; and his first sitting-at-table on Thanksgiving Day

27 - yes, and his little rainbowy life - brought sunshine

to every heart. How many homes echo such tones of

heartfelt joy on Thanksgiving Day! But, alas! for the

desolate home; for the tear-filled eyes looking longingly

at the portal through which the loved one comes not, or

gazing silently on the vacant seat at fireside and board -

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1 God comfort them all! we inwardly prayed - but the

memory was too much; and, turning from it, in a bumper

of pudding-sauce we drank to peace, and plenty, and

happy households.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

6 This age is reaching out towards the perfect Principle

of things; is pushing towards perfection in art, inven-

tion, and manufacture. Why, then, should religion be

9 stereotyped, and we not obtain a more perfect and prac-

tical Christianity? It will never do to be behind the

times in things most essential, which proceed from the

12 standard of right that regulates human destiny. Human

skill but foreshadows what is next to appear as its divine

origin. Proportionately as we part with material systems

15 and theories, personal doctrines and dogmas, meekly to

ascend the hill of Science, shall we reach the maximum

of perfection in all things.

18 Spirit is omnipotent; hence a more spiritual Chris-

tianity will be one having more power, having perfected

in Science that most important of all arts, - healing.

21 Metaphysical healing, or Christian Science, is a de-

mand of the times. Every man and every woman would

desire and demand it, if he and she knew its infinite

24 value and firm basis. The unerring and fixed Principle

of all healing is God; and this Principle should be

sought from the love of good, from the most spiritual

and unselfish motives. Then will it be understood to be

of God, and not of man; and this will prevent mankind

from striking out promiscuously, teaching and practising

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in the name of Science without knowing its fundamental

Principle.

3 It is important to know that a malpractice of the best

system will result in the worst form of medicine. More-

over, the feverish, disgusting pride of those who call

6 themselves metaphysicians or Scientists, - but are such

in name only, - fanned by the breath of mental mal-

practice, is the death's-head at the feast of Truth; the

9 monkey in harlequin jacket that will retard the onward

march of life-giving Science, if not understood and with-

stood, and so strangled in its attempts.

12 The standard of metaphysical healing is traduced by

thinking to put into the old garment of drugging the new

cloth of metaphysics; or by trying to twist the fatal

15 magnetic force of mortal mind, termed hypnotism, into

a more fashionable cut and naming that "mind-cure,"

or - which is still worse in the eyes of Truth - terming

18 it metaphysics! Substituting good words for a good life,

fair-seeming for straightforward character, mental mal-

practice for the practice of true medicine, is a poor shift

for the weak and worldly who think the standard of

Christian Science too high for them.

What think you of a scientist in mathematics who finds

24 fault with the exactness of the rule because unwilling to

work hard enough to practise it? The perfection of the

rule of Christian Science is what constitutes its utility:

27 having a true standard, if some fall short, others will

approach it; and these are they only who adhere to that

standard.

Matter must be understood as a false belief or product

of mortal mind: whence we learn that sensation is not

in matter, but in this so-called mind; that we see and

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1 feel disease only by reason of our belief in it: then shall

matter remain no longer to blind us to Spirit, and clog

3 the wheels of progress. We spread our wings in vain when

we attempt to mount above error by speculative views

of Truth.

6 Love is the Principle of divine Science; and Love is

not learned of the material senses, nor gained by a culpa-

ble attempt to seem what we have not lifted ourselves

9 to be, namely, a Christian. In love for man, we gain a

true sense of Love as God; and in no other way can we

reach this spiritual sense, and rise - and still rise - to

12 things most essential and divine. What hinders man's

progress is his vain conceit, the Phariseeism of the times,

also his effort to steal from others and avoid hard work;

15 errors which can never find a place in Science. Empiri-

cal knowledge is worse than useless: it never has advanced

man a single step in the scale of being.

18 That one should have ventured on such unfamiliar

ground, and, self-forgetful, should have gone on to estab-

lish this mighty system of metaphysical healing, called

21 Christian Science, against such odds, - even the entire

current of mortality, - is matter of grave wonderment to

profound thinkers. That, in addition to this, she has made

24 some progress, has seen far into the spiritual facts of be-

ing which constitute physical and mental perfection, in

the midst of an age so sunken in sin and sensuality, seems

to them still more inconceivable.

In this new departure of metaphysics, God is regarded

more as absolute, supreme; and Christ is clad with a

so richer illumination as our Saviour from sickness, sin,

and death. God's fatherliness as Life, Truth, and Love,

makes His sovereignty glorious.

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1 By this system, too, man has a changed recognition

of his relation to God. He is no longer obliged to sin,

3 be sick, and die to reach heaven, but is required and em-

powered to conquer sin, sickness, and death; thus, as

image and likeness, to reflect Him who destroys death

and hell. By this reflection, man becomes the partaker

of that Mind whence sprang the universe.

In Christian Science, progress is demonstration, not

9 doctrine. This Science is ameliorative and regenerative,

delivering mankind from all error through the light and

love of Truth. It gives to the race loftier desires and new

12 possibilities. It lays the axe at the root of the tree of

knowledge, to cut down all that bringeth not forth good

fruit; "and blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended

15 in me." It touches mind to more spiritual issues, sys-

tematizes action, gives a keener sense of Truth and a

stronger desire for it.

18 Hungering and thirsting after a better life, we shall

have it, and become Christian Scientists; learn God

aright, and know something of the ideal man, the real

21 man, harmonious and eternal. This movement of thought

must push on the ages: it must start the wheels of reason

aright, educate the affections to higher resources, and

leave Christianity unbiased by the superstitions of a

senior period.

INJUSTICE

Who that has tried to follow the divine precept, "All

things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto

you, do ye even so to them," has not suffered from the

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1 situation? - has not found that human passions in their

reaction have misjudged motives?

3 Throughout our experience since undertaking the

labor of uplifting the race, we have been made the re-

pository of little else than the troubles, indiscretions,

6 and errors of others; until thought has shrunk from

contact with family difficulties, and become weary with

study to counsel wisely whenever giving advice on per-

sonal topics.

To the child complaining of his parents we have said,

"Love and honor thy parents, and yield obedience to

12 them in all that is right; but you have the rights of con-

science, as we all have, and must follow God in all your

ways."

15 When yielding to constant solicitations of husband or

wife to give, to one or the other, advice concerning diffi-

culties and the best way to overcome them, we have done

18 this to the best of our ability, - and always with the pur-

pose to restore harmony and prevent dishonor. In such

cases we have said, "Take no counsel of a mortal, even

21 though it be your best friend; but be guided by God

alone;" meaning by this, Be not estranged from each

other by anything that is said to you, but seek in divine

Love the remedy for all human discord.

Yet, notwithstanding one's good intentions, in some

way or at some step in one's efforts to help another, as

a general rule, one will be blamed for all that is not right:

but this must not deter us from doing our duty, whatever

else may appear, and at whatever cost.

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REFORMERS

The olden opinion that hell is fire and brimstone, has

3 yielded somewhat to the metaphysical fact that suffering

is a thing of mortal mind instead of body: so, in place

of material flames and odor, mental anguish is generally

6 accepted as the penalty for sin. This changed belief

has wrought a change in the actions of men. Not a few

individuals serve God (or try to) from fear; but remove

9 that fear, and the worst of human passions belch forth

their latent fires. Some people never repent until earth

gives them such a cup of gall that conscience strikes home;

12 then they are brought to realize how impossible it is to

sin and not suffer. All the different phases of error in

human nature the reformer must encounter and help to

eradicate.

This period is not essentially one of conscience: few

feel and live now as when this nation began, and our

18 forefathers' prayers blended with the murmuring winds

of their forest home. This is a period of doubt, inquiry,

speculation, selfishness; of divided interests, marvellous

21 good, and mysterious evil. But sin can only work out

its own destruction; and reform does and must push on

the growth of mankind.

24 Honor to faithful merit is delayed, and always has

been; but it is sure to follow. The very streets through

which Garrison was dragged were draped in honor of

27 the dead hero who did the hard work, the immortal work,

of loosing the fetters of one form of human slavery. I

remember, when a girl, and he visited my father, how a

childish fear clustered round his coming. I had heard

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1 the awful story that "he helped 'niggers' kill the white

folks!" Even the loving children are sometimes made

3 to believe a lie, and to hate reformers. It is pleasant,

now, to contrast with that childhood's wrong the reverence

of my riper years for all who dare to be true, honest to

their convictions, and strong of purpose.

The reformer has no time to give in defense of his

own life's incentive, since no sacrifice is too great for the

9 silent endurance of his love. What has not unselfed love

achieved for the race? All that ever was accomplished,

and more than history has yet recorded. The reformer

12 works on unmentioned, save when he is abused or his

work is utilized in the interest of somebody. He may

labor for the establishment of a cause which is fraught

15 with infinite blessings, - health, virtue, and heaven;

but what of all that? Who should care for everybody?

It is enough, say they, to care for a few. Yet the good

18 done, and the love that foresees more to do, stimulate

philanthropy and are an ever-present reward. Let one's

life answer well these questions, and it already hath a

benediction:

Have you renounced self? Are you faithful? Do

you love?

MRS. EDDY SICK

The frequent public allegement that I am "sick, unable

to speak a loud word," or that I died of palsy, and am

dead, - is but another evidence of the falsehoods kept

constantly before the public.

While I accord these evil-mongers due credit for their

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1 desire, let me say to you, dear reader: Call at the

Massachusetts Metaphysical College, in 1889, and judge

3 for yourself whether I can talk-and laugh too! I

never was in better health. I have had but four

days' vacation for the past year, and am about to com-

6 mence a large class in Christian Science. Lecturing,

writing, preaching, teaching, etc., give fair proof that

my shadow is not growing less; and substance is taking

larger proportions.

"I'VE GOT COLD"

Out upon the sidewalk one winter morning, I observed

12 a carriage draw up before a stately mansion; a portly

gentleman alight, and take from his carriage the ominous

hand-trunk.

"Ah!" thought I, "somebody has to take it; and what

may the potion be?"

Just then a tiny, sweet face appeared in the vestibule,

and red nose, suffused eyes, cough, and tired look, told

the story; but, looking up quaintly, the poor child said, -

"I've got cold, doctor."

21 Her apparent pride at sharing in a popular influenza

was comical. However, her dividend, when compared

with that of the household stockholders, was new; and

doubtless their familiarity with what the stock paid, made

them more serious over it.

What if that sweet child, so bravely confessing that

27 she had something that she ought not to have, and which

mamma thought must be gotten rid of, had been taught

the value of saying even more bravely, and believing

it, -

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"I have not got cold."

Why, the doctor's squills and bills would have been

3 avoided; and through the cold air the little one would

have been bounding with sparkling eyes, and ruby cheeks

painted and fattened by metaphysical hygiene.

