The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany – Part Four

YOUTH AND YOUNG MANHOOD

EDITOR’S NOTE. – The Cosmopolitan presents this month to its

21 readers a facsimile of an article sent to us by Mrs. Eddy, with the

corrections on the manuscript reproduced in her own handwriting.

Not only Mrs. Eddy’s own devoted followers, but the public gen-

24 erally, will be interested in this communication from the extraordi-

nary woman who, nearly eighty-seven years of age, plays so great

a part in the world and leads with such conspicuous success her very

great following.

Mrs. Eddy writes very rarely for any publications outside of the

Christian Science periodicals, and our readers will be interested in

this presentation of the thought of a mind that has had so much

influence on this generation.

The Cosmopolitan gives no editorial indorsement to the teachings

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1 of Christian Science, it has no religious opinions or predilections to

put before its readers. This manuscript is presented simply as an

interesting and remarkable proof of Mrs. Eddy’s ability in old age

to vindicate in her own person the value of her teachings.

Certainly, Christian Scientists, enthusiastic in their belief, are

6 fortunate in being able to point to a Leader far beyond the allotted

years of man, emerging triumphantly from all attacks upon her, and

guiding with remarkable skill, determination, and energy a very

great organization that covers practically the civilized world.

King David, the Hebrew bard, sang, “I have been

young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the right-

eous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

I for one accept his wise deduction, his ultimate or

spiritual sense of thinking, feeling, and acting, and its

15 reward. This sense of rightness acquired by experience

and wisdom, should be early presented to youth and to

manhood in order to forewarn and forearm humanity.

18 The ultimatum of life here and hereafter is utterly

apart from a material or personal sense of pleasure, pain,

joy, sorrow, life, and death. The truth of life, or life in

21 truth, is a scientific knowledge that is portentous; and

is won only by the spiritual understanding of Life as God,

good, ever-present good, and therefore life eternal.

24 You will agree with me that the material body is mortal,

but Soul is immortal; also that the five personal senses

are perishable: they lapse and relapse, come and go, until

27 at length they are consigned to dust. But say you,

“Man awakes from the dream of death in possession of

the five personal senses, does he not?” Yes, because

death alone does not awaken man in God’s image

and likeness. The divine Science of Life alone gives

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1 the true sense of life and of righteousness, and demon-

strates the Principle of life eternal; even the Life that

is Soul apart from the so-called life of matter or the

material senses.

Death alone does not absolve man from a false material

6 sense of life, but goodness, holiness, and love do this, and

so consummate man’s being with the harmony of heaven;

the omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience of Life,

even its all-power, all-presence, all-Science.

Dear reader, right thinking, right feeling, and right

acting – honesty, purity, unselfishness – in youth tend

12 to success, intellectuality, and happiness in manhood.

To begin rightly enables one to end rightly, and thus it is

that one achieves the Science of Life, demonstrates health,

holiness, and immortality.

[Boston Herald, April, 1908]

MRS. EDDY SENDS THANKS

Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy has sent the following to the

Herald: –

Will the dear Christian Scientists accept my thanks

21 for their magnificent gifts, and allow me to say that I am

not fond of an abundance of material presents; but I

am cheered and blessed when beholding Christian healing,

24 unity among brethren, and love to God and man; this

is my crown of rejoicing, for it demonstrates Christian

Science.

The Psalmist sang, “That thy way may be known

upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.”

Page 275

[Minneapolis (Minn.) News]

UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP

3 Christian Science can and does produce universal

fellowship. As the sequence of divine Love it explains

love, it lives love, it demonstrates love. The human,

6 material, so-called senses do not perceive this fact until

they are controlled by divine Love; hence the Scripture,

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

BROOKLINE, MASS.,

May 1, 1908

[New York Herald]

MRS. EDDY’S OWN DENIAL THAT SHE IS ILL

Permit me to say, the report that I am sick (and I

trust the desire thereof) is dead, and should be buried.

15 Whereas the fact that I am well and keenly alive to the

truth of being – the Love that is Life – is sure and stead-

fast. I go out in my carriage daily, and have omitted

18 my drive but twice since I came to Massachusetts.

Either my work, the demands upon my time at home, or

the weather, is all that prevents my daily drive.

21 Working and praying for my dear friends’ and my dear

enemies’ health, happiness, and holiness, the true sense

of being goes on.

24 Doing unto others as we would that they do by us, is

immortality’s self. Intrepid, self-oblivious love fulfils the

law and is self-sustaining and eternal. With white-winged

charity brooding over all, spiritually understood and de-

monstrated, let us unite in one Te Deum of praise.

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

May 15, 1908

Page 276

[Christian Science Sentinel, May 16, 1908]

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

3 Since Mrs. Eddy is watched, as one watches a criminal

or a sick person, she begs to say, in her own behalf, that

she is neither; therefore to be criticized or judged by

6 either a daily drive or a dignified stay at home, is super-

fluous. When accumulating work requires it, or because

of a preference to remain within doors she omits her

9 drive, do not strain at gnats or swallow camels over

it, but try to be composed and resigned to the shock-

ing fact that she is minding her own business, and rec-

12 ommends this surprising privilege to all her dear friends

and enemies.

MARY BAKER EDDY

[Boston Post, November, 1908]

POLITICS

Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy has always believed that those

18 who are entitled to vote should do so, and she has also

believed that in such matters no one should seek to dictate

the actions of others.

21 In reply to a number of requests for an expression of

her political views, she has given out this statement: –

I am asked, “What are your politics?” I have none, in

reality, other than to help support a righteous government;

to love God supremely, and my neighbor as myself.

Page 277

CHAPTER XV – PEACE AND WAR

[Boston Herald, March, 1898]

OTHER WAYS THAN BY WAR

3 IN reply to your question, “Should difficulties between

the United States and Spain be settled peacefully by

statesmanship and diplomacy, in a way honorable and

6 satisfactory to both nations?” I will say I can see no

other way of settling difficulties between individuals and

nations than by means of their wholesome tribunals,

equitable laws, and sound, well-kept treaties.

A bullet in a man’s heart never settles the question of

his life. The mental animus goes on, and urges that the

12 answer to the sublime question as to man’s life shall come

from God and that its adjustment shall be according to

His laws. The characters and lives of men determine the

15 peace, prosperity, and life of nations. Killing men is

not consonant with the higher law whereby wrong and

injustice are righted and exterminated.

18 Whatever weighs in the eternal scale of equity and

mercy tips the beam on the right side, where the immortal

words and deeds of men alone can settle all questions

amicably and satisfactorily. But if our nation’s rights or

honor were seized, every citizen would be a soldier and

woman would be armed with power girt for the hour.

Page 278

1 To coincide with God’s government is the proper in-

centive to the action of all nations. If His purpose for

3 peace is to be subserved by the battle’s plan or by the

intervention of the United States, so that the Cubans

may learn to make war no more, this means and end

will be accomplished.

The government of divine Love is supreme. Love rules

the universe, and its edict hath gone forth: “Thou shalt

9 have no other gods before me,” and “Love thy neighbor

as thyself.” Let us have the molecule of faith that

removes mountains, – faith armed with the understand-

12 ing of Love, as in divine Science, where right reigneth.

The revered President and Congress of our favored land

are in God’s hands.

[Boston Globe, December, 1904]

HOW STRIFE MAY BE STILLED

Follow that which is good.

18 A Japanese may believe in a heaven for him who dies

in defence of his country, but the steadying, elevating

power of civilization destroys such illusions and should

overcome evil with good.

Nothing is gained by fighting, but much is lost.

Peace is the promise and reward of rightness. Gov-

24 ernments have no right to engraft into civilization the

burlesque of uncivil economics. War is in itself an evil,

barbarous, devilish. Victory in error is defeat in Truth.

War is not in the domain of good; war weakens power

and must finally fall, pierced by its own sword.

The Principle of all power is God, and God is Love.

Whatever brings into human thought or action an ele-

Page 279

1 ment opposed to Love, is never requisite, never a neces-

sity, and is not sanctioned by the law of God, the law

3 of Love. The Founder of Christianity said: “My

peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give

I unto you.”

6 Christian Science reinforces Christ’s sayings and doings.

The Principle of Christian Science demonstrates peace.

Christianity is the chain of scientific being reappearing in

9 all ages, maintaining its obvious correspondence with the

Scriptures and uniting all periods in the design of God.

The First Commandment in the Hebrew Decalogue –

12 “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” – obeyed,

is sufficient to still all strife. God is the divine Mind.

Hence the sequence: Had all peoples one Mind, peace

would reign.

God is Father, infinite, and this great truth, when

understood in its divine metaphysics, will establish the

brotherhood of man, end wars, and demonstrate “on

earth peace, good will toward men.”

[Christian Science Sentinel, June 17, 1905]

THE PRAYER FOR PEACE

Dearly Beloved: – I request that every member of The

Mother Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, pray each

24 day for the amicable settlement of the war between

Russia and Japan; and pray that God bless that great

nation and those islands of the sea with peace and

prosperity.

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

June 13, 1905

Page 280

1 REV. MARY BAKER EDDY,

Pleasant View, Concord, N. H.

3 Beloved Leader: – We acknowledge with rejoicing the

receipt of your message, which again gives assurance of

your watchful care and guidance in our behalf and of your

6 loving solicitude for the welfare of the nations and the

peaceful tranquillity of the race. We rejoice also in this

new reminder from you that all the things which make for

9 the establishment of a universal, loving brotherhood on

earth may be accomplished through the righteous prayer

which availeth much.

WILLIAM B. JOHNSON, Clerk

BOSTON, MASS., June 13, 1905

[Christian Science Sentinel, July 1, 1905]

“HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD”

15 I now request that the members of my church cease

special prayer for the peace of nations, and cease in full

18 faith that God does not hear our prayers only because of

oft speaking, but that He will bless all the inhabitants

of the earth, and none can stay His hand nor say unto

21 Him, What doest Thou? Out of His allness He must

bless all with His own truth and love.

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

June 27, 1905

[Christian Science Sentinel, July 22, 1905]

AN EXPLANATION

In no way nor manner did I request my church to cease

praying for the peace of nations, but simply to pause in

special prayer for peace. And why this asking? Because

Page 281

1 a spiritual foresight of the nations’ drama presented

itself and awakened a wiser want, even to know how

3 to pray other than the daily prayer of my church, –

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it

is in heaven.”

6 I cited, as our present need, faith in God’s disposal of

events. Faith full-fledged, soaring to the Horeb height,

brings blessings infinite, and the spirit of this orison is the

9 fruit of rightness, – “on earth peace, good will toward

men.” On this basis the brotherhood of all peoples is

established; namely, one God, one Mind, and “Love thy

12 neighbor as thyself,” the basis on which and by which

the infinite God, good, the Father-Mother Love, is ours

and we are His in divine Science.

[Boston Globe, August, 1905]

PRACTISE THE GOLDEN RULE

[Telegram]

18 “Official announcement of peace between Russia and

Japan seems to offer an appropriate occasion for the ex-

pression of congratulations and views by representative

21 persons. Will you do us the kindness to wire a sentiment

on some phase of the subject, on the ending of the war,

the effect on the two parties to the treaty of Portsmouth,

the influence which President Roosevelt has exerted for

peace, or the advancement of the cause of arbitration.”

Mrs. Eddy’s Reply

TO THE EDITOR OF THE Globe:

War will end when nations are ripe for progress. The

treaty of Portsmouth is not an executive power, although

Page 282

1 its purpose is good will towards men. The government of

a nation is its peace maker or breaker.

3 I believe strictly in the Monroe doctrine, in our Con-

stitution, and in the laws of God. While I admire the

faith and friendship of our chief executive in and for all

6 nations, my hope must still rest in God, and the Scrip-

tural injunction, – “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all

the ends of the earth.”

9 The Douma recently adopted in Russia is no uncer-

tain ray of dawn. Through the wholesome chastise-

ments of Love, nations are helped onward towards

12 justice, righteousness, and peace, which are the land-

marks of prosperity. In order to apprehend more,

we must practise what we already know of the Golden

Rule, which is to all mankind a light emitting light.

MARY BAKER EDDY

MRS. EDDY AND THE PEACE MOVEMENT

18 MR. HAYNE DAVIS, American Secretary,

International Conciliation Committee,

542 Fifth Avenue, New York City

21 Dear Mr. Davis: – Deeply do I thank you for the

interest you manifest in the success of the Association

for International Conciliation. It is of paramount im-

portance to every son and daughter of all nations under

the sunlight of the law and gospel.

May God guide and prosper ever this good endeavor.

27 Most truly yours,

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

April 3, 1907

Page 283

MRS. EDDY’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF APPOINTMENT

AS FONDATEUR OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR

3 INTERNATIONAL CONCILIATION

FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, SCIENTIST, NEW YORK CITY,

MR. JOHN D. HIGGINS, Clerk

6 My Beloved Brethren: – Your appointment of me as

Fondateur of the Association for International Concilia-

tion is most gracious.

9 To aid in this holy purpose is the leading impetus of

my life. Many years have I prayed and labored for the

consummation of “on earth peace, good will toward

men.” May the fruits of said grand Association, preg-

nant with peace, find their birthright in divine Science.

Right thoughts and deeds are the sovereign remedies

15 for all earth’s woe. Sin is its own enemy. Right has its

recompense, even though it be betrayed. Wrong may be

a man’s highest idea of right until his grasp of goodness

grows stronger. It is always safe to be just.

When pride, self, and human reason reign, injustice is

rampant.

21 Individuals, as nations, unite harmoniously on the basis

of justice, and this is accomplished when self is lost in

Love – or God’s own plan of salvation. “To do justly,

and to love mercy, and to walk humbly” is the stand-

ard of Christian Science.

Human law is right only as it patterns the divine.

Consolation and peace are based on the enlightened sense

of God’s government.

Lured by fame, pride, or gold, success is danger-

ous, but the choice of folly never fastens on the good

Page 284

1 or the great. Because of my rediscovery of Chris-

tian Science, and honest efforts (however meagre)

3 to help human purpose and peoples, you may have

accorded me more than is deserved, – but ’tis sweet

to be remembered.

6 Lovingly yours,

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

April 22, 1907

[Concord (N. H.) Daily Patriot]

A CORRECTION

12 Dear Editor: – In the issue of your good paper, the

Patriot, May 21, when referring to the Memorial service

of the E. E. Sturtevant Post held in my church building,

15 it read, “It is said to be the first time in the history of

the church in this country that such an event has oc-

curred.” In your next issue please correct this mistake.

18 Since my residence in Concord, 1889, the aforesaid

Memorial service has been held annually in some church

in Concord, N. H.

21 When the Veterans indicated their desire to assemble

in my church building, I consented thereto only as other

churches had done. But here let me say that I am

24 absolutely and religiously opposed to war, whereas I do

believe implicitly in the full efficacy of divine Love to

conciliate by arbitration all quarrels between nations

27 and peoples.

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

May 28, 1907

Page 285

TO A STUDENT

Dear Student: – Please accept my thanks for your

3 kind invitation, on behalf of the Civic League of San

Francisco, to attend the Industrial Peace Conference,

and accept my hearty congratulations.

6 I cannot spare the time requisite to meet with you;

but I rejoice with you in all your wise endeavors for

industrial, civic, and national peace. Whatever adorns

9 Christianity crowns the great purposes of life and demon-

strates the Science of being. Bloodshed, war, and op-

pression belong to the darker ages, and shall be relegated

to oblivion.

It is a matter for rejoicing that the best, bravest, most

cultured men and women of this period unite with us in

the grand object embodied in the Association for Inter-

national Conciliation.

In Revelation 2: 26, St. John says: “And he that

18 overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to

him will I give power over the nations.” In the words

of St. Paul, I repeat: –

21 “And they neither found me in the temple disputing

with any man, neither raising up the people, neither

in the synagogues, nor in the city: neither can they

24 prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But

this I confess unto thee, that after the way which

they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers,

27 believing all things which are written in the law and in

the prophets.”

Most sincerely yours,

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.

Page 286

[The Christian Science Journal, May, 1908]

WAR

3 For many years I have prayed daily that there be

no more war, no more barbarous slaughtering of our

fellow-beings; prayed that all the peoples on earth and

the islands of the sea have one God, one Mind; love

God supremely, and love their neighbor as themselves.

National disagreements can be, and should be, arbi-

trated wisely, fairly; and fully settled.

It is unquestionable, however, that at this hour

the armament of navies is necessary, for the purpose

of preventing war and preserving peace among nations.

Page 287

CHAPTER XVI – TRIBUTES

[New York Mail and Express]

MONUMENT TO BARON AND BARONESS DE HIRSCH

3 THE movement to erect a monument to the late

Baron and Baroness de Hirsch enlists my hearty

sympathy. They were unquestionably used in a re-

markable degree as instruments of divine Love.

Divine Love reforms, regenerates, giving to human

weakness strength, serving as admonition, instruction, and

9 governing all that really is. Divine Love is the noumenon

and phenomenon, the Principle and practice of divine

metaphysics. Love talked and not lived is a poor shift

12 for the weak and worldly. Love lived in a court or cot

is God exemplified, governing governments, industries,

human rights, liberty, life.

15 In love for man we gain the only and true sense of love

for God, practical good, and so rise and still rise to His

image and likeness, and are made partakers of that Mind

whence springs the universe.

Philanthropy is loving, ameliorative, revolutionary; it

wakens lofty desires, new possibilities, achievements, and

energies; it lays the axe at the root of the tree that

bringeth not forth good fruit; it touches thought to

spiritual issues, systematizes action, and insures success;

Page 288

1 it starts the wheels of right reason, revelation, justice, and

mercy; it unselfs men and pushes on the ages. Love

3 unfolds marvellous good and uncovers hidden evil. The

philanthropist or reformer gives little thought to self-

defence; his life’s incentive and sacrifice need no apology.

The good done and the good to do are his ever-present

reward.

Love for mankind is the elevator of the human race;

9 it demonstrates Truth and reflects divine Love. Good is

divinely natural. Evil is unnatural; it has no origin in

the nature of God, and He is the Father of all.

12 The great Galilean Prophet was, is, the reformer of re-

formers. His piety partook not of the travesties of human

opinions, pagan mysticisms, tribal religion, Greek phi-

15 losophy, creed, dogma, or materia medica. The divine

Mind was his only instrumentality in religion or medi-

cine. The so-called laws of matter he eschewed; with

18 him matter was not the auxiliary of Spirit. He never

appealed to matter to perform the functions of Spirit,

divine Love.

21 Jesus cast out evil, disease, death, showing that all

suffering is commensurate with sin; therefore, he cast

out devils and healed the sick. He showed that every

24 effect or amplification of wrong will revert to the wrong-

doer; that sin punishes itself; hence his saying, “Sin

no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” Love

atones for sin through love that destroys sin. His rod

is love.

We cannot remake ourselves, but we can make the

best of what God has made. We can know that all is

good because God made all, and that evil is not a

fatherly grace.

Page 289

1 All education is work. The thing most important is

what we do, not what we say. God’s open secret is seen

through grace, truth, and love.

I enclose a check for five hundred dollars for the

De Hirsch monument fund.

TRIBUTES TO QUEEN VICTORIA

MR. WILLIAM B. JOHNSON, C.S.B., Clerk

Beloved Student: – I deem it proper that The Mother

9 Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, the

first church of Christian Science known on earth, should

upon this solemn occasion congregate; that a special meet-

12 ing of its First Members convene for the sacred purpose of

expressing our deep sympathy with the bereaved nation,

its loss and the world’s loss, in the sudden departure of

15 the late lamented Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and

Empress of India, – long honored, revered, beloved.

“God save the Queen” is heard no more in England, but

18 this shout of love lives on in the heart of millions.

With love,

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

January 27, 1901

It being inconvenient for me to attend the memorial

24 meeting in the South Congregational church on Sunday

evening, February 3, I herewith send a few words of con-

dolence, which may be read on that tender occasion.

I am interested in a meeting to be held in the capi-

tal of my native State in memoriam of the late lamented

Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Empress of India.

Page 290

1 It betokens a love and a loss felt by the strong hearts

of New England and the United States. When contem-

3 plating this sudden international bereavement, the near

seems afar, the distant nigh, and the tried and true seem

few. The departed Queen’s royal and imperial honors

lose their lustre in the tomb, but her personal virtues can

never be lost. Those live on in the affection of nations.

Few sovereigns have been as venerable, revered, and

beloved as this noble woman, born in 1819, married in

1840, and deceased the first month of the new century.

LETTER TO MRS. McKINLEY

12 My Dear Mrs. McKinley: – My soul reaches out to God

for your support, consolation, and victory. Trust in Him

whose love enfolds thee. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect

15 peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth

in Thee.” “Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee.”

Divine Love is never so near as when all earthly joys seem

most afar.

Thy tender husband, our nation’s chief magistrate, has

passed earth’s shadow into Life’s substance. Through

21 a momentary mist he beheld the dawn. He awaits to

welcome you where no arrow wounds the eagle soaring,

where no partings are for love, where the high and holy

call you again to meet.

“I knew that Thou hearest me always,” are the words of

him who suffered and subdued sorrow. Hold this attitude

27 of mind, and it will remove the sackcloth from thy home.

With love,

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

September 14, 1901

Page 291

TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT McKINLEY

Imperative, accumulative, holy demands rested on the

3 life and labors of our late beloved President, William

McKinley. Presiding over the destinies of a nation

meant more to him than a mere rehearsal of aphorisms,

6 a uniting of breaches soon to widen, a quiet assent or dis-

sent. His work began with heavy strokes, measured

movements, reaching from the infinitesimal to the

9 infinite. It began by warming the marble of politics

into zeal according to wisdom, quenching the vol-

canoes of partizanship, and uniting the interests of all

peoples; and it ended with a universal good overcoming

evil.

His home relations enfolded a wealth of affection, – a

15 tenderness not talked but felt and lived. His humanity,

weighed in the scales of divinity, was not found wanting.

His public intent was uniform, consistent, sympathetic,

18 and so far as it fathomed the abyss of difficulties was

wise, brave, unselfed. May his history waken a tone

of truth that shall reverberate, renew euphony, empha-

size humane power, and bear its banner into the vast

forever.

While our nation’s ensign of peace and prosperity

24 waves over land and sea, while her reapers are strong,

her sheaves garnered, her treasury filled, she is suddenly

stricken, – called to mourn the loss of her renowned

27 leader! Tears blend with her triumphs. She stops to

think, to mourn, yea, to pray, that the God of harvests

send her more laborers, who, while they work for their

own country, shall sacredly regard the liberty of other

peoples and the rights of man.

Page 292

1 What cannot love and righteousness achieve for the

race? All that can be accomplished, and more than his-

3 tory has yet recorded. All good that ever was written,

taught, or wrought comes from God and human faith in

the right. Through divine Love the right government is

6 assimilated, the way pointed out, the process shortened,

and the joy of acquiescence consummated. May God

sanctify our nation’s sorrow in this wise, and His rod

and His staff comfort the living as it did the departing.

O may His love shield, support, and comfort the chief

mourner at the desolate home!

POWER OF PRAYER

My answer to the inquiry, “Why did Christians of every

sect in the United States fail in their prayers to save

15 the life of President McKinley,” is briefly this: Insuffi-

cient faith or spiritual understanding, and a compound of

prayers in which one earnest, tender desire works uncon-

18 sciously against the modus operandi of another, would

prevent the result desired. In the June, 1901, Message

to my church in Boston, I refer to the effect of one

human desire or belief unwittingly neutralizing another,

though both are equally sincere.

In the practice of materia medica, croton oil is not mixed

24 with morphine to remedy dysentery, for those drugs are

supposed to possess opposite qualities and so to produce

opposite effects. The spirit of the prayer of the righteous

27 heals the sick, but this spirit is of God, and the divine

Mind is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; where-

as the human mind is a compound of faith and doubt,

of fear and hope, of faith in truth and faith in error.

Page 293

1 The knowledge that all things are possible to God ex-

cludes doubt, but differing human concepts as to the

3 divine power and purpose of infinite Mind, and the so-

called power of matter, act as the different properties of

drugs are supposed to act – one against the other – and

this compound of mind and matter neutralizes itself.

Our lamented President, in his loving acquiescence,

believed that his martyrdom was God’s way. Hun-

9 dreds, thousands of others believed the same, and hun-

dreds of thousands who prayed for him feared that the

bullet would prove fatal. Even the physicians may have

feared this.

These conflicting states of the human mind, of trembling

faith, hope, and of fear, evinced a lack of the absolute

15 understanding of God’s omnipotence, and thus they pre-

vented the power of absolute Truth from reassuring the

mind and through the mind resuscitating the body of

the patient.

The divine power and poor human sense – yea, the spirit

and the flesh – struggled, and to mortal sense the flesh pre-

21 vailed. Had prayer so fervently offered possessed no

opposing element, and President McKinley’s recovery

been regarded as wholly contingent on the power of God,

24 – on the power of divine Love to overrule the pur-

poses of hate and the law of Spirit to control matter, –

the result would have been scientific, and the patient

would have recovered.

St. Paul writes: “For the law of the Spirit of life in

Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and

death.” And the Saviour of man saith: “What things

soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive

them, and ye shall have them.” Human governments

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1 maintain the right of the majority to rule. Christian

Scientists are yet in a large minority on the subject of

3 divine metaphysics; but they improve the morals and the

lives of men, and they heal the sick on the basis that God

has all power, is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent,

supreme over all.

In a certain city the Master “did not many mighty

works there because of their unbelief,” – because of the

9 mental counteracting elements, the startled or the un-

righteous contradicting minds of mortals. And if he were

personally with us to-day, he would rebuke whatever

12 accords not with a full faith and spiritual knowledge of

God. He would mightily rebuke a single doubt of the

ever-present power of divine Spirit to control all the con-

ditions of man and the universe.

If the skilful surgeon or the faithful M.D. is not dis-

mayed by a fruitless use of the knife or the drug, has not

18 the Christian Scientist with his conscious understanding

of omnipotence, in spite of the constant stress of the

hindrances previously mentioned, reason for his faith in

what is shown him by God’s works?

ON THE DEATH OF POPE LEO XIII, JULY 20, 1903

The sad, sudden announcement of the decease of Pope

24 Leo XIII, touches the heart and will move the pen of

millions. The intellectual, moral, and religious energy

of this illustrious pontiff have animated the Church of

27 Rome for one quarter of a century. The august ruler

of two hundred and fifty million human beings has now

passed through the shadow of death into the great forever.

The court of the Vatican mourns him; his relatives

shed “the unavailing tear.” He is the loved and lost

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1 of many millions. I sympathize with those who mourn,

but rejoice in knowing our dear God comforts such with

3 the blessed assurance that life is not lost; its influence

remains in the minds of men, and divine Love holds

its substance safe in the certainty of immortality.

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

(John 1: 4.)

A TRIBUTE TO THE BIBLE

LETTER OF THANKS FOR THE GIFT OF A COPY OF MARTIN LUTHER’S

TRANSLATION INTO GERMAN OF THE BIBLE, PRINTED IN

NUREM BERG IN 1733

12 Dear Student: – I am in grateful receipt of your time-

worn Bible in German. This Book of books is also the

gift of gifts; and kindness in its largest, profoundest

sense is goodness. It was kind of you to give it to me.

I thank you for it.

Christian Scientists are fishers of men. The Bible is

our sea-beaten rock. It guides the fishermen. It stands

the storm. It engages the attention and enriches the

being of all men.

A BENEDICTION

[Copy of Cablegram]

COUNTESS OF DUNMORE AND FAMILY,

55 Lancaster Gate, West, London, England

Divine Love is your ever-present help. You, I, and

mankind have cause to lament the demise of Lord Dun-

27 more; but as the Christian Scientist, the servant of God

and man, he still lives, loves, labors.

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

August 31, 1907

Page 296

HON. CLARENCE A. BUSKIRK’S LECTURE

The able discourse of our “learned judge,” his flash of

3 flight and insight, lays the axe “unto the root of the

trees,” and shatters whatever hinders the Science of

being.