6 Parents and doctors must not take the sweet freshness

out of the children's lives by that flippant caution, "You

will get cold."

9 Predicting danger does not dignify life, whereas fore-

casting liberty and joy does; for these are strong pro-

moters of health and happiness. All education should

12 contribute to moral and physical strength and freedom.

If a cold could get into the body without the assent of

mind, nature would take it out as gently, or let it remain

as harmlessly, as it takes the frost out of the ground or

puts it into the ice-cream to the satisfaction of all.

The sapling bends to the breeze, while the sturdy oak,

18 with form and inclination fixed, breasts the tornado. It

is easier to incline the early thought rightly, than the

biased mind. Children not mistaught, naturally love

21 God; for they are pure-minded, affectionate, and gen-

erally brave. Passions, appetites, pride, selfishness, have

slight sway over the fresh, unbiased thought.

24 Teach the children early self-government, and teach

them nothing that is wrong. If they see their father with

a cigarette in his mouth - suggest to them that the habit

27 of smoking is not nice, and that nothing but a loathsome

worm naturally chews tobacco. Likewise soberly inform

them that "Battle-Axe Plug" takes off men's heads; or,

leaving these on, that it takes from their bodies a sweet

something which belongs to nature, - namely, pure

odors.

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1 From a religious point of view, the faith of both youth

and adult should centre as steadfastly in God to benefit

3 the body, as to benefit the mind. Body and mind are

correlated in man's salvation; for man will no more

enter heaven sick than as a sinner, and Christ's Christi-

anity casts out sickness as well as sin of every sort.

Test, if you will, metaphysical healing on two patients:

one having morals to be healed, the other having a physi-

9 cal ailment. Use as your medicine the great alterative,

Truth: give to the immoralist a mental dose that says,

"You have no pleasure in sin," and witness the effects.

12 Either he will hate you, and try to make others do like-

wise, so taking a dose of error big enough apparently to

neutralize your Truth, else he will doubtingly await the

15 result; during which interim, by constant combat and

direful struggles, you get the victory and Truth heals him

of the moral malady.

18 On the other hand, to the bedridden sufferer admin-

ister this alterative Truth: "God never made you sick:

there is no necessity for pain; and Truth destroys the

21 error that insists on the necessity of any man's bondage

to sin and sickness. 'Ye shall know the truth, and the

truth shall make you free."'

24 Then, like blind Bartimeus, the doubting heart looks

up through faith, and your patient rejoices in the gospel

of health.

27 Thus, you see, it is easier to heal the physical than the

moral ailment. When divine Truth and Love heal, of

sin, the sinner who is at ease in sin, how much more should

these heal, of sickness, the sick who are dis-eased, dis-

comforted, and who long for relief !

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"PRAYER AND HEALING"

The article of Professor T- , having the above cap-

3 tion, published in Zion's Herald, December third, came

not to my notice until January ninth. In it the Professor

offered me, as President of the Metaphysical College in

6 Boston, or one of my students, the liberal sum of one

thousand dollars if either would reset certain dislocations

without the use of hands, and two thousand dollars if

either would give sight to one born blind.

Will the gentleman accept my thanks due to his gener-

osity; for, if I should accept his bid on Christianity, he

would lose his money.

Why?

Because I performed more difficult tasks fifteen years

15 ago. At present, I am in another department of Christian

work, "where there shall no signs be given them," for

they shall be instructed in the Principle of Christian

Science that furnishes its own proof.

But, to reward his liberality, I offer him three thou-

sand dollars if he will heal one single case of opium-eating

21 where the patient is very low and taking morphine powder

in its most concentrated form, at the rate of one ounce in

two weeks, - having taken it twenty years; and he is to

cure that habit in three days, leaving the patient well. I

cured precisely such a case in 1869.

Also, Mr. C. M. H - , of Boston, formerly partner

27 of George T. Brown, pharmacist, No. 5 Beacon St., will

tell you that he was my student in December, 1884; and

that before leaving the class he took a patient thoroughly

addicted to the use of opium - if she went without it

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1 twenty-four hours she would have delirium - and in

forty-eight hours cured her perfectly of this habit,

with no bad results, but with decided improvement in

health.

I have not yet made surgery one of the mental branches

6 taught in my college; although students treat sprains,

contusions, etc., successfully. In the case of sprain of the

wrist joint, where the regular doctor had put on splints

9 and bandages to remain six weeks, a student of mine

removed these appliances the same day and effected the

cure in less than one week. Reference, Mrs. M. A. F -,

107 Eutaw Street, East Boston.

I agree with the Professor, that every system of medi-

cine claims more than it practises. If the system is Science,

15 it includes of necessity the Principle, which the learner

can demonstrate only in proportion as he understands it.

Boasting is unbecoming a mortal's poor performances.

18 My Christian students are proverbially modest: their

works alone should declare them, since my system of medi-

cine is not generally understood. There are charlatans

in "mind-cure," who practise on the basis of matter, or

human will, not Mind.

The Professor alludes to Paul's advice to Timothy.

24 Did he refer to that questionable counsel, "Take a little

wine for thy stomach's sake"? Even doctors disagree

on that prescription: some of the medical faculty will

27 tell you that alcoholic drinks cause the coats of the stomach

to thicken and the organ to contract; will prevent the

secretions of the gastric juice, and induce ulceration,

bleeding, vomiting, death.

Again, the Professor quotes, in justification of material

methods, and as veritable: "He took a bone from the

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1 side of Adam, closed up the wound thereof, and builded

up the woman." (Gen. ii. 21.)

3 Here we have the Professor on the platform of Christian

Science! even a "surgical operation" that he says was

performed by divine power, - Mind alone constructing

the human system, before surgical instruments were

invented, and closing the incisions of the flesh.

He further states that God cannot save the soul without

9 compliance to ordained conditions. But, we ask, have

those conditions named in Genesis been perpetuated in

the multiplication of mankind? And, are the conditions

12 of salvation mental, or physical; are they bodily penance

and torture, or repentance and reform, which are the

action of mind ?

He asks, "Has the law been abrogated that demands

the employment of visible agencies for specific ends?"

Will he accept my reply as derived from the life and

18 teachings of Jesus? - who annulled the so-called laws of

matter by the higher law of Spirit, causing him to walk

the wave, turn the water into wine, make the blind to see,

21 the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the dead to be

raised without matter-agencies. And he did this for man's

example; not to teach himself, but others, the way of

healing and salvation. He said, "And other sheep I have,

which are not of this fold."

The teachings and demonstration of Jesus were for

27 all peoples and for all time; not for a privileged class or

a restricted period, but for as many as should believe in

him.

Are the discoverers of quinine, cocaine, etc., espe-

cially the children of our Lord because of their medical

discoveries?

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1 We have no record showing that our Master ever used,

or recommended others to use, drugs; but we have his

3 words, and the prophet's, as follows: "Take no thought,

saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?"

"And Asa . . . sought not to the Lord, but to the phy-

sicians. And Asa slept with his fathers."

VERITAS ODIUM PARIT

The combined efforts of the materialistic portion of

9 the pulpit and press in 1885, to retard by misrepresen-

tation the stately goings of Christian Science, are giving

it new impetus and energy; calling forth the vox populi

12 and directing more critical observation to its uplifting

influence upon the health, morals, and spirituality of

mankind.

15 Their movements indicate fear and weakness, a physi-

cal and spiritual need that Christian Science should re-

move with glorious results. The conclusion cannot now

18 be pushed, that women have no rights that man is bound

to respect. This is woman's hour, in all the good tend-

encies, charities, and reforms of to-day. It is difficult

to say which may be most mischievous to the human

heart, the praise or the dispraise of men.

I have loved the Church and followed it, thinking that

24 it was following Christ; but, if the pulpit allows the people

to go no further in the direction of Christlikeness, and

rejects apostolic Christianity, seeking to stereotype infinite

Truth, it is a thing to be thankful for that one can walk

alone the straight and narrow way; that, in the words of

Wendell Phillips, "one with God is a majority."

Page 246

1 It is the pulpit and press, clerical robes and the pro-

hibiting of free speech, that cradles and covers the sins of

3 the world, - all unmitigated systems of crime; and it

requires the enlightenment of these worthies, through

civil and religious reform, to blot out all inhuman codes.

6 It was the Southern pulpit and press that influenced the

people to wrench from man both human and divine rights,

in order to subserve the interests of wealth, religious caste,

9 civil and political power. And the pulpit had to be

purged of that sin by human gore, - when the love of

Christ would have washed it divinely away in Christian

Science!

The cry of the colored slave has scarcely been heard

and hushed, when from another direction there comes

15 another sharp cry of oppression. Another form of inhu-

manity lifts its hydra head to forge anew the old fetters;

to shackle conscience, stop free speech, slander, vilify;

to invite its prey, then turn and refuse the victim a solitary

vindication in this most unprecedented warfare.

A conflict more terrible than the battle of Gettysburg

21 awaits the crouching wrong that refused to yield its

prey the peace of a desert, when a voice was heard

crying in the wilderness, - the spiritual famine of 1866,

- "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths

straight."

Shall religious intolerance, arrayed against the rights

27 of man, again deluge the earth in blood? The question

at issue with mankind is: Shall we have a spiritual Chris-

tianity and a spiritual healing, or a materialistic religion

and a materia medica?

The advancing faith and hope of Christianity, the

earnest seeking after practical truth that shall cast out

Page 247

1 error and heal the sick, wisely demand for man his God-

given heritage, both human and divine rights; namely,

3 that his honest convictions and proofs of advancing truth

be allowed due consideration, and treated not as pearls

trampled upon.

6 Those familiar with my history are more tolerant; those

who know me, know that I found health in just what I

teach. I have professed Christianity a half-century; and

9 now I calmly challenge the world, upon fair investigation,

to furnish a single instance of departure in one of my

works from the highest possible ethics.

12 The charges against my views are false, but natural,

since those bringing them do not understand my state-

ment of the Science I introduce, and are unwilling to be

15 taught it, even gratuitously. If they did understand it, they

could demonstrate this Science by healing the sick; hence

the injustice of their interpretations.

18 To many, the healing force developed by Christian

Science seems a mystery, because they do not understand

that Spirit controls body. They acknowledge the exist-

21 ence of mortal mind, but believe it to reside in matter

of the brain; but that man is the idea of infinite Mind,

is not so easily accepted. That which is temporary

24 seems, to the common estimate, solid and substantial.

It is much easier for people to believe that the body

affects mind, than that the body is an expression of

mind, and reflects harmony or discord according to

thought.

Everything that God created, He pronounced good.

He never made sickness. Hence that is only an evil belief

of mortal mind, which must be met, in every instance,

with a denial by Truth.

Page 248

1 This is the "new tongue," the language of them that

"lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover," whose

3 spiritual interpretation they refuse to hear. For instance:

the literal meaning of the passage "lay hands on the sick"

would be manipulation; its moral meaning, found in the

"new tongue," is spiritual power, - as, in another Scrip-

ture, "I will triumph in the works of Thy hands."