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

October 14, 1907

“HEAR, O ISRAEL”

The late lamented Christian Scientist brother and the

publisher of my books, Joseph Armstrong, C.S.D., is not

12 dead, neither does he sleep nor rest from his labors in

divine Science; and his works do follow him. Evil has no

power to harm, to hinder, or to destroy the real spiritual

15 man. He is wiser to-day, healthier and happier, than

yesterday. The mortal dream of life, substance, or mind

in matter, has been lessened, and the reward of good

18 and punishment of evil and the waking out of his Adam-

dream of evil will end in harmony, – evil powerless, and

God, good, omnipotent and infinite.

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

December 10, 1907

MISS CLARA BARTON

In the New York American, January 6, 1908, Miss

Clara Barton dipped her pen in my heart, and traced its

emotions, motives, and object. Then, lifting the curtains

of mortal mind, she depicted its rooms, guests, standing

and seating capacity, and thereafter gave her discovery

Page 297

1 to the press. Now if Miss Barton were not a venerable

soldier, patriot, philanthropist, moralist, and states-

3 woman, I should shrink from such salient praise. But

in consideration of all that Miss Barton really is,

and knowing that she can bear the blows which may

6 follow said description of her soul-visit, I will say, Amen,

so be it.

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

January l0, 1908

THERE IS NO DEATH

12 A suppositional gust of evil in this evil world is the

dark hour that precedes the dawn. This gust blows

away the baubles of belief, for there is in reality no evil,

15 no disease, no death; and the Christian Scientist who

believes that he dies, gains a rich blessing of disbelief in

death, and a higher realization of heaven.

18 My beloved Edward A. Kimball, whose clear, correct

teaching of Christian Science has been and is an inspira-

tion to the whole field, is here now as veritably as when

21 he visited me a year ago. If we would awaken to this

recognition, we should see him here and realize that he

never died; thus demonstrating the fundamental truth

of Christian Science.

MARY BAKER EDDY

MRS. EDDY’S HISTORY

27 I have not had sufficient interest in the matter to read

or to note from others’ reading what the enemies of

Christian Science are said to be circulating regarding my

history, but my friends have read Sibyl Wilbur’s book,

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1 “The Life of Mary Baker Eddy,” and request the privi-

lege of buying, circulating, and recommending it to the

3 public. I briefly declare that nothing has occurred in my

life’s experience which, if correctly narrated and under-

stood, could injure me; and not a little is already re-

ported of the good accomplished therein, the self-sacrifice,

etc., that has distinguished all my working years.

I thank Miss Wilbur and the Concord Publishing Com-

9 pany for their unselfed labors in placing this book before

the public, and hereby say that they have my permission

to publish and circulate this work.

MARY BAKER EDDY

Page 299

CHAPTER XVII – ANSWERS TO CRITICISMS

[Letter to the New York Commercial Advertiser]

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AND THE CHURCH

3 OVER the signature “A Priest of the Church,”

somebody, kindly referring to my address to First

Church of Christ, Scientist, in Concord, N. H., writes:

6 “If they [Christian Scientists] have any truth to reveal

which has not been revealed by the church or the Bible,

let them make it known to the world, before they claim

the allegiance of mankind. “

I submit that Christian Science has been widely made

known to the world, and that it contains the entire

12 truth of the Scriptures, as also whatever portions of truth

may be found in creeds. In addition to this, Christian

Science presents the demonstrable divine Principle and

rules of the Bible, hitherto undiscovered in the trans-

lations of the Bible and lacking in the creeds.

Therefore I query: Do Christians, who believe in sin,

18 and especially those who claim to pardon sin, believe

that God is good, and that God is All? Christian

Scientists firmly subscribe to this statement; yea, they

understand it and the law governing it, namely, that

God, the divine Principle of Christian Science, is

Page 300

1 “of purer eyes than to behold evil.” On this basis they

endeavor to cast out the belief in sin or in aught

3 besides God, thus enabling the sinner to overcome

sin according to the Scripture, “Work out your own

salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which

worketh in you both to will and to do of His good

pleasure.”

Does he who believes in sickness know or declare that

9 there is no sickness or disease, and thus heal disease?

Christian Scientists, who do not believe in the reality

of disease, heal disease, for the reason that the divine

12 Principle of Christian Science, demonstrated, heals the

most inveterate diseases. Does he who believes in

death understand or aver that there is no death, and

15 proceed to overcome “the last enemy” and raise the

dying to health? Christian Scientists raise the dying to

health in Christ’s name, and are striving to reach the

summit of Jesus’ words, “If a man keep my saying, he

shall never see death.”

If, as this kind priest claims, these things, inseparable

21 from Christian Science, are common to his church, we

propose that he make known his doctrine to the world,

that he teach the Christianity which heals, and send out

24 students according to Christ’s command, “Go ye into all

the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,”

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast

out devils.”

The tree is known by its fruit. If, as he implies,

Christian Science is not a departure from the first cen-

tury churches, – as surely it is not, – why persecute

it? Are the churches opening fire on their own religious

ranks, or are they attacking a peaceable party quite

Page 301

1 their antipode? Christian Science is a reflected glory;

it shines with borrowed rays – from Light emitting light.

Christian Science is the new-old Christianity, that which

was and is the revelation of divine Love.

The present flux in religious faith may be found to be

6 a healthy fermentation, by which the lees of religion will

be lost, dogma and creed will pass off in scum, leaving a

solid Christianity at the bottom – a foundation for the

9 builders. I would that all the churches on earth could

unite as brethren in one prayer: Father, teach us the

life of Love.

PLEASANT VEIW, CONCORD, N. H.,

March 22, 1899

[Letter to the New York World]

FAITH IN METAPHYSICS

Is faith in divine metaphysics insanity?

All sin is insanity, but healing the sick is not sin.

18 There is a universal insanity which mistakes fable for

fact throughout the entire testimony of the material

senses. Those unfortunate people who are committed to

21 insane asylums are only so many well-defined instances

of the baneful effects of illusion on mortal minds and

bodies. The supposition that we can correct insanity

24 by the use of drugs is in itself a species of insanity. A

drug cannot of itself go to the brain or affect cerebral

conditions in any manner whatever. Drugs cannot

remove inflammation, restore disordered functions, or

destroy disease without the aid of mind.

If mind be absent from the body, drugs can produce

no curative effect upon the body. The mind must

Page 302

1 be, is, the vehicle of all modes of healing disease and of

producing disease. Through the mandate of mind or

3 according to a man’s belief, can he be helped or be killed

by a drug; but mind, not matter, produces the result in

either case.

6 Neither life nor death, health nor disease, can be pro-

duced on a corpse, whence mind has departed. This

self-evident fact is proof that mind is the cause of all

9 effect made manifest through so-called matter. The

general craze is that matter masters mind; the specific

insanity is that brain, matter, is insane.

[Letter to the New York Herald]

REPLY TO MARK TWAIN

It is a fact well understood that I begged the students

15 who first gave me the endearing appellative “Mother,”

not to name me thus. But without my consent, the use

of the word spread like wildfire. I still must think the

18 name is not applicable to me. I stand in relation to

this century as a Christian Discoverer, Founder, and

Leader. I regard self-deification as blasphemous. I may

21 be more loved, but I am less lauded, pampered, provided

for, and cheered than others before me – and where-

fore? Because Christian Science is not yet popular, and

I refuse adulation.

My first visit to The Mother Church after it was built

and dedicated pleased me, and the situation was satisfac-

27 tory. The dear members wanted to greet me with escort

and the ringing of bells, but I declined and went alone in

my carriage to the church, entered it, and knelt in thanks

upon the steps of its altar. There the foresplendor of

Page 303

1 the beginnings of truth fell mysteriously upon my spirit.

I believe in one Christ, teach one Christ, know of but

3 one Christ. I believe in but one incarnation, one Mother

Mary. I know that I am not that one, and I have never

claimed to be. It suffices me to learn the Science of the

Scriptures relative to this subject.

Christian Scientists have no quarrel with Protestants,

Catholics, or any other sect. Christian Scientists need to

9 be understood as following the divine Principle – God,

Love – and not imagined to be unscientific worshippers

of a human being.

12 In his article, of which I have seen only extracts, Mark

Twain’s wit was not wasted in certain directions. Chris-

tian Science eschews divine rights in human beings.

15 If the individual governed human consciousness, my

statement of Christian Science would be disproved;

but to demonstrate Science and its pure monotheism

18 – one God, one Christ, no idolatry, no human propa-

ganda – it is essential to understand the spiritual idea.

Jesus taught and proved that what feeds a few feeds

21 all. His life-work subordinated the material to the

spiritual, and he left his legacy of truth to man-

kind. His metaphysics is not the sport of philosophy,

religion, or science; rather is it the pith and finale of

them all.

I have not the inspiration nor the aspiration to be

27 a first or second Virgin-mother – her duplicate, ante-

cedent, or subsequent. What I am remains to be proved

by the good I do. We need much humility, wisdom,

and love to perform the functions of foreshadowing and

foretasting heaven within us. This glory is molten in

the furnace of affliction.

Page 304

[Boston Journal, June 8, 1903]

A MISSTATEMENT CORRECTED

3 I was early a pupil of Miss Sarah J. Bodwell, the

principal of Sanbornton Academy, New Hampshire, and

finished my course of studies under Professor Dyer

6 H. Sanborn, author of Sanborn’s Grammar. Among

my early studies were Comstock’s Natural Philosophy,

Chemistry, Blair’s Rhetoric, Whateley’s Logic, Watt’s

9 “On the Mind and Moral Science.” At sixteen years

of age, I began writing for the leading newspapers, and

for many years I wrote for the best magazines in the

12 South and North. I have lectured in large and crowded

halls in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Portland,

and at Waterville College, and have been invited to

15 lecture in London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland.

In 1883, I started The Christian Science Journal, and

for several years was the proprietor and sole editor of

18 that periodical. In 1893, Judge S. J. Hanna became

editor of The Christian Science Journal, and for ten

subsequent years he knew my ability as an editor. In

21 a lecture in Chicago, he said: “Mrs. Eddy is from

every point of view a woman of sound education and

liberal culture.”

24 Agassiz, the celebrated naturalist and author, wisely

said: “Every great scientific truth goes through three

stages. First, people say it conflicts with the Bible.

Next, they say it has been discovered before. Lastly,

they say they have always believed it.”

The first attack upon me was: Mrs. Eddy misinterprets

the Scriptures; second, she has stolen the contents of her

book, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,”

Page 305

1 from one P. P. Quimby (an obscure, uneducated man),

and that he is the founder of Christian Science. Failing

3 in these attempts, the calumniator has resorted to Ralph

Waldo Emerson’s philosophy as the authority for Christian

Science! Lastly, the defamer will declare as honestly (?),

“I have always known it.”

In Science and Health, page 68, third paragraph, I

briefly express myself unmistakably on the subject of

9 “vulgar metaphysics,” and the manuscripts and letters

in my possession, which “vulgar” defamers have circu-

lated, stand in evidence. People do not know who is

12 referred to as “an ignorant woman in New Hampshire.”

Many of the nation’s best and most distinguished men

and women were natives of the Granite State.

15 I am the author of the Christian Science textbook,

“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures;” and

the demand for this book constantly increases. I am

18 rated in the National Magazine (1903) as “standing

eighth in a list of twenty-two of the foremost living

authors.”

21 I claim no special merit of any kind. All that I am

in reality, God has made me. I still wait at the cross to

learn definitely more from my great Master, but not

of the Greek nor of the Roman schools – simply how to

do his works.

A PLEA FOR JUSTICE

27 My recent reply to the reprint of a scandal in the

Literary Digest was not a question of “Who shall be

greatest?” but of “Who shall be just?” Who is or is

not the founder of Christian Science was not the trend

of thought, but my purpose was to lift the curtain on

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1 wrong, on falsehood which persistently misrepresents

my character, education, and authorship, and attempts

to narrow my life into a conflict for fame.

Far be it from me to tread on the ashes of the dead or

to dissever any unity that may exist between Christian

6 Science and the philosophy of a great and good man, for

such was Ralph Waldo Emerson; and I deem it unwise to

enter into a newspaper controversy over a question that

9 is no longer a question. The false should be antagonized

only for the purpose of making the true apparent. I have

quite another purpose in life than to be thought great.

12 Time and goodness determine greatness. The greatest

reform, with almost unutterable truths to translate,

must wait to be transfused into the practical and

15 to be understood in the “new tongue.” Age, with

experience-acquired patience and unselfed love, waits

on God. Human merit or demerit will find its proper

level. Divinity alone solves the problem of human-

ity, and that in God’s own time. “By their fruits ye

shall know them.”

REMINISCENCES

In 1862, when I first visited Dr. Quimby of Portland,

Me., his scribblings were descriptions of his patients, and

24 these comprised the manuscripts which in 1887 I adver-

tised that I would pay for having published. Before his

decease, in January, 1866, Dr. Quimby had tried to get

them published and had failed.

Quotations have been published, purporting to be Dr.

Quimby’s own words, which were written while I was his

patient in Portland and holding long conversations with

him on my views of mental therapeutics. Some words in

Page 307

1 these quotations certainly read like words that I said to

him, and which I, at his request, had added to his

3 copy when I corrected it. In his conversations with

me and in his scribblings, the word science was not

used at all, till one day I declared to him that back

6 of his magnetic treatment and manipulation of patients,

there was a science, and it was the science of mind,

which had nothing to do with matter, electricity, or

physics.

After this I noticed he used that word, as well as other

terms which I employed that seemed at first new to him.

12 He even acknowledged this himself, and startled me by

saying what I cannot forget – it was this: “I see now

what you mean, and I see that I am John, and that you

are Jesus.”

At that date I was a staunch orthodox, and my theologi-

cal belief was offended by his saying and I entered a de-

18 murrer which rebuked him. But afterwards I concluded

that he only referred to the coming anew of Truth, which

we both desired; for in some respects he was quite a seer

21 and understood what I said better than some others did.

For one so unlearned, he was a remarkable man. Had

his remark related to my personality, I should still think

that it was profane.

At first my case improved wonderfully under his

treatment, but it relapsed. I was gradually emerging

27 from materia medica, dogma, and creeds, and drifting

whither I knew not. This mental struggle might have

caused my illness. The fallacy of materia medica, its

lack of science, and the want of divinity in scholas-

tic theology, had already dawned on me. My ideal-

ism, however, limped, for then it lacked Science. But

Page 308

1 the divine Love will accomplish what all the powers

of earth combined can never prevent being accom-

plished – the advent of divine healing and its divine

Science.