FALSEHOOD

9 The Greeks showed a just estimate of the person they

called slanderer, when they made the word synonymous

with devil. If the simple falsehoods uttered about me

12 were compounded, the mixture would be labelled thus:

"Religionists' mistaken views of Mrs. Eddy's book, 'Sci-

ence and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' and the

malice aforethought of sinners."

That I take opium; that I am an infidel, a mesmerist,

a medium, a "pantheist;" or that my hourly life is prayer-

18 less, or not in strict obedience to the Mosaic Decalogue, -

is not more true than that I am dead, as is oft reported.

The St. Louis Democrat is alleged to have reported my

demise, and to have said that I died of poison, and be-

queathed my property to Susan Anthony.

The opium falsehood has only this to it: Many years

24 ago my regular physician prescribed morphine, which I

took, when he could do no more for me. Afterwards,

the glorious revelations of Christian Science saved me

from that necessity and made me well, since which time

I have not taken drugs, with the following exception:

When the mental malpractice of poisoning people was

Page 249

1 first undertaken by a mesmerist, to test that malprac-

tice I experimented by taking some large doses of mor-

3 phine, to see if Christian Science could not obviate its

effect; and I say with tearful thanks, "The drug had

no effect upon me whatever." The hour has struck,

- "If they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt

them."

The false report that I have appropriated other people's

9 manuscripts in my works, has been met and answered

legally. Both in private and public life, and especially

through my teachings, it is well known that I am not a

12 spiritualist, a pantheist, or prayerless. The most devout

members of evangelical churches will say this, as well as

my intimate acquaintances. None are permitted to re-

15 main in my College building whose morals are not un-

questionable. I have neither purchased nor ordered a

drug since my residence in Boston; and to my knowledge,

not one has been sent to my house, unless it was something

to remove stains or vermin.

The report that I was dead arose no doubt from the

21 combined efforts of some malignant students, expelled

from my College for immorality, to kill me: of their mental

design to do this I have proof, but no fear. My heavenly

Father will never leave me comfortless, in the amplitude

of His love; coming nearer in my need, more tenderly to

save and bless.

LOVE

What a word! I am in awe before it. Over what

worlds on worlds it hath range and is sovereign! the un-

Page 250

1 derived, the incomparable, the infinite All of good, the

alone God, is Love.

3 By what strange perversity is the best become the most

abused, - either as a quality or as an entity? Mortals

misrepresent and miscall affection; they make it what

6 it is not, and doubt what it is. The so-called affection

pursuing its victim is a butcher fattening the lamb to

slay it. What the lower propensities express, should be

9 repressed by the sentiments. No word is more mis-

construed; no sentiment less understood. The divine

significance of Love is distorted into human qualities,

which in their human abandon become jealousy and

hate.

Love is not something put upon a shelf, to be taken

15 down on rare occasions with sugar-tongs and laid on a

rose-leaf. I make strong demands on love, call for active

witnesses to prove it, and noble sacrifices and grand

18 achievements as its results. Unless these appear, I cast

aside the word as a sham and counterfeit, having no ring

of the true metal. Love cannot be a mere abstraction, or

21 goodness without activity and power. As a human quality,

the glorious significance of affection is more than words:

it is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret; the silent,

24 ceaseless prayer; the self-forgetful heart that overflows;

the veiled form stealing on an errand of mercy, out of a

side door; the little feet tripping along the sidewalk; the

gentle hand opening the door that turns toward want and

woe, sickness and sorrow, and thus lighting the dark

places of earth.

Page 251

ADDRESS ON THE FOURTH OF JULY AT PLEASANT VIEW,

CONCORD, N. H., BEFORE 2,500 MEMBERS OF THE

MOTHER CHURCH, 1897

My beloved brethren, who have come all the way from

the Pacific to the Atlantic shore, from the Palmetto to the

Pine Tree State, I greet you; my hand may not touch

yours to-day, but my heart will with tenderness untalkable.

His Honor, Mayor Woodworth, has welcomed you to

9 Concord most graciously, voicing the friendship of this

city and of my native State - loyal to the heart's core to

religion, home, friends, and country.

12 To-day we commemorate not only our nation's civil

and religious freedom, but a greater even, the liberty of

the sons of God, the inalienable rights and radiant reality

15 of Christianity, whereof our Master said: "The works

that I do shall he do;" and, "The kingdom of God cometh

not with observation" (with knowledge obtained from

the senses), but "the kingdom of God is within you," -

within the present possibilities of mankind.

Think of this inheritance! Heaven right here, where

21 angels are as men, clothed more lightly, and men as angels

who, burdened for an hour, spring into liberty, and the

good they would do, that they do, and the evil they would

not do, that they do not.

From the falling leaves of old-time faiths men learn a

parable of the period, that all error, physical, moral, or

religious, will fall before Truth demonstrated, even as

dry leaves fall to enrich the soil for fruitage.

Sin, sickness, and disease flee before the evangel of

Truth as the mountain mists before the sun. Truth is

Page 252

1 the tonic for the sick, and this medicine of Mind is not

necessarily infinitesimal but infinite. Herein the mental

3 medicine of divine metaphysics and the medical systems

of allopathy and homoeopathy differ. Mental medi-

cine gains no potency by attenuation, and its largest

dose is never dangerous, but the more the better in every

case.

Christian Science classifies thought thus: Right thoughts

9 are reality and power; wrong thoughts are unreality and

powerless, possessing the nature of dreams. Good thoughts

are potent; evil thoughts are impotent, and they should

12 appear thus. Continuing this category, we learn that

sick thoughts are unreality and weakness; while healthy

thoughts are reality and strength. My proof of these

novel propositions is demonstration, whereby any man

can satisfy himself of their verity.

Christian Science is not only the acme of Science

18 but the crown of Christianity. It is universal. It ap-

peals to man as man; to the whole and not to a por-

tion; to man physically, as well as spiritually, and to all

mankind.

It has one God. It demonstrates the divine Principle,

rules and practice of the great healer and master of meta-

24 physics, Jesus of Nazareth. It spiritualizes religion and

restores its lost element, namely, healing the sick. It

consecrates and inspires the teacher and preacher; it

27 equips the doctor with safe and sure medicine; it en-

courages and empowers the business man and secures

the success of honesty. It is the dear children's toy and

strong tower; the wise man's spiritual dictionary; the

poor man's money; yea, it is the pearl priceless whereof

our Master said, if a man findeth, he goeth and selleth

Page 253

1 all that he hath and buyeth it. Buyeth it! Note the

scope of that saying, even that Christianity is not merely

3 a gift, as St. Paul avers, but is bought with a price, a great

price; and what man knoweth as did our Master its

value, and the price that he paid for it?

6 Friends, I am not enough the new woman of the period

for outdoor speaking, and the incidental platform is not

broad enough for me, but the speakers that will now ad-

dress you - one a congressman - may improve our

platforms; and make amends for the nothingness of

matter with the allness of Mind.

WELL DOINGE IS THE FRUITE OF DOINGE WELL

HERRICK

This period is big with events. Fraught with history,

it repeats the past and portends much for the future.

The Scriptural metaphors, - of the woman in travail,

the great red dragon that stood ready to devour the child

18 as soon as it was born, and the husbandmen that said,

"This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the in-

heritance may be ours," - are type and shadow of this

hour.

A mother's love touches the heart of God, and should

it not appeal to human sympathy? Can a mother tell

24 her child one tithe of the agonies that gave that child

birth? Can that child conceive of the anguish, until she

herself is become a mother?

Do the children of this period dream of the spiritual

Mother's sore travail, through the long night, that has

opened their eyes to the light of Christian Science? Cherish

Page 254

1 these new-born children that filial obedience to which the

Decalogue points with promise of prosperity? Should not

3 the loving warning, the far-seeing wisdom, the gentle en-

treaty, the stern rebuke have been heeded, in return for

all that love which brooded tireless over their tender

6 years? for all that love that hath fed them with Truth, -

even the bread that cometh down from heaven, - as the

mother-bird tendeth her young in the rock-ribbed nest of

the raven's callow brood!

And what of the hope of that parent whose children

rise up against her; when brother slays brother, and

12 the strength of union grows weak with wickedness?

The victim of mad ambition that saith, "This is

the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance

15 may be ours," goes on to learn that he must at last

kill this evil in "self" in order to gain the kingdom

of God.

18 Envy, the great red dragon of this hour, would obscure

the light of Science, take away a third part of the stars

from the spiritual heavens, and cast them to the earth.

21 This is not Science. Per contra, it is the mortal mind

sense - mental healing on a material basis - hurling

its so-called healing at random, filling with hate its

24 deluded victims, or resting in silly peace upon the

laurels of headlong human will. "What shall, therefore,

the Lord of the vineyard do? He will come and de-

stroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto

others."

Page 255

LITTLE GODS

It is sometimes said, cynically, that Christian Scien-

tists set themselves on pedestals, as so many petty deities;

but there is no fairness or propriety in the aspersion.

Man is not equal to his Maker. That which is formed

6 is not cause, but effect; and has no underived power.

But it is possible, and dutiful, to throw the weight of

thought and action on the side of right, and to be thus

lifted up.

Man should be found not claiming equality with, but

growing into, that altitude of Mind which was in Christ

12 Jesus. He should comprehend, in divine Science, a

recognition of what the apostle meant when he said:

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that

we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs;

heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."

ADVANTAGE OF MIND-HEALING

It is sometimes asked, What are the advantages of your

system of healing?

I claim for healing by Christian Science the following

advantages: -

First: It does away with material medicine, and rec-

ognizes the fact that the antidote for sickness, as well

as for sin, may be found in God, the divine Mind.

Second: It is more effectual than drugs, and cures

where they fail, because it is this divine antidote, and

metaphysics is above physics.

Page 256

1 Third: Persons who have been healed by Christian

Science are not only cured of their belief in disease, but

they are at the same time improved morally. The body

is governed by Mind, and mortal mind must be corrected

in order to make the body harmonious.

A CARD

While gratefully acknowledging the public confidence

manifested in daily letters that protest against receiving

9 instruction in the Massachusetts Metaphysical College

from any other than Mrs. Eddy, I feel, deeply, that of

necessity this imposes on me the severe task of remain-

12 ing at present a public servant: also, that this must pre-

vent my classes from forming as frequently as was an-

nounced in the October number of the Journal, and

15 necessitates receiving but a select number of students.

To meet the old impediment, lack of time, that has oc-

casioned the irregular intervals between my class terms,

I shall continue to send to each applicant a notice from

one to two weeks previous to the opening term.

MARY BAKER G. EDDY

SPIRIT AND LAW

We are accustomed to think and to speak of gravita-

tion as a law of matter; while every quality of matter,

in and of itself, is inert, inanimate, and non-intelligent.