REPLY TO McCLURE’S MAGAZINE

6 It is calumny on Christian Science to say that man is

aroused to thought or action only by ease, pleasure, or

recompense. Something higher, nobler, more imperative

impels the impulse of Soul.

It becomes my duty to be just to the departed and to

tread not ruthlessly on their ashes. The attack on me

12 and my late father and his family in McClure’s Magazine,

January, 1907, compels me as a dutiful child and the

Leader of Christian Science to speak.

15 McClure’s Magazine refers to my father’s “tall, gaunt

frame” and pictures “the old man tramping doggedly

along the highway, regularly beating the ground with a

18 huge walking-stick.” My father’s person was erect and

robust. He never used a walking-stick. To illustrate:

One time when my father was visiting Governor Pierce,

21 President Franklin Pierce’s father, the Governor handed

him a gold-headed walking-stick as they were about to

start for church. My father thanked the Governor,

but declined to accept the stick, saying, “I never use

a cane.”

Although McClure’s Magazine attributes to my father

27 language unseemly, his household law, constantly en-

forced, was no profanity and no slang phrases. McClure’s

Magazine also declares that the Bible was the only book

in his house. On the contrary, my father was a great

reader. The man whom McClure’s Magazine characterizes

Page 309

1 as “ignorant, dominating, passionate, fearless,” was

uniformly dignified – a well-informed, intellectual man,

3 cultivated in mind and manners. He was called upon

to do much business for his town, making out deeds,

settling quarrels, and even acting as counsel in a lawsuit

6 involving a question of pauperism between the towns of

Loudon and Bow, N. H. Franklin Pierce, afterwards

President of the United States, was the counsel for

9 Loudon and Mark Baker for Bow. Both entered their

pleas, and my father won the suit. After it was decided,

Mr. Pierce bowed to my father and congratulated him.

12 For several years father was chaplain of the New

Hampshire State Militia, and as I recollect it, he was

justice of the peace at one time. My father was a

strong believer in States’ rights, but slavery he regarded

as a great sin.

Mark Baker was the youngest of his father’s family, and

18 inherited his father’s real estate, an extensive farm situ-

ated in Bow and Concord, N. H. It is on record that

Mark Baker’s father paid the largest tax in the colony.

21 McClure’s Magazine says, describing the Baker home-

stead at Bow: “The house itself was a small, square box

building of rudimentary architecture.” My father’s

house had a sloping roof, after the prevailing style of

architecture at that date.

McClure’s Magazine states: “Alone of the Bakers, he

27 [Albert] received a liberal education. . . . Mary Baker

passed her first fifteen years at the ancestral home at Bow.

It was a lonely and unstimulating existence. The church

supplied the only social diversions, the district school

practically all the intellectual life.”

Let us see what were the fruits of this “lonely and

Page 310

1 unstimulating existence.” All my father’s daughters were

given an academic education, sufficiently advanced so that

3 they all taught school acceptably at various times and

places. My brother Albert was a distinguished lawyer.

In addition to my academic training, I was privately

6 tutored by him. He was a member of the New Hamp-

shire Legislature, and was nominated for Congress, but

died before the election. McClure’s Magazine calls my

9 youngest brother, George Sullivan Baker, “a workman in

a Tilton woolen mill.” As a matter of fact, he was joint

partner with Alexander Tilton, and together they owned a

12 large manufacturing establishment in Tilton, N. H. His

military title of Colonel came from appointment on the

staff of the Governor of New Hampshire. My oldest

brother, Samuel D. Baker, carried on a large business in

Boston, Mass.

Regarding the allegation by McClure’s Magazine that all

18 the family, “excepting Albert, died of cancer,” I will

say that there was never a death in my father’s family

reported by physician or post-mortem examination as

caused by cancer.

McClure’s Magazine says that “the quarrels between

Mary, a child ten years old, and her father, a gray-haired

24 man of fifty, frequently set the house in an uproar,”

and adds that these “fits” were diagnosed by Dr. Ladd

as “hysteria mingled with bad temper.” My mother

27 often presented my disposition as exemplary for her other

children to imitate, saying, “When do you ever see

Mary angry?” When the first edition of Science and

Health was published, Dr. Ladd said to Alexander Tilton:

“Read it, for it will do you good. It does not surprise

me, it so resembles the author.”

Page 311

1 I will relate the following incident, which occurred later

in life, as illustrative of my disposition: –

3 While I was living with Dr. Patterson at his country

home in North Groton, N. H., a girl, totally blind, knocked

at the door and was admitted. She begged to be allowed

6 to remain with me, and my tenderness and sympathy were

such that I could not refuse her. Shortly after, however,

my good housekeeper said to me: “If this blind girl stays

9 with you, I shall have to leave; she troubles me so much.”

It was not in my heart to turn the blind girl out, and so

I lost my housekeeper.

12 My reply to the statement that the clerk’s book shows

that I joined the Tilton Congregational Church at the age

of seventeen is that my religious experience seemed to

15 culminate at twelve years of age. Hence a mistake may

have occurred as to the exact date of my first church

membership.

The facts regarding the McNeil coat-of-arms are as

follows: –

Fanny McNeil, President Pierce’s niece, afterwards

21 Mrs. Judge Potter, presented me my coat-of-arms, say-

ing that it was taken in connection with her own family

coat-of-arms. I never doubted the veracity of her gift.

24 I have another coat-of-arms, which is of my mother’s

ancestry. When I was last in Washington, D. C., Mrs.

Judge Potter and myself knelt in silent prayer on the

mound of her late father, General John McNeil, the

hero of Lundy Lane.

Notwithstanding that McClure’s Magazine says, “Mary

Baker completed her education when she finished Smith’s

grammar and reached long division in arithmetic,” I was

called by the Rev. R. S. Rust, D.D., Principal of the

Page 312

1 Methodist Conference Seminary at Sanbornton Bridge, to

supply the place of his leading teacher during her tempo-

rary absence.

Regarding my first marriage and the tragic death of my

husband, McClure’s Magazine says: “He [George Wash-

6 ington Glover] took his bride to Wilmington, South Caro-

lina, and in June, 1844, six months after his marriage, he

died of yellow fever. He left his young wife in a miser-

9 able plight. She was far from home and entirely without

money or friends. Glover, however, was a Free Mason,

and thus received a decent burial. The Masons also paid

12 Mrs. Glover’s fare to New York City, where she was

met and taken to her father’s home by her brother George.

. . . Her position was an embarrassing one. She was a

15 grown woman, with a child, but entirely without means

of support. . . . Mrs. Glover made only one effort at

self-support. For a brief season she taught school.”

18 My first husband, Major George W. Glover, resided in

Charleston, S. C. While on a business trip to Wilming-

ton, N. C., he was suddenly seized with yellow fever and

21 died in about nine days. I was with him on this trip.

He took with him the usual amount of money he would

need on such an excursion. At his decease I was sur-

24 rounded by friends, and their provisions in my behalf were

most tender. The Governor of the State and his staff,

with a long procession, followed the remains of my be-

27 loved one to the cemetery. The Free Masons selected

my escort, who took me to my father’s home in Tilton,

N. H. My salary for writing gave me ample support.

I did open an infant school, but it was for the purpose of

starting that educational system in New Hampshire.

The rhyme attributed to me by McClure’s Magazine is

Page 313

1 not mine, but is, I understand, a paraphrase of a silly

song of years ago. Correctly quoted, it is as follows, so

I have been told: –

Go to Jane Glover,

Tell her I love her

By the light of the moon

I will go to her.

The various stories told by McClure’s Magazine about

9 my father spreading the road in front of his house with

tan-bark and straw, and about persons being hired to rock

me, I am ignorant of. Nor do I remember any such stuff

12 as Dr. Patterson driving into Franklin, N. H., with a

couch or cradle for me in his wagon. I only know that

my father and mother did everything they could think of

to help me when I was ill.

I was never “given to long and lonely wanderings,

especially at night,” as stated by McClure’s Magazine. I

18 was always accompanied by some responsible individual

when I took an evening walk, but I seldom took one. I

have always consistently declared that I was not a medium

21 for spirits. I never was especially interested in the

Shakers, never “dabbled in mesmerism,” never was “an

amateur clairvoyant,” nor did “the superstitious coun-

24 try folk frequently” seek my advice. I never went

into a trance to describe scenes far away, as McClure’s

Magazine says.

27 My oldest sister dearly loved me, but I wounded her

pride when I adopted Christian Science, and to a Baker

that was a sorry offence. I was obliged to be parted

from my son, because after my father’s second marriage

my little boy was not welcome in my father’s house.

Page 314

1 McClure’s Magazine calls Dr. Daniel Patterson, my

second husband, “an itinerant dentist.” It says that

3 after my marriage we “lived for a short time at Tilton,

then moved to Franklin . . . . During the following nine

years the Pattersons led a roving existence. The doctor

6 practised in several towns, from Tilton to North Groton

and then to Rumney.” When I was married to him, Dr.

Daniel Patterson was located in Franklin, N. H. He had

9 the degree D.D.S., was a popular man, and considered a

rarely skilful dentist. He bought a place in North Groton,

which he fancied, for a summer home. At that time he

owned a house in Franklin, N. H.

Although, as McClure’s Magazine claims, the court

record may state that my divorce from Dr. Patterson was

15 granted on the ground of desertion, the cause neverthe-

less was adultery. Individuals are here to-day who were

present in court when the decision was given by the judge

18 and who know the following facts: After the evidence

had been submitted that a husband was about to have Dr.

Patterson arrested for eloping with his wife, the court

21 instructed the clerk to record the divorce in my favor.

What prevented Dr. Patterson’s arrest was a letter from

me to this self-same husband, imploring him not to do it.

24 When this husband recovered his wife, he kept her a

prisoner in her home, and I was also the means of recon-

ciling the couple. A Christian Scientist has told me that

27 with tears of gratitude the wife of this husband related

these facts to her just as I have stated them. I lived

with Dr. Patterson peaceably, and he was kind to me up

to the time of the divorce.

The following affidavit by R. D. Rounsevel of Littleton,

N. H., proprietor of the White Mountain House, Fabyans,

Page 315

1 N. H., the original of which is in my possession, is of

interest in this connection: –

3 About the year 1874, Dr. Patterson, a dentist, boarded

with me in Littleton, New Hampshire. During his stay,

at different times, I had conversation with him about his

6 wife, from whom he was separated. He spoke of her being

a pure and Christian woman, and the cause of the separa-

tion being wholly on his part; that if he had done as he

ought, he might have had as pleasant and happy home as

one could wish for.

At that time I had no knowledge of who his wife was.

12 Later on I learned that Mary Baker G. Eddy, the Dis-

coverer and Founder of Christian Science, was the above-

mentioned woman.

15 (Signed) R. D. ROUNSEVEL

Grafton S. S. Jan’y, 1902. Then personally appeared

R. D. Rounsevel and made oath that the within statement

by him signed is true.

Before me, (Signed) H. M. MORSE,

Justice of the Peace

21 Who or what is the McClure “history,” so called, pre-

senting? Is it myself, the veritable Mrs. Eddy, whom

the New York World declared dying of cancer, or is it

24 her alleged double or dummy heretofore described?

If indeed it be I, allow me to thank the enterprising

historians for the testimony they have thereby given of the

27 divine power of Christian Science, which they admit has

snatched me from the cradle and the grave, and made

me the beloved Leader of millions of the good men and

30 women in our own and in other countries, – and all this

Page 316

1 because the truth I have promulgated has separated the

tares from the wheat, uniting in one body those who love

3 Truth; because Truth divides between sect and Science

and renews the heavenward impulse; because I still hear

the harvest song of the Redeemer awakening the nations,

causing man to love his enemies; because “blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall

say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

[Christian Science Sentinel, January 19, 1907]

A CARD

The article in the January number of The Arena maga-

12 zine, entitled “The Recent Reckless and Irresponsible

Attacks on Christian Science and its Founder, with a

Survey of the Christian Science Movement,” by the

15 scholarly editor, Mr. B.O. Flower, is a grand defence of

our Cause and its Leader. Such a dignified, eloquent

appeal to the press in behalf of common justice and truth

18 demands public attention. It defends human rights and

the freedom of Christian sentiments, and tends to turn

back the foaming torrents of ignorance, envy, and malice.

21 I am pleased to find this “twentieth-century review of

opinion” once more under Mr. Flower’s able guardianship

and manifesting its unbiased judgment by such sound

appreciation of the rights of Christian Scientists and of

all that is right.

MARY BAKER EDDY

Page 317

CHAPTER XVIII – AUTHORSHIP OF SCIENCE AND HEALTH

1 THE following statement, which was published in

the Sentinel of December 1, 1906, exactly defin-

3 ing her relations with the Rev. James Henry Wiggin of

Boston, was made by Mrs. Eddy in refutation of allega-

tions in the public press to the effect that Mr. Wiggin

had a share in the authorship of “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures.”

MRS. EDDY’S STATEMENT

9 It is a great mistake to say that I employed the Rev.

James Henry Wiggin to correct my diction. It was for

no such purpose. I engaged Mr. Wiggin so as to avail

12 myself of his criticisms of my statement of Christian

Science, which criticisms would enable me to explain

more clearly the points that might seem ambiguous to

the reader.

Mr. Calvin A. Frye copied my writings, and he will tell

you that Mr. Wiggin left my diction quite out of the

18 question, sometimes saying, “I wouldn’t express it that

way.” He often dissented from what I had written,

but I quieted him by quoting corroborative texts of

Scripture.

My diction, as used in explaining Christian Science, has

been called original. The liberty that I have taken with

Page 318

1 capitalization, in order to express the “new tongue,” has

well-nigh constituted a new style of language. In almost

every case where Mr. Wiggin added words, I have erased

them in my revisions.

Mr. Wiggin was not my proofreader for my book

6 “Miscellaneous Writings,” and for only two of my books.

I especially employed him on “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures,” because at that date some critics

9 declared that my book was as ungrammatical as it was

misleading. I availed myself of the name of the former

proofreader for the University Press, Cambridge, to

12 defend my grammatical construction, and confidently

awaited the years to declare the moral and spiritual

effect upon the age of “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures.”

I invited Mr. Wiggin to visit one of my classes in the

Massachusetts Metaphysical College, and he consented

18 on condition that I should not ask him any questions.

I agreed not to question him just so long as he refrained

from questioning me. He held himself well in check

21 until I began my attack on agnosticism. As I pro-

ceeded, Mr. Wiggin manifested more and more agita-

tion, until he could control himself no longer and,

addressing me, burst out with:

“How do you know that there ever was such a man as

Christ Jesus?”

27 He would have continued with a long argument,

framed from his ample fund of historical knowledge,

but I stopped him.

“Now, Mr. Wiggin,” I said, “you have broken our

agreement. I do not find my authority for Christian

Science in history, but in revelation. If there had never

Page 319

1 existed such a person as the Galilean Prophet, it would

make no difference to me. I should still know that

God’s spiritual ideal is the only real man in His image

and likeness.”

My saying touched him, and I heard nothing further

from him in the class, though afterwards he wrote a

kind little pamphlet, signed “Phare Pleigh.”

I hold the late Mr. Wiggin in loving, grateful memory

for his high-principled character and well-equipped

scholarship.

LETTERS FROM STUDENTS

12 The following letters from students of Mrs. Eddy

confirm her statement regarding the work which the

Rev. Mr. Wiggin did for her, and also indicate what he

himself thought of that work and of Mrs. Eddy: –

My Dear Teacher: – I am conversant with some facts

which perhaps have not come under the observation of

18 many of your students, and considering the questions

which have recently appeared, it may interest you to be

advised that I have this information. On the tenth day of

21 January, 1887, I entered your Primary class at Boston.

A few days later, in conversation with you about the

preparation of a theme, you suggested that I call on the

24 late J. Henry Wiggin to assist me in analyzing and arrang-

ing the topics, which I did about the twentieth of the

above-named month. These dates are very well fixed in

27 my memory, as I considered the time an important one

in my experience, and do so still. I also recall very

plainly the conversation with you in general as regards

Mr. Wiggin. You told me that he had done some literary

Page 320

1 work for you and that he was a fine literary student and

a good proofreader.

3 Upon calling on Mr. Wiggin, I presented my matter for

a theme to him, and he readily consented to assist me,

which he did. He also seemed very much pleased to

6 converse about you and your work, and I found that his

statement of what he had done for you exactly agreed

with what you had told me. He also expressed himself

9 freely as to his high regard for you as a Christian lady,

as an author, and as a student of ability. Mr. Wiggin

spoke of “Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-

12 tures” as being a very unique book, and seemed quite

proud of his having had something to do with some

editions. He always spoke of you as the author of this

15 book and the author of all your works. Mr. Wiggin

did not claim to be a Christian Scientist, but was in

a measure in sympathy with the movement, although

he did not endorse all the statements in your textbook;

but his tendency was friendly.

I called on Mr. Wiggin several times while I was in your

21 Primary class at the time above referred to, and several

times subsequent thereto, and he always referred to you as

the author of your works and spoke of your ability without

24 any hesitation or restriction. Our conversations were at

times somewhat long and went into matters of detail

regarding your work, and I am of the opinion that he

was proud of his acquaintance with you.

I saw Mr. Wiggin several times after the class closed,

and the last conversation I had with him was at the

time of the dedication of the first Mother Church edifice

in 1895. I met him in the vestibule of the church

and he spoke in a very animated manner of your

Page 321

1 grand demonstration in building this church for your

followers. He seemed very proud to think that he had

3 been in a way connected with your work, but he always

referred to you as the one who had accomplished this

great work.

6 My recollections of Mr. Wiggin place him as one

of your devoted and faithful friends, one who knew

who and what you are, also your position as regards

9 your published works; and he always gave you that

position without any restriction. I believe that Mr.

Wiggin was an honest man and that he told the same

12 story to every one with whom he had occasion to talk,

so I cannot believe that he has ever said anything

whatever of you and your relations to your published

15 works differing from what he talked so freely in my

presence.

There is nothing in the circumstances which have

18 arisen recently, and the manner in which the statements

have been made, to change my opinion one iota in this

respect.

21 It will soon be twenty years since I first saw you and

entered your class. During that time, from my connec-

tion with the church, the Publishing Society, and my

24 many conversations with you, my personal knowledge of

the authorship of your works is conclusive to me in every

detail, and I am very glad that I was among your early

27 students and have had this experience and know of my

own personal knowledge what has transpired during the

past twenty years.

I am also pleased to have had conversations with

people who knew you years before I did, and who have

told me of their knowledge of your work.

Page 322

1 It is not long since I met a lady who lived in Lynn,

and she told me she knew you when you were writing

3 Science and Health, and that she had seen the manu-

script. These are facts which cannot be controverted

and they must stand.

Your affectionate student,

EDWARD P. BATES

BOSTON, MASS., November 21, 1906

9 My Beloved Teacher: – I have just read your state-

ment correcting mistakes widely published about the

Rev. James H. Wiggin’s work for and attitude towards

12 you; also Mr. Edward P. Bates’ letter to you on the

same subject; which reminds me of a conversation I

had with Mr. Wiggin on Thanksgiving Day twenty

years ago, when a friend and I were the guests invited

to dine with the Wiggin family.

I had seen you the day before at the Metaphysical

18 College and received your permission to enter the next

Primary class (Jan. 10, 1887). During the evening my

friend spoke of my journeying from the far South, and

21 waiting months in Boston on the bare hope of a few

days’ instruction by Mrs. Eddy in Christian Science.

She and Mrs. Wiggin seemed inclined to banter me on

24 such enthusiasm, but Mr. Wiggin kindly helped me by

advancing many good points in the Science, which were

so clearly stated that I was surprised when he told me

he was not a Christian Scientist.

Seeing my great interest in the subject, he told me

of his acquaintance with you and spoke earnestly and

beautifully of you and your work. The exact words I

do not recall, but the impression he left with me was

Page 323

1 entirely in accordance with what Mr. Bates has so well

written in the above-mentioned letter. Before we left

3 that evening, Mr. Wiggin gave me a pamphlet entitled

“Christian Science and the Bible,” by “Phare Pleigh,”

which he said he had written in answer to an unfair

6 criticism of you and your book by some minister in the

far West. I have his little book yet. How long must it

be before the people find out that you have so identified

9 yourself with the truth by loving it and living it that you

are not going to lie about anything nor willingly leave

any false impression.

In loving gratitude for your living witness to Truth

and Love,

FLORENCE WHITESIDE

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.,

December 4, 1906

Beloved Teacher: – My heart has been too full to tell

18 you in words all that your wonderful life and sacrifice

means to me. Neither do I now feel at all equal to ex-

pressing the crowding thoughts of gratitude and praise

21 to God for giving this age such a Leader and teacher to

reveal to us His way. Your crowning triumph over error

and sin, which we have so recently witnessed, in blessing

24 those who would destroy you if God did not hold you up

by the right hand of His righteousness, should mean to

your older students much that they may not have been

able to appreciate in times past.

I wonder if you will remember that Mr. Snider and

myself boarded in the home of the late Rev. J. Henry

Wiggin during the time of our studying in the second

class with you – the Normal class in the fall of 1887?

We were at that time some eight days in Mr. and Mrs.

Page 324

1 Wiggin’s home. He often spoke his thoughts freely

about you and your work, especially your book Science

3 and Health. Mr. Wiggin had somewhat of a thought

of contempt for the unlearned, and he scorned the sug-

gestion that Mr. Quimby had given you any idea for

6 your book, as he said you and your ideas were too

much alike for the book to have come from any one but

yourself. He often said you were so original and so

9 very decided that no one could be of much service to

you, and he often hinted that he thought he could give

a clearer nomenclature for Science and Health. I re-

12 member telling you of this, and you explained how long

you had waited on the Lord to have those very terms

revealed to you.

15 I am very sure that neither Mr. Wiggin nor his esti-

mable wife had any other thought but that you were

the author of your book, and were he here to-day he

18 would be too honorable to allow the thought to go out

that he had helped you write it. He certainly never

gave us the impression that he thought you needed

21 help, for we always thought that Mr. Wiggin regarded

you as quite his literary equal, and was gratified and

pleased in numbering you among his literary friends.

24 Everything he said conveyed this impression to us –

that he regarded you as entirely unique and original.

He told us laughingly why he accepted your invitation

27 to sit through your class. He said he wanted to see if

there was one woman under the sun who could keep to

her text. When we asked him if he found you could do

so, he replied “Yes,” and said that no man could have

done so any better.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wiggin frequently mentioned

Page 325

1 many kindnesses you had shown them, and spoke of

one especial day when amidst all your duties you per-

3 sonally called to inquire of his welfare (he had been

ill) and to leave luscious hothouse fruit. One thing

more, that I think will amuse you: Mr. Wiggin was

6 very much troubled that you had bought your house

on Commonwealth Avenue, as he was very sure Back

Bay property would never be worth what you then

9 paid for it. He regarded the old part of Boston in

which he lived as having a greater future than the new

Back Bay.

12 Years ago I offered my services to you in any capacity

in which I could serve you, and my desire has never

changed. Command me at any time, in any way, beloved

Leader.

With increasing love and gratitude, ever faithfully your

student,

CARRIE HARVEY SNIDER

NEW YORK, N. Y.,

December 7, 1906

Page 326

CHAPTER XIX – A MEMORABLE COINCIDENCE AND HISTORICAL FACTS

[The Christian Science Journal]

1 WE are glad to publish the following interesting

letter and enclosures received from our Leader.

3 That legislatures and courts are thus declaring the liberties

of Christian Scientists is most gratifying to our people; not

because a favor has been extended, but because their

6 inherent rights are recognized in an official and authori-

tative manner. It is especially gratifying to them that

the declaration of this recognition should be coincident

in the Southern and Northern States in which Mrs. Eddy

has made her home.

MRS. EDDY’ S LETTER

12 Dear Editor: – I send for publication in our periodicals

the following deeply interesting letter from Elizabeth Earl

Jones of Asheville, N. C., – the State where my husband,

15 Major George W. Glover, passed on and up, the State

that so signally honored his memory, where with wet eyes

the Free Masons laid on his bier the emblems of a master

Mason, and in long procession with tender dirge bore his

remains to their last resting-place. Deeply grateful, I

recognize the divine hand in turning the hearts of the noble

Page 327

1 Southrons of North Carolina legally to protect the practice

of Christian Science in that State.

3 Is it not a memorable coincidence that, in the Court of

New Hampshire, my native State, and in the Legislature

of North Carolina, they have the same year, in 1903, made

6 it legal to practise Christian Science in these States?

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

October 16, 1903

MISS ELIZABETH EARL JONES’ LETTER

Beloved Leader: – I know the enclosed article will make

12 your heart glad, as it has made glad the hearts of all the

Christian Scientists in North Carolina. This is the result

of the work done at last winter’s term of our Legislature,

15 when a medical bill was proposed calculated to limit or

stop the practice of Christian Science in our State. An

amendment was obtained by Miss Mary Hatch Harrison

18 and a few other Scientists who stayed on the field until the

last. After the amendment had been passed, an old law,

or rather a section of an act in the Legislature regulating

21 taxes, was changed as follows, because the representa-

tive men of our dear State did not wish to be “discour-

teous to the Christian Scientists.” The section formerly

24 read, “pretended healers,” but was changed to read as

follows: “All other professionals who practise the art of

healing,” etc.

27 We thank our heavenly Father for this dignified

legal protection and recognition, and look forward to

the day, not far distant, when the laws of every State

will dignify the ministry of Christ as taught and prac-

tised in Christian Science, and as lived by our dear,

Page 328

1 dear Leader, even as God has dignified, blessed, and

prospered it, and her.

3 With devoted love,

ELIZABETH EARL JONES

105 BAILEY ST., ASHEVILLE, N. C.,

October 11, 1903

The following article, copied from the Raleigh (N. C.)

News and Observer, is the one referred to in Miss Jones’

letter: –

The Christian Science people, greatly pleased at the

law affecting them passed by the last Legislature, are

12 apt also to be pleased with the fact that the law recog-

nizes them as healers, and that it gives them a license

to heal. This license of five dollars annually, required

15 of physicians, has been required of them, and how this

came about in Kinston is told in the Kinston Free Press

as follows: –

18 Sheriff Wooten issued licenses yesterday to two

Christian Science healers in this city. This is probably

the first to be issued to the healers of this sect in the

State.

Upon the request of a prominent healer of the church,

the section of the machinery act of the Legislature cover-

ing it was shown, whereupon application for license was

made and obtained.

The section, after enumerating the different professions

27 for which a license must be obtained to carry them on in

this State, further says, “and all other professionals who

practise the art of healing for pay, shall pay a license fee

of five dollars.”

Page 329

1 This was construed to include the healers of the Chris-

tian Science church, and license was accordingly taken

out.

The idea prevails that the last General Assembly of

North Carolina relieved the healers of this sect from paying

6 this fee, but this is not so. The board only excused them

from a medical examination before a board of medical

examiners.

9 Mrs. Eddy’s reference to the death of her husband,

Major George W. Glover, gives especial interest to the

following letter from Newbern, N. C., which appeared

12 in the Wilmington (N. C.) Dispatch, October 24, 1903.

Mrs. Eddy has in her possession photographed copies of

the notice of her husband’s death and of her brother’s

15 letter, taken from the Wilmington (N. C.) Chronicle as

they appear in that paper in the issues of July 3 and

August 21, 1844, respectively. The photographs are ver-

ified by the certificate of a notary public and were pre-

sented to Mrs. Eddy by Miss Harrison.

MISS MARY HATCH HARRISON’ S LETTER

21 To the Editor: – At no better time than now, when the

whole country is recognizing the steady progress of Chris-

tian Science and admitting its interest in the movement,

24 as shown by the fair attitude of the press everywhere,

could we ask you to give your readers the following com-

munication. It will put before them some interesting

facts concerning Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, and some in-

cidents of her life in North and South Carolina which

might not have been known but for a criticism of this

Page 330

1 good woman which was published in your paper in

August, 1901.

3 I presume we should not be surprised that a noteworthy

follower of our Lord should be maligned, since the great

Master himself was scandalized, and he prophesied that

6 his followers would be so treated. The calumniator who

informed you in this instance locates Mrs. Eddy in Wil-

mington in 1843, thus contradicting his own statement,

9 since Mrs. Eddy was not then a resident of Wilmington.