The assertion that matter is a law, or a lawgiver, is

anomalous. Wherever law is, Mind is; and the notion

Page 257

1 that Mind can be in matter is rank infidelity, which either

excludes God from the universe, or includes Him in every

3 mode and form of evil. Pantheism presupposes that

God sleeps in the mineral, dreams in the animal, and

wakes in a wicked man.

6 The distinction between that which is and that which

is not law, must be made by Mind and as Mind. Law is

either a moral or an immoral force. The law of God is

9 the law of Spirit, a moral and spiritual force of immor-

tal and divine Mind. The so-called law of matter is an

immoral force of erring mortal mind, alias the minds of

12 mortals. This so-called force, or law, at work in nature

as a power, prohibition, or license, is cruel and merciless.

It punishes the innocent, and repays our best deeds

15 with sacrifice and suffering. It is a code whose modes

trifle with joy, and lead to immediate or ultimate death.

It fosters suspicion where confidence is due, fear where

18 courage is requisite, reliance where there should be

avoidance, a belief in safety where there is most

danger. Our Master called it "a murderer from the

beginning."

Electricity, governed by this so-called law, sparkles

on the cloud, and strikes down the hoary saint. Floods

24 swallow up homes and households; and childhood, age,

and manhood go down in the death-dealing wave. Earth-

quakes engulf cities, churches, schools, and mortals.

27 Cyclones kill and destroy, desolating the green earth.

This pitiless power smites with disease the good Samari-

tan ministering to his neighbor's need. Even the chamber

where the good man surrenders to death is not exempt

from this law. Smoothing the pillow of pain may infect

you with smallpox, according to this lawless law which

Page 258

1 dooms man to die for loving his neighbor as himself, -

when Christ has said that love is the fulfilling of the

law.

Our great Ensample, Jesus of Nazareth, met and abol-

ished this unrelenting false claim of matter with the

6 righteous scorn and power of Spirit. When, through

Mind, he restored sight to the blind, he figuratively and

literally spat upon matter; and, anointing the wounded

9 spirit with the great truth that God is All, he demon-

strated the healing power and supremacy of the law of

Life and Love.

12 In the spiritual Genesis of creation, all law was vested

in the Lawgiver, who was a law to Himself. In divine

Science, God is One and All; and, governing Himself,

15 He governs the universe. This is the law of creation:

"My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in

heart." And that infinite Mind governs all things. On

18 this infinite Principle of freedom, God named Him-

self, I AM. Error, or Adam, might give names to itself,

and call Mind by the name of matter, but error could

21 neither name nor demonstrate Spirit. The name, I

AM, indicated no personality that could be paralleled

with it; but it did declare a mighty individuality,

24 even the everlasting Father, as infinite consciousness,

ever-presence, omnipotence; as all law, Life, Truth, and

Love.

27 God's interpretation of Himself furnishes man with

the only suitable or true idea of Him; and the divine

definition of Deity differs essentially from the human.

It interprets the law of Spirit, not of matter. It explains

the eternal dynamics of being, and shows that nature

and man are as harmonious to-day as in the beginning,

Page 259

1 when "all things were made by Him; and without Him

was not any thing made."

3 Whatever appears to be law, but partakes not of the

nature of God, is not law, but is what Jesus declared

it, "a liar, and the father of it." God is the law of Life,

6 not of death; of health, not of sickness; of good, not

of evil. It is this infinitude and oneness of good that

silences the supposition that evil is a claimant or a claim.

9 The consciousness of good has no consciousness or knowl-

edge of evil; and evil is not a quality to be known or

eliminated by good: while iniquity, too evil to conceive

of good as being unlike itself, declares that God knows

iniquity!

When the Lawgiver was the only law of creation, free-

15 dom reigned, and was the heritage of man; but this

freedom was the moral power of good, not of evil: it

was divine Science, in which God is supreme, and the

18 only law of being. In this eternal harmony of Science,

man is not fallen: he is governed in the same rhythm

that the Scripture describes, when "the morning stars

sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy."

TRUTH-HEALING

The spiritual elevator of the human race, physically,

24 morally, and Christianly, is the truism that Truth dem-

onstrates good, and is natural; while error, or evil,

is really non-existent, and must have produced its own

illusion, - for it belongs not to nature nor to God. Truth

is the power of God which heals the sick and the sinner,

and is applicable to all the needs of man. It is the uni-

Page 260

1 versal, intelligent Christ-idea illustrated by the life of

Jesus, through whose "stripes we are healed." By con-

3 flicts, defeats, and triumphs, Christian Science has been

reduced to the understanding of mortals, and found able

to heal them.

6 Pagan mysticism, Grecian philosophy, or Jewish reli-

gion, never entered into the line of Jesus' thought or

action. His faith partook not of drugs, matter, nor of

9 the travesties of mortal mind. The divine Mind was

his only instrumentality and potency, in religion or medi-

cine. The Principle of his cure was God, in the laws

of Spirit, not of matter; and these laws annulled all other

laws.

Jesus knew that erring mortal thought holds only in

15 itself the supposition of evil, and that sin, sickness, and

death are its subjective states; also, that pure Mind is

the truth of being that subjugates and destroys any sup-

positional or elementary opposite to Him who is All.

Truth is supreme and omnipotent. Then, whatever

else seemeth to be intelligence or power is false, delud-

21 ing reason and denying revelation, and seeking to dethrone

Deity. The truth of Mind-healing uplifts mankind, by

acknowledging pure Mind as absolute and entire, and

that evil is naught, although it seems to be.

Pure Mind gives out an atmosphere that heals and

saves. Words are not always the auxiliaries of Truth.

27 The spirit, and not the letter, performs the vital func-

tions of Truth and Love. Mind, imbued with this Science

of healing, is a law unto itself, needing neither license

nor prohibition; but lawless mind, with unseen motives,

and silent mental methods whereby it may injure the

race, is the highest attenuation of evil.

Page 261

1 Again: evil, as mind, is doomed, already sentenced,

punished; for suffering is commensurate with evil, and

3 lasts as long as the evil. As mind, evil finds no escape

from itself; and the sin and suffering it occasions can

only be removed by reformation.

6 According to divine law, sin and suffering are not

cancelled by repentance or pardon. Christian Science

not only elucidates but demonstrates this verity of be-

9 ing; namely, that mortals suffer from the wrong they

commit, whether intentionally or ignorantly; that every

effect and amplification of wrong will revert to the wrong-

12 doer, until he pays his full debt to divine law, and the

measure he has meted is measured to him again, full,

pressed down, and running over. Surely "the way of

the transgressor is hard."

In this law of justice, the atonement of Christ loses

no efficacy. Justice is the handmaid of mercy, and show-

18 eth mercy by punishing sin. Jesus said, "I came not to

destroy the law," - the divine requirements typified in

the law of Moses, - "but to fulfil it" in righteousness,

21 by Truth's destroying error. No greater type of divine

Love can be presented than effecting so glorious a purpose.

This spirit of sacrifice always has saved, and still saves

24 mankind; but by mankind I mean mortals, or a kind

of men after man's own making. Man as God's idea

is already saved with an everlasting salvation. It is im-

27 possible to be a Christian Scientist without apprehend-

ing the moral law so clearly that, for conscience' sake,

one will either abandon his claim to even a knowledge

of this Science, or else make the claim valid. All Science

is divine. Then, to be Science, it must produce physical

and moral harmony.

Page 262

1 Dear readers, our Journal is designed to bring health

and happiness to all households wherein it is permitted

3 to enter, and to confer increased power to be good and

to do good. If you wish to brighten so pure a purpose,

you will aid our prospect of fulfilling it by your kind

patronage of The Christian Science Journal, now enter-

ing upon its fifth volume, clad in Truth-healing's new

and costly spring dress.

HEART TO HEART

When the heart speaks, however simple the words,

its language is always acceptable to those who have

hearts.

I just want to say, I thank you, my dear students, who

are at work conscientiously and assiduously, for the good

15 you are doing. I am grateful to you for giving to the

sick relief from pain; for giving joy to the suffering and

hope to the disconsolate; for lifting the fallen and strength-

18 ening the weak, and encouraging the heart grown faint

with hope deferred. We are made glad by the divine

Love which looseth the chains of sickness and sin, open-

21 ing the prison doors to such as are bound; and we should

be more grateful than words can express, even through

this white-winged messenger, our Journal.

24 With all the homage beneath the skies, yet were our

burdens heavy but for the Christ-love that makes them

light and renders the yoke easy. Having his word, you

have little need of words of approval and encouragement

from me. Perhaps it is even selfish in me sometimes to

relieve my heart of its secrets, because I take so much

Page 263

1 pleasure in thus doing; but if my motives are sinister,

they will harm myself only, and I shall have the unself-

ish joy of knowing that the wrong motives are not yours,

to react on yourselves.

These two words in Scripture suggest the sweetest

6 similes to be found in any language - rock and feathers:

"Upon this rock I will build my church;" "He shall

cover thee with His feathers." How blessed it is to

9 think of you as "beneath the shadow of a great rock in

a weary land," safe in His strength, building on His

foundation, and covered from the devourer by divine

protection and affection. Always bear in mind that His

presence, power, and peace meet all human needs and

reflect all bliss.

THINGS TO BE THOUGHT OF

The need of their teacher's counsel, felt by students,

especially by those at a distance, working assiduously for

our common Cause, - and their constant petitions for

the same, should be met in the most effectual way.

To be responsible for supplying this want, and poise

21 the wavering balance on the right side, is impracticable

without a full knowledge of the environments. The

educational system of Christian Science lacks the aid

24 and protection of State laws. The Science is hampered

by immature demonstrations, by the infancy of its dis-

covery, by incorrect teaching; and especially by unprin-

cipled claimants, whose mad ambition drives them to

appropriate my ideas and discovery, without credit, ap-

preciation, or a single original conception, while they

Page 264

1 quote from other authors and give them credit for every

random thought in line with mine.

3 My noble students, who are loyal to Christ, Truth, and

human obligations, will not be disheartened in the midst

of this seething sea of sin. They build for time and eter-

6 nity. The others stumble over misdeeds, and their own

unsubstantiality, without the groundwork of right, till,

like camera shadows thrown upon the mists of time, they

melt into darkness.

Unity is the essential nature of Christian Science. Its

Principle is One, and to demonstrate the divine One,

demands oneness of thought and action.

Many students enter the Normal class of my College

whom I have not fitted for it by the Primary course.

15 They are taught their first lessons by my students; hence

the aptness to assimilate pure and abstract Science is

somewhat untested.

18 "As the twig is bent, the tree's inclined." As mortal

mind is directed, it acts for a season. Some students

leave my instructions before they are quite free from

21 the bias of their first impressions, whether those be cor-

rect or incorrect. Such students are more or less subject

to the future mental influence of their former teacher.

24 Their knowledge of Mind-healing may be right theo-

retically, but the moral and spiritual status of thought

must be right also. The tone of the teacher's mind must

27 be pure, grand, true, to aid the mental development of

the student; for the tint of the instructor's mind must

take its hue from the divine Mind. A single mistake in

metaphysics, or in ethics, is more fatal than a mistake in

physics.

If a teacher of Christian Science unwittingly or inten-

Page 265

1 tionally offers his own thought, and gives me as authority

for it; if he diverges from Science and knows it not, or,

3 knowing it, makes the venture from vanity, in order to

be thought original, or wiser than somebody else, - this

divergence widens. He grows dark, and cannot regain,

6 at will, an upright understanding. This error in the

teacher also predisposes his students to make mistakes

and lose their way. Diverse opinions in Science are

9 stultifying. All must have one Principle and the same

rule; and all who follow the Principle and rule have but

one opinion of it.

12 Whosoever understands a single rule in Science, and

demonstrates its Principle according to rule, is master

of the situation. Nobody can gainsay this. The ego-

15 tistical theorist or shallow moralist may presume to

make innovations upon simple proof; but his mistake

is visited upon himself and his students, whose minds

18 are, must be, disturbed by this discord, which extends

along the whole line of reciprocal thought. An error

in premise can never bring forth the real fruits of Truth.

21 After thoroughly explaining spiritual Truth and its ethics

to a student, I am not morally responsible for the mis-

statements or misconduct of this student. My teachings

24 are uniform. Those who abide by them do well. If

others, who receive the same instruction, do ill, the fault

is not in the culture but the soil.

27 I am constantly called to settle questions and disaf-

fections toward Christian Science growing out of the

departures from Science of self-satisfied, unprincipled

students. If impatient of the loving rebuke, the stu-

dent must stop at the foot of the grand ascent, and there

remain until suffering compels the downfall of his self-

Page 266

1 conceit. Then that student must struggle up, with bleed-

ing footprints, to the God-crowned summit of unselfish

and pure aims and affections.

To be two-sided, when these sides are moral oppo-

sites, is neither politic nor scientific; and to abridge a

6 single human right or privilege is an error. Whoever

does this may represent me as doing it; but he mistakes

me, and the subjective state of his own mind for mine.

9 The true leader of a true cause is the unacknowledged

servant of mankind. Stationary in the background, this

individual is doing the work that nobody else can or will

12 do. An erratic career is like the comet's course, dash-

ing through space, headlong and alone. A clear-headed

and honest Christian Scientist will demonstrate the Prin-

ciple of Christian Science, and hold justice and mercy as

inseparable from the unity of God.

UNCHRISTIAN RUMOR

18 The assertion that I have said hard things about my

loyal students in Chicago, New York, or any other place,

is utterly false and groundless. I speak of them as I feel,

21 and I cannot find it in my heart not to love them. They

are essentially dear to me, who are toiling and achieving

success in unison with my own endeavors and prayers.

24 If I correct mistakes which may be made in teaching or

lecturing on Christian Science, this is in accordance with

my students' desires, and thus we mutually aid each other,

and obey the Golden Rule.

The spirit of lies is abroad. Because Truth has spoken

aloud, error, running to and fro in the earth, is scream-

Page 267

1 ing, to make itself heard above Truth's voice. The

audible and inaudible wail of evil never harms Scientists,

steadfast in their consciousness of the nothingness of

wrong and the supremacy of right.

Our worst enemies are the best friends to our growth.

6 Charity students, for whom I have sacrificed the most

time, - those whose chief aim is to injure me, - have

caused me to exercise most patience. When they report

9 me as "hating those whom I do not love," let them re-

member that there never was a time when I saw an op-

portunity really to help them and failed to improve it;

and this, too, when I knew they were secretly striving

to injure me.

VAIN GLORY

Comparisons are odorous. - SHAKESPEARE

Through all human history, the vital outcomes of

Truth have suffered temporary shame and loss from

18 individual conceit, cowardice, or dishonesty. The bird

whose right wing flutters to soar, while the left beats its

way downward, falls to the earth. Both wings must be

plumed for rarefied atmospheres and upward flight.

Mankind must gravitate from sense to Soul, and human

affairs should be governed by Spirit, intelligent good.

24 The antipode of Spirit, which we name matter, or non-

intelligent evil, is no real aid to being. The predisposing

and exciting cause of all defeat and victory under the

sun, rests on this scientific basis: that action, in obedi-

ence to God, spiritualizes man's motives and methods,

and crowns them with success; while disobedience to

Page 268

1 this divine Principle materializes human modes and con-

sciousness, and defeats them.

3 Two personal queries give point to human action: Who

shall be greatest? and, Who shall be best? Earthly

glory is vain; but not vain enough to attempt pointing

6 the way to heaven, the harmony of being. The imaginary

victories of rivalry and hypocrisy are defeats. The Holy

One saith, "O that thou hadst hearkened to My com-

9 mandments! then had thy peace been as a river." He

is unfit for Truth, and the demonstration of divine power,

who departs from Mind to matter, and from Truth to

error, in pursuit of better means for healing the sick and

casting out error.

The Christian Scientist keeps straight to the course.

15 His whole inquiry and demonstration lie in the line of

Truth; hence he suffers no shipwreck in a starless night

on the shoals of vainglory. His medicine is Mind -

18 the omnipotent and ever-present good. His "help is

from the Lord," who heals body and mind, head and

heart; changing the affections, enlightening the mis-

21 guided senses, and curing alike the sin and the mortal

sinner. God's preparations for the sick are potions of

His own qualities. His therapeutics are antidotes for

24 the ailments of mortal mind and body. Then let us not

adulterate His preparations for the sick with material

means.

27 From lack of moral strength empires fall. Right alone

is irresistible, permanent, eternal. Remember that hu-

man pride forfeits spiritual power, and either vacillating

good or self-assertive error dies of its own elements.

Through patience we must possess the sense of Truth;

and Truth is used to waiting. "Commit thy way unto

Page 269

1 the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to

pass."

3 By using falsehood to regain his liberty, Galileo vir-

tually lost it. He cannot escape from barriers who com-

mits his moral sense to a dungeon. Hear the Master

6 on this subject: "No man can serve two masters: for

either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he

will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot

serve God and mammon."

Lives there a man who can better define ethics, better

elucidate the Principle of being, than he who "spake as

never man spake," and whose precepts and example have

a perpetual freshness in relation to human events?

Who is it that understands, unmistakably, a fraction

of the actual Science of Mind-healing?

It is he who has fairly proven his knowledge on a Chris-

tian, mental, scientific basis; who has made his choice

18 between matter and Mind, and proven the divine Mind

to be the only physician. These are self-evident proposi-

tions: That man can only be Christianized through Mind;

21 that without Mind the body is without action; that Science

is a law of divine Mind. The conclusion follows that the

correct Mind-healing is the proper means of Christianity,

and is Science.

Christian Science may be sold in the shambles. Many

are bidding for it, - but are not willing to pay the price.

27 Error is vending itself on trust, well knowing the will-

ingness of mortals to buy error at par value. The Reve-

lator beheld the opening of this silent mental seal, and

heard the great Red Dragon whispering that "no man

might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name

of the beast, or the number of his name."

Page 270

1 We are in the Valley of Decision. Then, let us take

the side of him who "overthrew the tables of the money-

3 changers, and the seats of them that sold doves," - of

such as barter integrity and peace for money and fame.

What artist would question the skill of the masters in

6 sculpture, music, or painting? Shall we depart from the

example of the Master in Christian Science, Jesus of

Nazareth, - than whom mankind hath no higher ideal?

He who demonstrated his power over sin, disease, and

death, is the master Metaphysician.

To seek or employ other means than those the Master

12 used in demonstrating Life scientifically, is to lose the

priceless knowledge of his Principle and practice. He

said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His right-

15 eousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Gain a pure Christianity; for that is requisite for heal-

ing the sick. Then you will need no other aid, and will

18 have full faith in his prophecy, "And there shall be one

fold, and one shepherd;" but, the Word must abide in

us, if we would obtain that promise. We cannot depart

21 from his holy example, - we cannot leave Christ for the

schools which crucify him, and yet follow him in heal-

ing. Fidelity to his precepts and practice is the only pass-

port to his power; and the pathway of goodness and

greatness runs through the modes and methods of God.

"He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

COMPOUNDS

Homoeopathy is the last link in material medicine.

The next step is Mind-medicine. Among the foremost

Page 271

1 virtues of homoeopathy is the exclusion of compounds

from its pharmacy, and the attenuation of a drug up to

the point of its disappearance as matter and its manifesta-

tion in effect as a thought, instead of a thing.

Students of Christian Science (and many who are not

6 students) understand enough of this to keep out of their

heads the notion that compounded metaphysics (so-called)

is, or can be, Christian Science, - that rests on oneness;

one cause and one effect.

They should take our magazine, work for it, write for

it, and read it. They should eschew all magazines and

books which are less than the best.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Cleanse

your mind of the cobwebs which spurious "compounds"

engender. Before considering a subject that is unworthy

of thought, take in this axiomatic truism: "Trust her

not, she's fooling thee;" and Longfellow is right.

CLOSE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL COLLEGE

Much is said at this date, 1889, about Mrs. Eddy's

21 Massachusetts Metaphysical College being the only

chartered College of Metaphysics. To make this plain,

the Publishing Committee of the Christian Scientist

Association has published in the Boston Traveler the

following: -

"To benefit the community, and more strongly mark

the difference between true and false teachers of mental

healing, the following history and statistics are officially

submitted: -

Page 272

1 "Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy obtained a college charter

in January, 1881, with all the rights and privileges per-

taining thereunto (including the right to grant degrees)

under Act of 1874, Chapter 375, Section 4.

"This Act was repealed from and after January 31,

6 1882. Mrs. Eddy's grant for a college, for metaphysical

purposes only, is the first on record in history, and no

charters were granted for similar colleges, except hers,

from January, 1881, till the repealing of said Act in

January, 1882.

"The substance of this Act is at present incorporated

12 in Public Statutes, Chapter 115, Section 2, with the fol-

lowing important restrictions: In accordance with Statutes

of 1883, Chapter 268, any officer, agent, or servant of any

15 corporation or association, who confers, or authorizes

to be conferred, any diploma or degree, shall be pun-

ished by a fine not less than five hundred dollars and

not more than one thousand dollars.

"All the mind-healing colleges (except Rev. Mrs.

Eddy's) have simply an incorporated grant, which may

21 be called a charter, such as any stock company may ob-

tain for any secular purposes; but these so-called char-

ters bestow no rights to confer degrees. Hence to name

24 these institutions, under such charters, colleges, is a fraud-

ulent claim. There is but one legally chartered college

of metaphysics, with powers to confer diplomas and de-

grees, and that is the Massachusetts Metaphysical College,

of which Rev. Mrs. Eddy is founder and president."