A local Christian Scientist of your city, whose womanhood

and Christianity are appreciated by all, assisted by a

12 Mason of good standing there and a Christian Scientist of

Charleston, S. C., carefully investigated the points con-

cerning Major Glover’s history which are questioned by

15 this critic, and has found Mrs. Eddy’s statements, rela-

ting to her husband (who she states was of Charleston,

S. C., not of Wilmington, but who died there while on

18 business in 1844, not in 1843, as claimed in your issue) are

sustained by Masonic records in each place as well as

by Wilmington newspapers of that year. In “Retro-

spection and Introspection” (p. 19) Mrs. Eddy says of

this circumstance: –

“My husband was a Free Mason, being a member in St.

24 Andrew’s Lodge, No. 10, and of Union Chapter, No. 3, of

Royal Arch Masons. He was highly esteemed and sin-

cerely lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaint-

27 ances, whose kindness and sympathy helped to support me

in this terrible bereavement. A month later I returned to

New Hampshire, where, at the end of four months, my

babe was born. Colonel Glover’s tender devotion to his

young bride was remarked by all observers. With his

parting breath he gave pathetic directions to his brother

Page 331

1 Masons about accompanying her on her sad journey to

the North. Here it is but justice to record, they per-

formed their obligations most faithfully.”

Such watchful solicitude as Mrs. Eddy received at the

hands of Wilmington’s best citizens, among whom she

6 remembers the Rev. Mr. Reperton, a Baptist clergyman,

and the Governor of the State, who accompanied her to

the train on her departure, indicates her irreproachable

standing in your city at that time.

The following letter of thanks, copied from the Wil-

mington Chronicle of August 21, 1844, testifies to the love

12 and respect entertained for Mrs. Eddy by Wilmington’s

best men, whose Southern chivalry would have scorned

to extend such unrestrained hospitality to an unworthy

woman as quickly as it would have punished the assail-

ant of a good woman: –

A CARD

18 Through the columns of your paper, will you permit

me, in behalf of the relatives and friends of the late

Major George W. Glover of Wilmington and his be-

21 reaved lady, to return our thanks and express the feeling

of gratitude we owe and cherish towards those friends of

the deceased who so kindly attended him during his last

24 sickness, and who still extended their care and sympathy

to the lone, feeble, and bereaved widow after his decease.

Much has often been said of the high feeling of honor

27 and the noble generosity of heart which characterized the

people of the South, yet when we listen to Mrs. Glover

(my sister) whilst recounting the kind attention paid to

the deceased during his late illness, the sympathy ex-

tended to her after his death, and the assistance volun-

Page 332

1 teered to restore her to her friends at a distance of more

than a thousand miles, the power of language would be

3 but beggared by an attempt at expressing the feelings of

a swelling bosom. The silent gush of grateful tears alone

can tell the emotions of the thankful heart, – words are

6 indeed but a meagre tribute for so noble an effort in be-

half of the unfortunate, yet it is all we can award: will our

friends at Wilmington accept it as a tribute of grateful

9 hearts? Many thanks are due Mr. Cooke, who engaged

to accompany her only to New York, but did not desert

her or remit his kind attention until he saw her in the

12 fond embrace of her friends.

Your friend and obedient servant,

(Signed) GEORGE S. BAKER

SANBORNTON BRIDGE, N. H.,

August 12, 1844

The paper containing this card is now in the Young

Men’s Christian Association at Wilmington.

The facts regarding Major Glover’s membership in

St. Andrew’s Lodge, No. 10, were brought to light in a

21 most interesting way. A Christian Scientist in Charles-

ton was requested to look up the records of this lodge,

as we had full confidence that it would corroborate Mrs.

24 Eddy’s claims. After frequent searchings and much in-

terviewing with Masonic authorities, it was learned that

the lodge was no longer in existence, and that during the

27 Civil War many Masonic records were transferred to

Columbia, where they were burned; but on repeated

search a roll of papers recording the death of George

Washington Glover in 1844 and giving best praises to

his honorable record and Christian character was found;

Page 333

1 and said record, with the seal of the Grand Secretary,

is now in the possession of the chairman of the Christian

Science publication committee.

In the records of St. John’s Lodge, Wilmington, as

found by one of your own citizens, a Mason, it is shown

6 that on the twenty-eighth day of June, 1844, a special

meeting was convened for the purpose of paying the last

tribute of respect to Brother George W. Glover, who

died on the night of the twenty-seventh. The minutes

record this further proceeding: –

“A procession was formed, which moved to the resi-

12 dence of the deceased, and from thence to the Episcopal

burying-ground, where the body was interred with the

usual ceremonies. The procession then returned to the

lodge, which was closed in due form.”

It has never been claimed by Mrs. Eddy nor by any

Christian Scientists that Major Glover’s remains were

carried North.

The Wilmington Chronicle of July 3, 1844, records that

this good man, then known as Major George W. Glover,

21 died on Thursday night, the twenty-seventh of June. The

Chronicle states: “His end was calm and peaceful, and to

those friends who attended him during his illness he gave

24 the repeated assurance of his willingness to die, and of his

full reliance for salvation on the merits of a crucified Re-

deemer. His remains were interred with Masonic honors.

27 He has left an amiable wife, to whom he had been united

but the brief space of six months, to lament this

irreparable loss.”

From the Chronicle, dated September 25, 1844, we copy

the following: “We are assured that reports of unusual

sickness in Wilmington are in circulation.” This periodi-

Page 334

1 cal then forthwith strives to give the impression that the

rumor is not true. It is reasonable to infer from news-

paper reports of that date that some insidious disease

was raging at that time.

The allegation that copies of Mrs. Eddy’s book, “Retro-

6 spection and Introspection,” are few, and that efforts are

being made to buy them up because she has contradicted

herself, is without foundation. They are advertised in

9 every weekly issue of the Christian Science Sentinel, and

still contain the original account of her husband’s demise

at Wilmington.

12 May it not be, since this critic places certain circum-

stances in 1843, which records show really existed in 1844,

that the woman whom he had in mind is some other one?

15 We can state Mrs. Eddy’s teaching on the unreality of

evil in no better terms than to quote her own words.

Nothing could be further from her meaning than that evil

18 could be indulged in while being called unreal. She

declares in her Message to The Mother Church [1901]:

“To assume there is no reality in sin, and yet commit

21 sin, is sin itself, that clings fast to iniquity. The Pub-

lican’s wail won his humble desire, while the Pharisee’s

self-righteousness crucified Jesus.”

MARY HATCH HARRISON

MAJOR GLOVER’S RECORD AS A MASON

Of further interest in this matter is the following ex-

27 tract from an editorial obituary which appeared in 1845 in

the Freemason’s Monthly Magazine, published by the

late Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary of the Grand

Lodge of Massachusetts: –

Page 335

1 Died at Wilmington, N. C., on the 27th June last,

Major George W. Glover, formerly of Concord, N. H.

3 Brother Glover resided in Charleston, S. C., and was

made a Mason in “St. Andrew’s Lodge, No. 10.” He was

soon exalted to the degree of a Royal Arch Mason in

6 “Union Chapter, No. 3,” and retained his membership

in both till his decease. He was devotedly attached

to Masonry, faithful as a member and officer of the

Lodge and Chapter, and beloved by his brothers and

companions, who mourn his early death.

Additional facts regarding Major Glover, his illness and

12 death, are that he was for a number of years a resident of

Charleston, S. C., where he erected a fine dwelling-house,

the drawings and specifications of which were kept by his

15 widow for many years after his death. While at Wilming-

ton, N. C., in June, 1844, Mr. Glover was attacked with

yellow fever of the worst type, and at the end of nine days

18 he passed away. This was the second case of the dread

disease in that city, and in the hope of allaying the excite-

ment which was fast arising, the authorities gave the cause

of death as bilious fever, but they refused permission to

take the remains to Charleston.

On the third day of her husband’s illness, Mrs. Glover

24 (now Mrs. Eddy) sent for the distinguished physician who

attended cases of this terrible disease as an expert (Dr.

McRee we think it was), and was told by him that he could

27 not conceal the fact that the case was one of yellow fever

in its worst form, and nothing could save the life of

her husband. In these nine days and nights of agony

the young wife prayed incessantly for her husband’s

recovery, and was told by the expert physician that

Page 336

1 but for her prayers the patient would have died on

the seventh day.

3 The disease spread so rapidly that Mrs. Glover (Mrs.

Eddy) was afraid to have her brother, George S. Baker,

come to her after her husband’s death, to take her back to

6 the North. Although he desired to go to her assistance,

she declined on this ground, and entrusted herself to the

care of her husband’s Masonic brethren, who faithfully

9 performed their obligation to her. She makes grateful

acknowledgment of this in her book, “Retrospection and

Introspection.” In this book (p. 20) she also states,

12 “After returning to the paternal roof I lost all my hus-

band’s property, except what money I had brought

with me; and remained with my parents until after

15 my mother’s decease.” Mr. Glover had made no will

previous to his last illness, and then the seizure of dis-

ease was so sudden and so violent that he was unable

to make a will.

These letters and extracts are of absorbing interest to

Christian Scientists as amplification of the facts given by

Mrs. Eddy in “Retrospection and Introspection.”

Page 337

CHAPTER XX – GENERAL MISCELLANY

[Boston Herald, Sunday, May 15, 1898]

THE UNITED STATES TO GREAT BRITAIN

3 HAIL, brother! fling thy banner

To the billows and the breeze;

We proffer thee warm welcome

6 With our hand, though not our knees.

Lord of the main and manor!

Thy palm, in ancient day,

Didst rock the country’s cradle

That wakes thy laureate’s lay.

The hoar fight is forgotten;

12 Our eagle, like the dove,

Returns to bless a bridal

Betokened from above.

15 List, brother! angels whisper

To Judah’s sceptred race, –

“Thou of the self-same spirit,

Allied by nations’ grace,

“Wouldst cheer the hosts of heaven;

For Anglo-Israel, lo!

Is marching under orders;

His hand averts the blow.”

Page 338

1 Brave Britain, blest America!

Unite your battle-plan;

Victorious, all who live it, –

The love for God and man.

TO THE PUBLIC

6 The following views of the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy

upon the subject of the Trinity, are known to us to be

those uniformly held and expressed by her. A reference

9 to her writings will fully corroborate this statement. –

EDITOR Sentinel.

The contents of the last lecture of our dear brother,

12 on the subject “The Unknown God Made Known,”

were unknown to me till after the lecture was delivered

in Boston, April 5.

15 The members of the Board of Lectureship are not

allowed to consult me relative to their subjects or the

handling thereof, owing to my busy life, and they seek a

18 higher source for wisdom and guidance. The talented

author of this lecture has a heart full of love towards

God and man. For once he may have overlooked the

21 construction that people unfamiliar with his broad

views and loving nature might put on his comparisons

and ready humor. But all Christian Scientists deeply

24 recognize the oneness of Jesus – that he stands alone

in word and deed, the visible discoverer, founder, de-

monstrator, and great Teacher of Christianity, whose

sandals none may unloose.

The Board of Lectureship is absolutely inclined to

be, and is instructed to be, charitable towards all, and

Page 339

1 hating none. The purpose of its members is to sub-

serve the interest of mankind, and to cement the bonds

3 of Christian brotherhood, whose every link leads up-

ward in the chain of being. The cardinal points of

Christian Science cannot be lost sight of, namely – one

God, supreme, infinite, and one Christ Jesus.

The Board of Lectureship is specially requested to be

wise in discoursing on the great subject of Christian

Science.

MARY BAKER EDDY

FAST DAY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1899

12 Along the lines of progressive Christendom, New

Hampshire’s advancement is marked. Already Massa-

chusetts has exchanged Fast Day, and all that it for-

15 merly signified, for Patriots’ Day, and the observance

of the holiday illustrates the joy, grace, and glory of lib-

erty. We read in Holy Writ that the disciples of St.

18 John the Baptist said to the great Master, “Why do we

and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?”

And he answered them in substance: My disciples

21 rejoice in their present Christianity and have no cause

to mourn; only those who have not the Christ, Truth,

within them should wear sackcloth.

24 Jesus said to his disciples, “This kind goeth not out but

by prayer and fasting,” but he did not appoint a fast.

Merely to abstain from eating was not sufficient to meet

27 his demand. The animus of his saying was: Silence

appetites, passion, and all that wars against Spirit and

spiritual power. The fact that he healed the sick man

without the observance of a material fast confirms this

Page 340

1 conclusion. Jesus attended feasts, but we have no record

of his observing appointed fasts.

3 St. Paul’s days for prayer were every day and every

hour. He said, “Pray without ceasing.” He classed

the usage of special days and seasons for religious ob-

6 servances and precedents as belonging not to the Chris-

tian era, but to traditions, old-wives’ fables, and endless

genealogies.

9 The enlightenment, the erudition, the progress of relig-

ion and medicine in New Hampshire, are in excess of

other States, as witness her schools, her churches, and

12 her frown on class legislation. In many of the States

in our Union a simple board of health, clad in a little

brief authority, has arrogated to itself the prerogative

15 of making laws for the State on the practice of medicine!

But this attempt is shorn of some of its shamelessness by

the courts immediately annulling such bills and pluck-

18 ing their plumes through constitutional interpretations.

Not the tradition of the elders, nor a paltering, timid,

or dastardly policy, is pursued by the leaders of our rock-

ribbed State.

That the Governor of New Hampshire has suggested to

his constituents to recur to a religious observance which

24 virtually belongs to the past, should tend to enhance their

confidence in his intention to rule righteously the affairs

of state. However, Jesus’ example in this, as in all else,

27 suffices for the Christian era. The dark days of our fore-

fathers and their implorations for peace and plenty have

passed, and are succeeded by our time of abundance, even

the full beneficence of the laws of the universe which

man’s diligence has utilized. Institutions of learning and

progressive religion light their fires in every home.

Page 341

1 I have one innate joy, and love to breathe it to the

breeze as God’s courtesy. A native of New Hampshire,

3 a child of the Republic, a Daughter of the Revolution, I

thank God that He has emblazoned on the escutcheon

of this State, engraven on her granite rocks, and lifted

to her giant hills the ensign of religious liberty – “Free-

dom to worship God.”