I have endeavored to act toward all students of Chris-

tian Science with the intuition and impulse of love. If

certain natures have not profited by my rebukes, -

Page 273

1 some time, as Christian Scientists, they will know the

value of these rebukes. I am thankful that the neo-

phyte will be benefited by experience, although it will

cost him much, and in proportion to its worth.

I close my College in order to work in other directions,

6 where I now seem to be most needed, and where none

other can do the work. I withdraw from an overwhelm-

ing prosperity. My students have never expressed so

9 grateful a sense of my labors with them as now, and

never have been so capable of relieving my tasks as at

present.

12 God bless my enemies, as well as the better part of

mankind, and gather all my students, in the bonds of

love and perfectness, into one grand family of Christ's

followers.

Loyal Christian Scientists should go on in their pres-

ent line of labor for a good and holy cause. Their insti-

18 tutes have not yet accomplished all the good they are

capable of accomplishing; therefore they should con-

tinue, as at present, to send out students from these

sources of education, to promote the growing interest in

Christian Science Mind-healing.

There are one hundred and sixty applications lying on

24 the desk before me, for the Primary class in the Massa-

chusetts Metaphysical College, and I cannot do my best

work for a class which contains that number. When

27 these were taught, another and a larger number would

be in waiting for the same class instruction; and if I

should teach that Primary class, the other three classes

- one Primary and two Normal - would be delayed.

The work is more than one person can well accomplish,

and the imperative call is for my exclusive teaching.

Page 274

1 From the scant history of Jesus and of his disciples,

we have no Biblical authority for a public institution.

3 This point, however, had not impressed me when I opened

my College. I desire to revise my book "Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures," and in order to do

6 this I must stop teaching at present. The work that

needs to be done, and which God calls me to outside

of College work, if left undone might hinder the progress

of our Cause more than my teaching would advance it:

therefore I leave all for Christ.

Deeply regretting the disappointment this will occa-

sion, and with grateful acknowledgments to the public

for its liberal patronage, I close my College.

MARY BAKER G. EDDY

MALICIOUS REPORTS

Truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. - ISAIAH lix. l4.

When the press is gagged, liberty is besieged; but

18 when the press assumes the liberty to lie, it discounts

clemency, mocks morality, outrages humanity, breaks

common law, gives impulse to violence, envy, and hate,

21 and prolongs the reign of inordinate, unprincipled clans.

At this period, 1888, those quill-drivers whose consciences

are in their pockets hold high carnival. When news-

24 dealers shout for class legislation, and decapitated reputa-

tions, headless trunks, and quivering hearts are held up

before the rabble in exchange for money, place, and

power, the vox populi is suffocated, individual rights

are trodden under foot, and the car of the modern In-

quisition rolls along the streets besmeared with blood.

Page 275

1 Would not our Master say to the chief actors in scenes

like these, "Ye fools and blind!" Oh, tardy human

3 justice! would you take away even woman's trembling,

clinging faith in divine power? Who can roll away the

stone from the door of this sepulchre ? Who - but God's

avenging angel!

In times like these it were well to lift the veil on the

sackcloth of home, where weepeth the faithful, stricken

9 mother, and the bruised father bendeth his aching head;

where the bereft wife or husband, silent and alone, looks

in dull despair at the vacant seat, and the motherless

12 little ones, wondering, huddle together, and repeat with

quivering lips words of strange import. May the great

Shepherd that "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,"

and binds up the wounds of bleeding hearts, just comfort,

encourage, and bless all who mourn.

Father, we thank Thee that Thy light and Thy love

reach earth, open the prison to them that are bound, con-

sole the innocent, and throw wide the gates of heaven.

LOYAL CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS

21 Pen can never portray the satisfaction that you afforded

me at the grand meeting in Chicago of the National Chris-

tian Scientist Association in 1888. Your public and

private expressions of love and loyalty were very touch-

ing. They moved me to speechless thanks.

Chicago is the wonder of the western hemisphere. The

Palmer House, where we stopped, is magnificent and

orderly. The servants are well-mannered, and the fare

is appetizing. The floral offerings sent to my apartments

Page 276

1 were superb, especially the large book of rare flowers, and

the crescent with a star.

3 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

6 whom I desired to, solely because so many people and

circumstances demanded my attention that my person-

ality was not big enough to fill the order; but rest as-

sured my heart's desire met the demand.

My students, our delegates, about one thousand Chris-

tian Scientists, active, earnest, and loyal, formed a goodly

12 assemblage for the third convention of our National As-

sociation, - an assemblage found waiting and watching

for the full coming of our Lord and Christ.

16 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

21 sense suffers, the true sense comes out, and the bride-

groom appears. We are then wedded to a purer, higher

affection and ideal.

24 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

27 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

Page 277

1 is wedded to their love, and their hearts are not

troubled.

3 Falsehood is on the wings of the winds, but Truth

will soar above it. Truth is speaking louder, clearer,

and more imperatively than ever. Error is walking to

6 and fro in the earth, trying to be heard above Truth,

but its voice dies out in the distance. Whosoever pro-

claims Truth loudest, becomes the mark for error's shafts.

9 The archers aim at Truth's mouthpiece; but a heart

loyal to God is patient and strong. Justice waits, and

is used to waiting; and right wins the everlasting

victory.

The stake and scaffold have never silenced the mes-

sages of the Most High. Then can the present mode of

15 attempting this - namely, by slanderous falsehoods, and

a secret mind-method, through which to effect the pur-

poses of envy and malice - silence Truth? Never. They

18 but open the eyes to the truth of Benjamin Franklin's

report before the French Commissioners on Mesmerism:

"It is one more fact to be recorded in the history of the

errors of the human mind."

"The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice."

No evidence before the material senses can close my

24 eyes to the scientific proof that God, good, is supreme.

Though clouds are round about Him, the divine justice

and judgment are enthroned. Love is especially near

in times of hate, and never so near as when one can be

just amid lawlessness, and render good for evil.

I thunder His law to the sinner, and sharply lighten

on the cloud of the intoxicated senses. I cannot help

loathing the phenomena of drunkenness produced by

animality. I rebuke it wherever I see it. The vision

Page 278

1 of the Revelator is before me. The wines of fornica-

tion, envy, and hatred are the distilled spirits of evil,

and are the signs of these times; but I am not dismayed,

and my peace returns unto me.

Error will hate more as it realizes more the presence

of its tormentor. I shall fulfil my mission, fight the good

fight, and keep the faith.

There is great joy in this consciousness, that through-

9 out my labors, and in my history as connected with the

Cause of Christian Science, it can be proven that I have

never given occasion for a single censure, when my mo-

12 tives and acts are understood and seen as my Father

seeth them. I once wondered at the Scriptural declara-

tion that Job sinned not in all he said, even when he cursed

the hour of his birth; but I have learned that a curse on

sin is always a blessing to the human race.

Those only who are tried in the furnace reflect the

18 image of their Father. You, my beloved students, who

are absent from me, and have shared less of my labors

than many others, seem stronger to resist temptation

21 than some of those who have had line upon line and

precept upon precept. This may be a serviceable hint,

since necessities and God's providence are foreshadowed.

24 I have felt for some time that perpetual instruction of

my students might substitute my own for their growth,

and so dwarf their experience. If they must learn by

the things they suffer, the sooner this lesson is gained

the better.

For two years I have been gradually withdrawing from

active membership in the Christian Scientist Association.

This has developed higher energies on the part of true

followers, and led to some startling departures on the

Page 279

1 other hand. "Offenses will come: but woe unto him,

through whom they come."

3 Why does not the certainty of individual punishment

for sin prevent the wrong action? It is the love of God,

and not the fear of evil, that is the incentive in Science.

6 I rejoice with those who rejoice, and am too apt to weep

with those who weep, but over and above it all are eter-

nal sunshine and joy unspeakable.

THE MARCH PRIMARY CLASS

TO THE PRIMARY CLASS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS METAPHYSICAL

COLLEGE, 571 COLUMBUS AVENUE, THAT ASSEMBLED FEB. 25,

1889, WITH AN ATTENDANCE OF SIXTY-FIVE STUDENTS

My students, three picture-stories from the Bible pre-

sent themselves to my thought; three of those pictures

15 from which we learn without study. The first is that of

Joshua and his band before the walls of Jericho. They

went seven times around these walls, the seven times

18 corresponding to the seven days of creation: the six days

are to find out the nothingness of matter; the seventh

is the day of rest, when it is found that evil is naught

and good is all.

The second picture is of the disciples met together in

an upper chamber; and they were of one mind. Mark,

24 that in the case of Joshua and his band they had all to

shout together in order that the walls might fall; and the

disciples, too, were of one mind.

We, to-day, in this class-room, are enough to con-

vert the world if we are of one Mind; for then the whole

world will feel the influence of this Mind; as when the

Page 280

1 earth was without form, and Mind spake and form

appeared.

3 The third picture-lesson is from Revelation, where, at

the opening of the seals, one of the angels presented him-

self with balances to weigh the thoughts and actions of

6 men; not angels with wings, but messengers of pure and

holy thoughts that say, See thou hurt not the holy things

of Truth.

9 You have come to be weighed; and yet, I would not

weigh you, nor have you weighed. How is this? Be-

cause God does all, and there is nothing in the opposite

12 scale. There are not two, - Mind and matter. We

must get rid of that notion. As we commonly think, we

imagine all is well if we cast something into the scale of

15 Mind, but we must realize that Mind is not put into the

scales with matter; then only are we working on one side

and in Science.

18 The students of this Primary class, dismissed the fifth

of March, at close of the lecture on the fourth presented

their teacher with an elegant album costing fifty dollars,

21 and containing beautiful hand-painted flowers on each

page, with their autographs. The presentation was made

in a brief address by Mr. D. A. Easton, who in appro-

priate language and metaphor expressed his fellow-stu-

dents' thanks to their teacher.

On the morning of the fifth, I met the class to answer

27 some questions before their dismissal, and allude briefly

to a topic of great import to the student of Christian

Science, - the rocks and sirens in their course, on and

by which so many wrecks are made. The doors of animal

magnetism open wide for the entrance of error, some-

times just at the moment when you are ready to enter on

Page 281

1 the fruition of your labors, and with laudable ambition

are about to chant hymns of victory for triumphs.

3 The doors that this animal element flings open are

those of rivalry, jealousy, envy, revenge. It is the self-

asserting mortal will-power that you must guard against.

6 But I find also another mental condition of yours that

fills me with joy. I learned long ago that the world could

neither deprive me of something nor give me anything,

9 and I have now one ambition and one joy. But if

one cherishes ambition unwisely, one will be chastened

for it.

12 Admiral Coligny, in the time of the French Huguenots,

was converted to Protestantism through a stray copy of

the Scriptures that fell into his hands. He replied to his

15 wife, who urged him to come out and confess his faith,

"It is wise to count the cost of becoming a true Chris-

tian." She answered him, "It is wiser to count the cost

18 of not becoming a true Christian." So, whatever we meet

that is hard in the Christian warfare we must count as

nothing, and must think instead, of our poverty and help-

lessness without this understanding, and count ourselves

always as debtors to Christ, Truth.

Among the gifts of my students, this of yours is one

24 of the most beautiful and the most costly, because you

have signed your names. I felt the weight of this yes-

terday, but it came to me more clearly this morning when

27 I realized what a responsibility you assume when sub-

scribing to Christian Science. But, whatever may come

to you, remember the words of Solomon, "Though hand

join in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished: but

the seed of the righteous shall be delivered."

You will need, in future, practice more than theory.

Page 282

1 You are going out to demonstrate a living faith, a true

sense of the infinite good, a sense that does not limit God,

but brings to human view an enlarged sense of Deity.

Remember, it is personality, and the sense of personality

in God or in man, that limits man.

OBTRUSIVE MENTAL HEALING

The question will present itself: Shall people be treated

mentally without their knowledge or consent? The

9 direct rule for practice of Christian Science is the Golden

Rule, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye."

Who of us would have our houses broken open or our

locks picked? and much less would we have our minds

tampered with.

Our Master said, "When ye enter a house, salute it."

15 Prolonging the metaphysical tone of his command, I say,

When you enter mentally the personal precincts of human

thought, you should know that the person with whom

18 you hold communion desires it. There are solitary ex-

ceptions to most given rules: the following is an exception

to the above rule of mental practice.

21 If the friends of a patient desire you to treat him with-

out his knowing it, and they believe in the efficacy of

Mind-healing, it is sometimes wise to do so, and the end

24 justifies the means; for he is restored through Christian

Science when other means have failed. One other oc-

casion which may call for aid unsought, is a case from

accident, when there is no time for ceremony and no other

aid is near.

The abuse which I call attention to, is promiscuous

Page 283

1 and unannounced mental practice where there is no neces-

sity for it, or the motive is mercenary, or one can to ad-

3 vantage speak the truth audibly; then the case is not

exceptional. As a rule, one has no more right to enter

the mind of a person, stir, upset, and adjust his thoughts

6 without his knowledge or consent, than one has to enter

a house, unlock the desk, displace the furniture, and suit

one's self in the arrangement and management of another

man's property.

It would be right to break into a burning building and

rouse the slumbering inmates, but wrong to burst open

12 doors and break through windows if no emergency de-

manded this. Any exception to the old wholesome rule,

"Mind your own business," is rare. For a student of

15 mine to treat another student without his knowledge, is

a breach of good manners and morals; it is nothing less

than a mistaken kindness, a culpable ignorance, or a

conscious trespass on the rights of mortals.

I insist on the etiquette of Christian Science, as well

as its morals and Christianity. The Scriptural rule of

21 this Science may momentarily be forgotten; but this is

seldom the case with loyal students, or done without

incriminating the person who did it.

24 Each student should, must, work out his own problem

of being; conscious, meanwhile, that God worketh with

him, and that he needs no personal aid. It is the genius

27 of Christian Science to demonstrate good, not evil, -

harmony, not discord; for Science is the mandate of

Truth which destroys all error.

Whoever is honestly laboring to learn the principle of

music and practise it, seldom calls on his teacher or mu-

sician to practise for him. The only personal help re-

Page 284

1 quired in this Science is for each one to do his own work

well, and never try to hinder others from doing theirs

thus.

Christian Science, more than any other system of

religion, morals, or medicine, is subject to abuses. Its

6 infinite nature and uses occasion this. Even the human-

itarian at work in this field of limitless power and good

may possess a zeal without knowledge, and thus mistake

the sphere of his present usefulness.

Students who strictly adhere to the right, and make the

Bible and Science and Health a study, are in no danger

of mistaking their way.

This question is often proposed, How shall I treat

malicious animal magnetism? The hour has passed for

15 this evil to be treated personally, but it should have been

so dealt with at the outset. Christian Scientists should

have gone personally to the malpractitioner and told

18 him his fault, and vindicated divine Truth and Love

against human error and hate. This growing sin must

now be dealt with as evil, and not as an evil-doer or per-

21 sonality. It must also be remembered that neither an evil

claim nor an evil person is real, hence is neither to be

feared nor honored.

24 Evil is not something to fear and flee before, or that

becomes more real when it is grappled with. Evil let

alone grows more real, aggressive, and enlarges its claims;

but, met with Science, it can and will be mastered by

Science.

I deprecate personal animosities and quarrels. But if

one is intrusted with the rules of church government, to

fulfil that trust those rules must be carried out; thus it

is with all moral obligations. I am opposed to all personal

Page 285

1 attacks, and in favor of combating evil only, rather than

person.

3 An edition of one thousand pamphlets I ordered to

be laid away and not one of them circulated, because I

had been personal in condemnation. Afterwards, by a

6 blunder of the gentleman who fills orders for my books,

some of these pamphlets were mistaken for the corrected

edition, and sold.

9 Love is the fulfilling of the law. Human life is too

short for foibles or failures. The Christian Science Jour-

nal will hold high the banner of Truth and Love, and be

impartial and impersonal in its tenor and tenets.

WEDLOCK

It was about the year 1875 that Science and Health

15 first crossed swords with free-love, and the latter fell hors

de combat; but the whole warfare of sensuality was not

then ended. Science and Health, the book that cast the

first stone, is still at work, deep down in human conscious-

ness, laying the axe at the root of error.

We have taken the precaution to write briefly on mar-

21 riage, showing its relation to Christian Science. In the

present or future, some extra throe of error may conjure

up a new-style conjugality, which, ad libitum, severs the

24 marriage covenant, puts virtue in the shambles, and

coolly notifies the public of broken vows. Springing

up from the ashes of free-love, this nondescript phoenix,

27 in the face and eyes of common law, common sense, and

common honesty, may appear in the rôle of a superfine

conjugality; but, having no Truth, it will have no past,

present, or future.

Page 286

1 The above prophecy, written years ago, has already

been fulfilled. It is seen in Christian Science that the

3 gospel of marriage is not without the law, and the solemn

vow of fidelity, "until death do us part;" this verity in

human economy can neither be obscured nor throttled.

6 Until time matures human growth, marriage and progeny

will continue unprohibited in Christian Science. We look

to future generations for ability to comply with absolute

9 Science, when marriage shall be found to be man's one-

ness with God, - the unity of eternal Love. At present,

more spiritual conception and education of children will

12 serve to illustrate the superiority of spiritual power over

sensuous, and usher in the dawn of God's creation,

wherein they neither marry nor are given in marriage,

15 but are as the angels. To abolish marriage at this period,

and maintain morality and generation, would put inge-

nuity to ludicrous shifts; yet this is possible in Science,

although it is to-day problematic.

The time cometh, and now is, for spiritual and eternal

existence to be recognized and understood in Science.

21 All is Mind. Human procreation, birth, life, and death

are subjective states of the human erring mind; they

are the phenomena of mortality, nothingness, that illus-

trate mortal mind and body as one, and neither real nor

eternal.

It should be understood that Spirit, God, is the only

27 creator: we should recognize this verity of being, and

shut out all sense of other claims. Until this absolute

Science of being is seen, understood, and demonstrated

in the offspring of divine Mind, and man is perfect even

as the Father is perfect, human speculation will go on,

and stop at length at the spiritual ultimate: creation

Page 287

1 understood as the most exalted divine conception. The

offspring of an improved generation, however, will go out

3 before the forever fact that man is eternal and has no

human origin. Hence the Scripture: "It is He that hath

made us, and not we ourselves;" and the Master's de-

mand, "Call no man your father upon the earth: for one

is your Father, which is in heaven."

To an ill-attuned ear, discord is harmony; so personal

9 sense, discerning not the legitimate affection of Soul,

may place love on a false basis and thereby lose it. Science

corrects this error with the truth of Love, and restores

12 lost Eden. Soul is the infinite source of bliss: only high

and holy joy can satisfy immortal cravings. The good

in human affections should preponderate over the evil,

15 and the spiritual over the animal, - until progress lifts

mortals to discern the Science of mental formation and

find the highway of holiness.

18 In the order of wisdom, the higher nature of man

governs the lower. This lays the foundations of human

affection in line with progress, giving them strength and

permanence.

When asked by a wife or a husband important ques-

tions concerning their happiness, the substance of my reply

24 is: God will guide you. Be faithful over home rela-

tions; they lead to higher joys: obey the Golden Rule

for human life, and it will spare you much bitterness.

27 It is pleasanter to do right than wrong; it makes one

ruler over one's self and hallows home, - which is woman's

world. Please your husband, and he will be apt to please

you; preserve affection on both sides.

Great mischief comes from attempts to steady other

people's altars, venturing on valor without discretion,

Page 288

1 which is virtually meddlesomeness. Even your sincere

and courageous convictions regarding what is best for

3 others may be mistaken; you must be demonstratively

right yourself, and work out the greatest good to the

greatest number, before you are sure of being a fit coun-

6 sellor. Positive and imperative thoughts should be dropped

into the balances of God and weighed by spiritual Love,

and not be found wanting, before being put into action.

9 A rash conclusion that regards only one side of a ques-

tion, is weak and wicked; this error works out the results

of error. If the premise of mortal existence is wrong,

12 any conclusion drawn therefrom is not absolutely right.

Wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest

right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the

absolute.

Is marriage nearer right than celibacy?

Human knowledge inculcates that it is, while Science

18 indicates that it is not. But to force the consciousness

of scientific being before it is understood is impossible,

and believing otherwise would prevent scientific demon-

21 stration. To reckon the universal cost and gain, as well

as thine own, is right in every state and stage of being.

The selfish rôle of a martyr is the shift of a dishonest

mind, nothing short of self-seeking; and real suffering

would stop the farce.

The cause of temperance receives a strong impulse

27 from the cause of Christian Science: temperance and

truth are allies, and their cause prospers in proportion

to the spirit of Love that nerves the struggle. People

will differ in their opinions as to means to promote the

ends of temperance; that is, abstinence from intoxicat-

ing beverages. Whatever intoxicates a man, stultifies

Page 289

1 and causes him to degenerate physically and morally.

Strong drink is unquestionably an evil, and evil cannot

3 be used temperately: its slightest use is abuse; hence

the only temperance is total abstinence. Drunkenness

is sensuality let loose, in whatever form it is made

manifest.

What is evil? It is suppositional absence of good.

From a human standpoint of good, mortals must first

9 choose between evils, and of two evils choose the less;

and at present the application of scientific rules to hu-

man life seems to rest on this basis.

12 All partnerships are formed on agreements to certain

compacts: each party voluntarily surrenders independ-

ent action to act as a whole and per agreement. This

15 fact should be duly considered when by the marriage

contract two are made one, and, according to the divine

precept, "they twain shall be one flesh." Oneness in

18 spirit is Science, compatible with home and heaven.