SPRING GREETING

Beloved brethren all over our land and in every land,

accept your Leader’s Spring greeting, while

The bird of hope is singing

12 A lightsome lay, a cooing call,

And in her heart is beating

A love for all –

15 ” ‘Tis peace not power I seek,

‘Tis meet that man be meek.”

[New York Herald, May 1, 1901]

[Extract]

MRS. EDDY TALKS

Christian Science has been so much to the fore of late

21 that unusual public interest centres in the personality

of Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder of the cult.

The granting of interviews is not usual, hence it was

a special favor that Mrs. Eddy received the Herald

correspondent.

It had been raining all day and was damp without, so

the change from the misty air outside to the pleasant

Page 342

1 warmth within the ample, richly furnished house was

agreeable. Seated in the large parlor, I became aware

3 of a white-haired lady slowly descending the stairs.

She entered with a gracious smile, walking uprightly and

with light step, and after a kindly greeting took a seat

6 on a sofa. It was Mrs. Eddy. There was no mis-

taking that. Older in years, white-haired and frailer,

but Mrs. Eddy herself. The likeness to the portraits

9 of twenty years ago, so often seen in reproductions, was

unmistakable. There is no mistaking certain lines that

depend upon the osseous structure; there is no mistaking

12 the eyes – those eyes the shade of which is so hard to

catch, whether blue-gray or grayish brown, and which

are always bright. And when I say frail, let it not be

15 understood that I mean weak, for weak she was not.

When we were snugly seated in the other and smaller

parlor across the hall, which serves as a library, Mrs.

Eddy sat back to be questioned.

“The continuity of The Church of Christ, Scientist,”

she said, in her clear voice, “is assured. It is growing

21 wonderfully. It will embrace all the churches, one by

one, because in it alone is the simplicity of the oneness

of God; the oneness of Christ and the perfecting of man

stated scientifically.”

“How will it be governed after all now concerned in

its government shall have passed on?”

“It will evolve scientifically. Its essence is evangelical.

Its government will develop as it progresses.”

“Will there be a hierarchy, or will it be directed by a

single earthly ruler?”

“In time its present rules of service and present ruler-

ship will advance nearer perfection.”

Page 343

1 It was plain that the answers to questions would be

in Mrs. Eddy’s own spirit. She has a rapt way of talk-

3 ing, looking large-eyed into space, and works around a

question in her own way, reaching an answer often

unexpectedly after a prolonged exordium. She explained:

6 “No present change is contemplated in the rulership.

You would ask, perhaps, whether my successor will be a

woman or a man. I can answer that. It will be a man.”

“Can you name the man?”

“I cannot answer that now.”

Here, then, was the definite statement that Mrs. Eddy’s

immediate successor would, like herself, be the ruler.

Not a Pope or a Christ

“I have been called a pope, but surely I have sought

15 no such distinction. I have simply taught as I learned

while healing the sick. It was in 1866 that the light of

the Science came first to me. In 1875 I wrote my book.

18 It brought down a shower of abuse upon my head, but

it won converts from the first. I followed it up, teaching

and organizing, and trust in me grew. I was the mother,

but of course the term pope is used figuratively.

“A position of authority,” she went on, “became

necessary. Rules were necessary, and I made a code of

24 by-laws, but each one was the fruit of experience and the

result of prayer. Entrusting their enforcement to others,

I found at one time that they had five churches under

27 discipline. I intervened. Dissensions are dangerous in

an infant church. I wrote to each church in tenderness,

in exhortation, and in rebuke, and so brought all back to

union and love again. If that is to be a pope, then you

Page 344

1 can judge for yourself. I have even been spoken of as a

Christ, but to my understanding of Christ that is impos-

3 sible. If we say that the sun stands for God, then all his

rays collectively stand for Christ, and each separate ray

for men and women. God the Father is greater than

6 Christ, but Christ is ‘one with the Father,’ and so the

mystery is scientifically explained. There can be but

one Christ.”

“And the soul of man?”

“It is not the spirit of God, inhabiting clay and then

withdrawn from it, but God preserving individuality and

12 personality to the end. I hold it absurd to say that when

a man dies, the man will be at once better than he was

before death. How can it be? The individuality of him

must make gradual approaches to Soul’s perfection.”

“Do you reject utterly the bacteria theory of the

propagation of disease?”

18 “Oh,” with a prolonged inflection, “entirely. If I

harbored that idea about a disease, I should think myself

in danger of catching it.”

About Infectious Diseases

“Then as to the laws – the health laws of the States

on the question of infectious and contagious diseases.

How does Christian Science stand as to them?”

“I say, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.’

We cannot force perfection on the world. Were vaccina-

27 tion of any avail, I should tremble for mankind; but,

knowing it is not, and that the fear of catching small-

pox is more dangerous than any material infection, I

say: Where vaccination is compulsory, let your children

Page 345

1 be vaccinated, and see that your mind is in such a state

that by your prayers vaccination will do the children no

3 harm. So long as Christian Scientists obey the laws, I

do not suppose their mental reservations will be thought

to matter much. But every thought tells, and Christian

Science will overthrow false knowledge in the end.”

“What is your attitude to science in general? Do you

oppose it?”

“Not,” with a smile, “if it is really science.”

“Well, electricity, engineering, the telephone, the steam

engine – are these too material for Christian Science?”

12 “No; only false science – healing by drugs. I was a

sickly child. I was dosed with drugs until they had no

effect on me. The doctors said I would live if the drugs

15 could be made to act on me. Then homoeopathy came

like blessed relief to me, but I found that when I pre-

scribed pellets without any medication they acted just

the same and healed the sick. How could I believe in

a science of drugs?”

“But surgery?”

21 “The work done by the surgeon is the last healing that

will be vouchsafed to us, or rather attained by us, as we

near a state of spiritual perfection. At present I am

conservative about advice on surgical cases.”

“But the pursuit of modern material inventions?”

“Oh, we cannot oppose them. They all tend to newer,

27 finer, more etherealized ways of living. They seek the finer

essences. They light the way to the Church of Christ.

We use them, we make them our figures of speech.

They are preparing the way for us.”

We talked on many subjects, some only of which are

here touched upon, and her views, strictly and always

Page 346

1 from the standpoint of Christian Science, were continu-

ally surprising. She talks as one who has lived with her

3 subject for a lifetime, – an ordinary lifetime; and so

far from being puzzled by any question, welcomes it as

another opportunity for presenting another view of her

religion.

Those who have been anticipating nature and declaring

Mrs. Eddy non-existent may learn authoritatively from

9 the Herald that she is in the flesh and in health. Soon

after I reached Concord on my return from Pleasant

View, Mrs. Eddy’s carriage drove into town and made

12 several turns about the court-house before returning.

She was inside, and as she passed me the same ex-

pression of looking forward, thinking, thinking, was on

her face.

CONCORD, N. H.,

Tuesday, April 30, 1901

MRS. EDDY’S SUCCESSOR

In a recent interview which appeared in the columns

of the New York Herald, the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy,

21 Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, stated that

her successor would be a man. Various conjectures

having arisen as to whether she had in mind any particu-

24 lar person when the statement was made, Mrs. Eddy

gave the following to the Associated Press, May 16,

1901: –

“I did say that a man would be my future successor.

By this I did not mean any man to-day on earth.

“Science and Health makes it plain to all Christian

Scientists that the manhood and womanhood of God

Page 347

1 have already been revealed in a degree through Christ

Jesus and Christian Science, His two witnesses. What

remains to lead on the centuries and reveal my successor,

is man in the image and likeness of the Father-Mother

God, man the generic term for mankind.”

GIFT OF A LOVING-CUP

The Executive Members of The Mother Church of

Christ, Scientist, will please accept my heartfelt acknowl-

9 edgment of their beautiful gift to me, a loving-cup, pre-

sented July 16, 1903. The exquisite design of boughs

encircling this cup, illustrated by Keats’ touching couplet,

12 Ah happy, happy boughs, that cannot shed

Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu!

would almost suggest that nature had reproduced her

15 primal presence, bough, bird, and song, to salute me.

The twelve beautiful pearls that crown this cup call to

mind the number of our great Master’s first disciples, and

the parable of the priceless pearl which purchases our

field of labor in exchange for all else.

I shall treasure my loving-cup with all its sweet

associations.

[Special contribution to “Bohemia.” A symposium]

FUNDAMENTAL CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

24 Most thinkers concede that Science is the law of God;

that matter is not a law-maker; that man is not the

author of Science, and that a phenomenon is chimerical,

unless it be the manifestation of a fixed Principle whose

noumenon is God and whose phenomenon is Science.

Page 348

1 My discovery that mankind is absolutely healed of so-

called disease and injuries by other than drugs, surgery,

3 hygiene, electricity, magnetism, or will-power, induced a

deep research, which proved conclusively that all effect

must be the offspring of a universal cause. I sought this

6 cause, not within but ab extra, and I found it was God

made manifest in the flesh, and understood through divine

Science. Then I was healed, and the greatest of all ques-

tions was solved sufficiently to give a reason for the hope

that was within me.

The religious departure from divine Science sprang from

12 the belief that the man Jesus, rather than his divine Prin-

ciple, God, saves man, and that materia medica heals him.

The writer’s departure from such a religion was based upon

her discovery that neither man nor materia medica, but

God, heals and saves mankind.

Here, however, was no stopping-place, since Science

18 demanded a rational proof that the divine Mind heals

the sick and saves the sinner. God unfolded the way, the

demonstration thereof was made, and the certainty of its

21 value to the race firmly established. I had found unmis-

takably an actual, unfailing causation, enshrined in the

divine Principle and in the laws of man and the universe,

24 which, never producing an opposite effect, demonstrated

Christianity and proved itself Science, for it healed the

sick and reformed the sinner on a demonstrable Principle

27 and given rule. The human demonstrator of this Science

may mistake, but the Science remains the law of God –

infallible, eternal. Divine Life, Truth, Love is the basic

Principle of all Science, it solves the problem of being;

and nothing that worketh ill can enter into the solution

of God’s problems.

Page 349

1 God is Mind, and divine Mind was first chronologi-

cally, is first potentially, and is the healer to whom all

3 things are possible. A scientific state of health is a

consciousness of health, holiness, immortality – a con-

sciousness gained through Christ, Truth; while disease

6 is a mental state or error that Truth destroys. It is self-

evident that matter, or the body, cannot cause disease,

since disease is in a sense susceptible of both ease and

9 dis-ease, and matter is not sensible. Kant, Locke, Berke-

ley, Tyndall, and Spencer afford little aid in understand-

ing divine metaphysics or its therapeutics. Christian

12 Science is a divine largess, a gift of God – understood

by and divinely natural to him who sits at the feet of

Jesus clothed in truth, who is putting off the hypothesis

15 of matter because he is conscious of the allness of God –

“looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

Thus the great Way-shower, invested with glory, is under-

stood, and his words and works illustrate “the way, the

truth, and the life.”

Divine modes or manifestations are natural, beyond

21 the so-called natural sciences and human philosophy,

because they are spiritual, and coexist with the God of

nature in absolute Science. The laws of God, or divine

24 Mind, obtain not in material phenomena, or phenomenal

evil, which is lawless and traceable to mortal mind –

human will divorced from Science.

27 Inductive or deductive reasoning is correct only as it

is spiritual, induced by love and deduced from God,

Spirit; only as it makes manifest the infinite nature,

including all law and supplying all the needs of man.

Wholly hypothetical, inductive reasoning reckons creation

as its own creator, seeks cause in effect, and from atom

Page 350

1 and dust draws its conclusions of Deity and man, law and

gospel, leaving science at the beck of material phenomena,

3 or leaving it out of the question. To begin with the

divine noumenon, Mind, and to end with the phenom-

enon, matter, is minus divine logic and plus human hy-

6 pothesis, with its effects, sin, disease, and death. It was

in this dilemma that revelation, uplifting human reason,

came to the writer’s rescue, when calmly and rationally,

though faintly, she spiritually discerned the divine idea

of the cosmos and Science of man.

WHITHER?

12 Father, did’st not Thou the dark wave treading

Lift from despair the struggler with the sea?

And heed’st Thou not the scalding tear man’s shedding,

15 And know’st Thou not the pathway glad and free?

This weight of anguish which they blindly bind

On earth, this bitter searing to the core of love;

18 This crushing out of health and peace, mankind –

Thou all, Thou infinite – dost doom above.

Oft mortal sense is darkened unto death

21 (The Stygian shadow of a world of glee);

The old foundations of an early faith

Sunk from beneath man, whither shall he flee?

24 To Love divine, whose kindling mighty rays

Brighten the horoscope of crumbling creeds,

Dawn Truth delightful, crowned with endless days,

And Science ripe in prayer, in word, and deeds.

Page 351

A LETTER FROM OUR LEADER

With our Leader’s kind permission, the Sentinel is

3 privileged to publish her letter of recent date, addressed

to Mr. John C. Higdon of St. Louis, Mo. This letter

is especially interesting on account of its beautiful tribute

6 to Free Masonry.

Beloved Student: – Your interesting letter was handed

to me duly. This is my earliest moment in which to

answer it.

“Know Thyself,” the title of your gem quoted, is

indeed a divine command, for the morale of Free Masonry

is above ethics – it touches the hem of his garment

who spake divinely.

It was truly Masonic, tender, grand in you to remember

15 me as the widow of a Mason. May you and I and all

mankind meet in that hour of Soul where are no part-

ings, no pain.

18 Lovingly yours in Christ,

MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,

February 9, 1906

TAKE NOTICE

I have not read Gerhardt C. Mars’ book, “The Inter-

24 pretation of Life,” therefore I have not endorsed it, and

any assertions to the contrary are false. Christian Scien-

tists are not concerned with philosophy; divine Science

27 is all they need, or can have in reality.

MARY BAKER EDDY

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

June 24, 1908

Page 352

RECOGNITION OF BLESSINGS

REVEREND MARY BAKER EDDY,

Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Beloved Leader: – Informally assembled, we, the ushers

of your church, desire to express our recognition of the

6 blessings that have come to us through the peculiar priv-

ileges we enjoy in this church work. We are prompted

to acknowledge our debt of gratitude to you for your

9 life of spirituality, with its years of tender ministry, yet

we know that the real gratitude is what is proved in

better lives.