Neither divine justice nor human equity has divorced

two minds in one.

21 Rights that are bargained away must not be retaken

by the contractors, except by mutual consent. Human

nature has bestowed on a wife the right to become a

24 mother; but if the wife esteems not this privilege, by

mutual consent, exalted and increased affections, she

may win a higher. Science touches the conjugal ques-

27 tion on the basis of a bill of rights. Can the bill of con-

jugal rights be fairly stated by a magistrate, or by a

minister? Mutual interests and affections are the spirit

of these rights, and they should be consulted, augmented,

and allowed to rise to the spiritual altitude whence they

can choose only good.

Page 290

1 A third person is not a party to the compact of two

hearts. Let other people's marriage relations alone: two

3 persons only, should be found within their precincts.

The nuptial vow is never annulled so long as the animus

of the contract is preserved intact. Science lifts humanity

higher in the scale of harmony, and must ultimately break

all bonds that hinder progress.

JUDGE NOT

9 Mistaken views ought to be dissolving views, since

whatever is false should disappear. To suppose that hu-

man love, guided by the divine Principle, which is Love,

12 is partial, unmerciful, or unjust, indicates misapprehen-

sion of the divine Principle and its workings in the human

heart.

15 A person wrote to me, naming the time of the occur-

rence, "I felt the influence of your thought on my mind,

and it produced a wonderful illumination, peace, and

18 understanding;" but, I had not thought of the writer

at that time. I knew that this person was doing well,

and my affections involuntarily flow out towards all.

21 When will the world cease to judge of causes from a

personal sense of things, conjectural and misapprehen-

sive! When thought dwells in God, - and it should not,

24 to our consciousness, dwell elsewhere, - one must bene-

fit those who hold a place in one's memory, whether it

be friend or foe, and each share the benefit of that radia-

27 tion. This individual blessedness and blessing comes

not so much from individual as from universal love: it

emits light because it reflects; and all who are receptive

share this equally.

Page 291

1 Mistaken or transient views are human: they are not

governed by the Principle of divine Science: but the

3 notion that a mind governed by Principle can be forced

into personal channels, affinities, self-interests, or obliga-

tions, is a grave mistake; it dims the true sense of God's

6 reflection, and darkens the understanding that demon-

strates above personal motives, unworthy aims and

ambitions.

9 Too much and too little is attached to me as authority

for other people's thoughts and actions. A tacit acqui-

escence with others' views is often construed as direct

12 orders, - or at least it so appears in results. I desire

the equal growth and prosperity of all Christian Scien-

tists, and the world in general; each and every one has

15 equal opportunity to be benefited by my thoughts and

writings. If any are not partakers thereof, this is not

my fault, and is far from my desire; the possible per-

18 version of Christian Science is the irony of fate, if the

spirit thereof be lacking. I would part with a blessing

myself to bestow it upon others, but could not deprive

21 them of it. False views, however engendered, relative

to the true and unswerving course of a Christian Scientist,

will at length dissolve into thin air. The dew of heaven

24 will fall gently on the hearts and lives of all who are found

worthy to suffer for righteousness, - and have taught

the truth which is energizing, refreshing, and consecrat-

ing mankind.

To station justice and gratitude as sentinels along the

lines of thought, would aid the solution of this problem,

and counteract the influence of envious minds or the mis-

guided individual who keeps not watch over his emotions

and conclusions.

Page 292

NEW COMMANDMENT

The divinity of St. John's Gospel brings to view over-

3 whelming tides of revelation, and its spirit is baptismal;

he chronicles this teaching, "A new commandment I

give unto you, That ye love one another."

6 Jesus, who so loved the world that he gave his life

(in the flesh) for it, saw that Love had a new command-

ment even for him. What was it?

9 It must have been a rare revelation of infinite Love, a

new tone on the scale ascending, such as eternity is ever

sounding. Could I impart to the student the higher

12 sense I entertain of Love, it would partly illustrate the

divine energy that brings to human weakness might and

majesty. Divine Love eventually causes mortals to turn

15 away from the open sepulchres of sin, and look no more

into them as realities. It calls loudly on them to bury

the dead out of sight; to forgive and forget whatever is

18 unlike the risen, immortal Love; and to shut out all op-

posite sense. Christ enjoins it upon man to help those

who know not what he is doing in their behalf, and there-

21 fore curse him; enjoins taking them by the hand and

leading them, if possible, to Christ, by loving words and

deeds. Charity thus serves as admonition and instruc-

tion, and works out the purposes of Love.

Christian Science, full of grace and truth, is accom-

plishing great good, both seen and unseen; but have

27 mortals, with the penetration of Soul, searched the secret

chambers of sense? I never knew a student who fully

understood my instructions on this point of handling

evil, - as to just how this should be done, - and carried

Page 293

1 out my ideal. It is safe not to teach prematurely the

infant thought in Christian Science - just breathing new

3 Life and Love - all the claims and modes of evil; there-

fore it is best to leave the righteous unfolding of error

(as a general rule) alone, and to the special care of the

6 unerring modes of divine wisdom. This uncovering and

punishing of sin must, will come, at some date, to the

rescue of humanity. The teacher of divine metaphysics

9 should impart to his students the general knowledge that

he has gained from instruction, observation, and mental

practice.

12 Experience weighs in the scales of God the sense and

power of Truth against the opposite claims of error.

If spiritual sense is not dominant in a student, he will

15 not understand all your instructions; and if evil domi-

nates his character, he will pervert the rules of Christian

Science, and the last error will be worse than the first -

inasmuch as wilful transgression brings greater torment

than ignorance.

A CRUCE SALUS

21 The sum total of Love reflected is exemplified, and

includes the whole duty of man: Truth perverted, in

belief, becomes the creator of the claim of error. To

24 affirm mentally and audibly that God is All and there is

no sickness and no sin, makes mortals either saints or

sinners.

27 Truth talked and not lived, rolls on the human heart

a stone; consigns sensibility to the charnel-house of sen-

suality, ease, self-love, self-justification, there to moulder

and rot.

Page 294

1 The noblest work of God is man in the image of his

Maker; the last infirmity of evil is so-called man, swayed

3 by the maëlstrom of human passions, elbowing the con-

cepts of his own creating, making place for himself and

displacing his fellows.

6 A real Christian Scientist is a marvel, a miracle in the

universe of mortal mind. With selfless love, he inscribes

on the heart of humanity and transcribes on the page

9 of reality the living, palpable presence - the might and

majesty! - of goodness. He lives for all mankind, and

honors his creator.

12 The vice versa of this man is sometimes called a

man, but he is a small animal: a hived bee, with sting

ready for each kind touch, he makes honey out of

the flowers of human hearts and hides it in his cell of

ingratitude.

O friendly hand! keep back thy offerings from asps

18 and apes, from wolves in sheep's clothing and all raven-

ing beasts. Love such specimens of mortality just enough

to reform and transform them, - if it be possible, -

and then, look out for their stings, and jaws, and claws;

but thank God and take courage, - that you desire to

help even such as these.

COMPARISON TO ENGLISH BARMAIDS

Since my residence in Concord, N. H., I have read

the daily paper, and had become an admirer of Edgar

L. Wakeman's terse, graphic, and poetic style in his

"Wanderings," richly flavored with the true ideas of

humanity and equality. In an issue of January 17, how-

Page 295

1 ever, were certain references to American women which

deserve and elicit brief comment.

3 Mr. Wakeman writes from London, that a noted Eng-

lish leader, whom he quotes without naming, avers that

the "cursed barmaid system" in England is evolved by

6 the same power which in America leads women "along

a gamut of isms and ists, from female suffrage, past a

score of reforms, to Christian Science." This anony-

9 mous talker further declares, that the central cause of

this "same original evil" is "a female passion for some

manner of notoriety."

12 Is Mr. Wakeman awake, and caught napping? While

praising the Scotchman's national pride and affection,

has our American correspondent lost these sentiments

15 from his own breast? Has he forgotten how to honor

his native land and defend the dignity of her daughters

with his ready pen and pathos?

18 The flaunting and floundering statements of the great

unknown for whose ability and popularity Mr. Wakeman

strongly vouches, should not only be queried, but flatly

21 contradicted, as both untrue and uncivil. English senti-

ment is not wholly represented by one man. Nor is the

world ignorant of the fact that high and pure ethical

24 tones do resound from Albion's shores. The most ad-

vanced ideas are inscribed on tablets of such an organi-

zation as the Victoria Institute, or Philosophical Society

27 of Great Britain, an institution which names itself after

her who is unquestionably the best queen on earth; who

for a half century has with such dignity, clemency, and

virtue worn the English crown and borne the English

sceptre.

Now, I am a Christian Scientist, - the Founder of

Page 296

1 this system of religion, - widely known; and, by special

invitation, have allowed myself to be elected an associate

3 life-member of the Victoria Institute, which numbers

among its constituents and managers - not barmaids,

but bishops - profound philosophers, brilliant scholars.

6 Was it ignorance of American society and history,

together with unfamiliarity with the work and career

of American women, which led the unknown author

9 cited by Mr. Wakeman to overflow in shallow sarcasm,

and place the barmaids of English alehouses and rail-

ways in the same category with noble women who min-

12 ister in the sick-room, give their time and strength to

binding up the wounds of the broken-hearted, and live

on the plan of heaven?

15 This writer classes Christian Science with theosophy

and spiritualism; whereas, they are by no means iden-

tical - nor even similar. Christian Science, antagonis-

18 tic to intemperance, as to all immorality, is by no means

associated therewith. Do manly Britons patronize tap-

rooms and lazar-houses, and thus note or foster a fem-

21 inine ambition which, in this unknown gentleman's

language, "poises and poses, higgles and wriggles" it-

self into publicity? Why fall into such patronage, unless

from their affinity for the worst forms of vice?

And the barmaids! Do they enter this line of occu-

pation from a desire for notoriety and a wish to promote

27 female suffrage? or are they incited thereto by their

own poverty and the bad appetites of men? What man-

ner of man is this unknown individual who utters bar-

maid and Christian Scientist in the same breath? If he

but knew whereof he speaks, his shame would not lose

its blush!

Page 297

1 Taking into account the short time that has elapsed

since the discovery of Christian Science, one readily sees

3 that this Science has distanced all other religious and

pathological systems for physical and moral reforma-

tion. In the direction of temperance it has achieved far

6 more than has been accomplished by legally coercive

measures, - and because this Science bases its work on

ethical conditions and mentally destroys the appetite for

alcoholic drinks.

Smart journalism is allowable, nay, it is commend-

able; but the public cannot swallow reports of American

12 affairs from a surly censor ventilating his lofty scorn of

the sects, or societies, of a nation that perhaps he has

never visited.

Part Five Table of Contents