12 It is our earnest prayer that we may so reflect in our

thoughts and acts the teachings of Christian Science that

our daily living may be a fitting testimony of the efficacy

of our Cause in the regeneration of mankind.

THE USHERS OF THE MOTHER CHURCH

BOSTON, MASS., October 9, 1908

Mrs. Eddy’s Reply

Beloved Ushers of The Mother Church of Christ, Sci-

entist: – I thank you not only for your tender letter to

21 me, but for ushering into our church the hearers and the

doers of God’s Word.

MARY BAKER EDDY

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

October 12, 1908

MRS. EDDY’S THANKS

Beloved Christian Scientists: – Accept my thanks for

your successful plans for the first issue of The Christian

Science Monitor. My desire is that every Christian

Page 353

1 Scientist, and as many others as possible, subscribe for

and read our daily newspaper.

3 MARY BAKER EDDY

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

November 16, 1908

[Extract from the leading Editorial in Vol. 1, No. 1, of The

Christian Science Monitor, November 25, 1908]

SOMETHING IN A NAME

9 I have given the name to all the Christian Science

periodicals. The first was The Christian Science Jour-

nal, designed to put on record the divine Science of

12 Truth; the second I entitled Sentinel, intended to hold

guard over Truth, Life, and Love; the third, Der Herold

der Christian Science, to proclaim the universal activity

15 and availability of Truth; the next I named Monitor,

to spread undivided the Science that operates unspent.

The object of the Monitor is to injure no man, but to

bless all mankind.

MARY BAKER EDDY

ARTICLE XXII, SECTION 17

21 MRS. EDDY’S ROOM. – SECTION 17. The room in

The Mother Church formerly known as “Mother’s

Room” shall hereafter be closed to visitors.

24 There is nothing in this room now of any special in-

terest. “Let the dead bury their dead,” and the spiritual

have all place and power.

MARY BAKER EDDY

Page 354

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

In view of complaints from the field, because of alleged

3 misrepresentations by persons offering Bibles and other

books for sale which they claim have been endorsed by

me, it is due the field to state that I recommend nothing

6 but what is published or sold by The Christian Science

Publishing Society. Christian Scientists are under no

obligation to buy books for which my endorsement is

9 claimed.

MARY BAKER EDDY

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

April 28, 1909

EXTEMPORE

JANUARY 1, 1910

O blessings infinite!

O glad New Year!

Sweet sign and substance

Of God’s presence here.

21 Give us not only angels’ songs,

But Science vast, to which belongs

The tongue of angels

And the song of songs.

MARY BAKER EDDY

[The above lines were written extemporaneously by

Mrs. Eddy on New Year’s morning. The members of her

Page 355

1 household were with her at the time, and it was gratifying

to them, as it will be to the field, to see in her spiritualized

thought and mental vigor a symbol of the glad New Year

on which we have just entered. – EDITOR Sentinel.

MEN IN OUR RANKS

A letter from a student in the field says there is a grave

need for more men in Christian Science practice.

I have not infrequently hinted at this. However, if

9 the occasion demands it, I will repeat that men are very

important factors in our field of labor for Christian

Science. The male element is a strong supporting arm

12 to religion as well as to politics, and we need in our ranks

of divine energy, the strong, the faithful, the untiring

spiritual armament.

MARY BAKER EDDY

CHESTNUT HILL, MASS.,

February 7, 1910

A PAEAN OF PRAISE

“Behind a frowning providence

He hides a shining face.”

21 The Christian Scientists at Mrs. Eddy’s home are

the happiest group on earth. Their faces shine with

the reflection of light and love; their footsteps are not

24 weary; their thoughts are upward; their way is onward,

and their light shines. The world is better for this

happy group of Christian Scientists; Mrs. Eddy is hap-

pier because of them; God is glorified in His reflection

of peace, love, joy.

Page 356

1 Whenwill mankind awake to know their present owner-

ship of all good, and praise and love the spot where God

3 dwells most conspicuously in His reflection of love and

leadership ? When will the world waken to the privilege

of knowing God, the liberty and glory of His presence,

– where

“He plants His footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.”

MARY BAKER EDDY

CHESTNUT HILL, MASS.,

April 20, 1910

A STATEMENT BY MRS. EDDY

Editor Christian Science Sentinel: – In reply to in-

quiries, will you please state that within the last five

15 years I have given no assurance, no encouragement nor

consent to have my picture issued, other than the ones

now and heretofore presented in Science and Health.

MARY BAKER EDDY

CHESTNUT HILL, MASS.,

July 18, 1910

THE WAY OF WISDOM

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

24 other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. – MATTHEW 6: 24.

The infinite is one, and this one is Spirit; Spirit is

God, and this God is infinite good.

This simple statement of oneness is the only possible

correct version of Christian Science. God being infinite,

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1 He is the only basis of Science; hence materiality is wholly

apart from Christian Science, and is only a “Suffer it to

3 be so now” until we arrive at the spiritual fulness of God,

Spirit, even the divine idea of Christian Science, –

Christ, born of God, the offspring of Spirit, – wherein

6 matter has neither part nor portion, because matter is the

absolute opposite of spiritual means, manifestation, and

demonstration. The only incentive of a mistaken sense

is malicious animal magnetism, – the name of all evil, –

and this must be understood.

I have crowned The Mother Church building with the

12 spiritual modesty of Christian Science, which is its jewel.

When my dear brethren in New York desire to build

higher,-to enlarge their phylacteries and demonstrate

15 Christian Science to a higher extent, – they must begin

on a wholly spiritual foundation, than which there is no

other, and proportionably estimate their success and

18 glory of achievement only as they build upon the rock of

Christ, the spiritual foundation. This will open the way,

widely and impartially, to their never-ending success, –

to salvation and eternal Christian Science.

Spirit is infinite; therefore Spirit is all. “There is no

matter” is not only the axiom of true Christian Science,

but it is the only basis upon which this Science can be

demonstrated.

A LETTER BY MRS. EDDY

MRS. AUGUSTA E. STETSON, NEW YORK CITY

Beloved Student: – I have just finished reading your

interesting letter. I thank you for acknowledging me as

your Leader, and I know that every true follower of

Page 358

1 Christian Science abides by the definite rules which de-

monstrate the true following of their Leader; therefore,

if you are sincere in your protestations and are doing as

you say you are, you will be blessed in your obedience.

The Scriptures say, “Watch and pray, that ye enter

6 not into temptation.” You are aware that animal mag-

netism is the opposite of divine Science, and that this

opponent is the means whereby the conflict against

9 Truth is engendered and developed. Beloved ! you need

to watch and pray that the enemy of good cannot separate

you from your Leader and best earthly friend.

12 You have been duly informed by me that, however

much I desire to read all that you send to me, I have not

the time to do so. The Christian Science Publishing

15 Society will settle the question whether or not they shall

publish your poems. It is part of their duties to relieve

me of so much labor.

18 I thank you for the money you send me which was

given you by your students. I shall devote it to a worthy

and charitable purpose.

Mr. Adam Dickey is my secretary, through whom all

my business is transacted.

Give my best wishes and love to your dear students

and church.

Lovingly your teacher and Leader,

MARY BAKER EDDY

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

July 12, 1909

TAKE NOTICE

I approve the By-laws of The Mother Church, and

require the Christian Science Board of Directors to main-

Page 359

1 tain them and sustain them. These Directors do not

act contrary to the rules of the Church Manual, neither

3 do they trouble me with their difficulties with individ-

uals in their own church or with the members of branch

churches.

6 My province as a Leader – as the Discoverer and

Founder of Christian Science – is not to interfere in

cases of discipline, and I hereby publicly declare that I

9 am not personally involved in the affairs of the church in

any other way than through my written and published

rules, all of which can be read by the individual who

12 desires to inform himself of the facts.

MARY BAKER EDDY

BROOKLINE, MASS.,

October 12, 1909

A LETTER FROM MRS. EDDY

In the Sentinel of July 31, 1909, there appeared under

18 the heading “None good but one,” a number of quota-

tions from a composite letter, dated July 19, which had

been written to Mrs. Augusta E. Stetson by twenty-four

21 of her students who then occupied offices in the building

of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of New York, and

were known as “the practitioners.” This letter was for-

24 warded to Mrs. Eddy by Mrs. Stetson with the latter’s

unqualified approval. Upon receipt of this letter Mrs.

Eddy wrote to Mrs. Stetson as follows: –

27 My Dear Student: -Awake and arise from this temp-

tation produced by animal magnetism upon yourself,

allowing your students to deify you and me. Treat your-

self for it and get your students to help you rise out of it.

Page 360

1 It will be your destruction if you do not do this. Answer

this letter immediately.

3 As ever, lovingly your teacher,

MARY BAKER EDDY

BROOKLINE, MASS.,

July 23, 1909

A LETTER BY MRS. EDDY (1)

TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST

NEW YORK CITY

Beloved Brethren: – In consideration of the present

momentous question at issue in First Church of Christ,

12 Scientist, New York City, I am constrained to say, if I

can settle this church difficulty amicably by a few words,

as many students think I can, I herewith cheerfully

subscribe these words of love: –

My beloved brethren in First Church of Christ, Sci-

entist, New York City, I advise you with all my soul to

18 support the Directors of The Mother Church, and unite

with those in your church who are supporting The Mother

Church Directors. Abide in fellowship with and obedi-

21 ence to The Mother Church, and in this way God will

bless and prosper you. This I know, for He has proved

it to me for forty years in succession.

24 Lovingly yours,

MARY BAKER EDDY

BROOKLINE, MASS.,

November 13, 1909

A LETTER BY MRS. EDDY

My Dear Student: – Your favor of the 10th instant is

at hand. God is above your teacher, your healer, or any

(1) The text here given is that of the original letter as sent by Mrs. Eddy, and

published in the Christian Science Sentinel of November 20, 1909. This letter was

republished in the Sentinel of December 4, 1909, at Mrs. Eddy’s request, with

the words “in Truth” inserted after the word “Abide.”

Page 361

1 earthly friend. Follow the directions of God as simplified

in Christian Science, and though it be through deserts

He will direct you into the paths of peace.

I do not presume to give you personal instruction as

to your relations with other students. All I say is stated

6 in Christian Science to be used as a model. Please find

it there, and do not bring your Leader into a personal

conflict.

9 I have not seen Mrs. Stetson for over a year, and have

not written to her since August 30, 1909.

Sincerely yours,

MARY BAKER EDDY

BROOKLINE, MASS.,

December 11, 1909

A TELEGRAM AND MRS. EDDY’S REPLY

[Telegram]

MRS. MARY BAKER EDDY,

18 Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Beloved Leader: – We rejoice that our church has

promptly made its demonstration by action at its annual

meeting in accordance with your desire for a truly demo-

cratic and liberal government.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES,

24 FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

NEW YORK, N. Y.,

CHARLES DEAN, Chairman,

ARTHUR O. PROBST, Clerk

NEW YORK, N. Y.,

January 19, 1910

Page 362

Mrs. Eddy’s Reply

CHARLES A. DEAN, CHAIRMAN BOARD of TRUSTEES,

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, NEW YORK CITY

Beloved Brethren: – I rejoice with you in the victory of

right over wrong, of Truth over error.

MARY BAKER EDDY

CHESTNUT HILL, MASS.,

January 20, 1910

A LETTER AND MRS. EDDY’S REPLY

MRS. MARY BAKER EDDY,

Chestnut Hill, Mass.

12 Revered Leader, Counsellor, and Friend: – The Trustees

and Readers of all the Christian Science churches and

societies of Greater New York, for the first time gath-

15 ered in one place with one accord, to confer harmoniously

and unitedly in promoting and enlarging the activities

of the Cause of Christian Science in this community, as

their first act send you their loving greetings.

With hearts filled with gratitude to God, we rejoice in

your inspired leadership, in your wise counselling. We

21 revere and cherish your friendship, and assure you that

it is our intention to take such action as will unite the

churches and societies in this field in the bonds of Chris-

24 tian love and fellowship, thus demonstrating practical

Christianity.

Gratefully yours,

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

SECOND CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

Page 363

1 THIRD CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

FOURTH CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

3 FIFTH CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

SIXTH CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, Brooklyn,

6 FOURTH CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, Brooklyn,

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, Staten Island,

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, Bronx,

9 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY, Flushing, L. I.,

By the Committee

NEW YORK, N. Y.,

February 5, 1910

Mrs. Eddy’s Reply

This proof that sanity and Science govern the Christian

Science churches in Greater New York is soul inspiring.

MARY BAKER EDDY

[The Christian Science Journal, July, 1895. Reprinted in Christian

Science Sentinel, November 13, 1909]

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST ASSOCIATION

21 My address before the Christian Scientist Associa-

tion has been misrepresented and evidently misunder-

stood by some students. The gist of the whole subject

24 was not to malpractise unwittingly. In order to be

sure that one is not doing this, he must avoid naming,

in his mental treatment, any other individual but the

patient whom he is treating, and practise only to heal.

Any deviation from this direct rule is more or less

Page 364

dangerous. No mortal is infallible, – hence the Scrip-

ture, “Judge no man.”

. . .

3 The rule of mental practice in Christian Science is

strictly to handle no other mentality but the mind of

your patient, and treat this mind to be Christly. Any

6 departure from this golden rule is inadmissible. This

mental practice includes and inculcates the command-

ment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

9 Animal magnetism, hypnotism, etc., are disarmed by

the practitioner who excludes from his own conscious-

ness, and that of his patients, all sense of the realism

12 of any other cause or effect save that which cometh

from God. And he should teach his students to defend

themselves from all evil, and to heal the sick, by

recognizing the supremacy and allness of good. This

epitomizes what heals all manner of sickness and dis-

ease, moral or physical.

MARY BAKER EDDY

[Christian Science Sentinel, February 15, 1908]

CONCORD, N. H., TO MRS. EDDY, AND MRS. EDDY’S REPLY

THE ESTEEM IN WHICH MRS. EDDY IS HELD IN CONCORD HAS

BEEN OFFICIALLY EXPRESSED IN THE FOLLOWING PREAMBLE

24 AND RESOLUTIONS, WHICH WERE UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY

THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THAT

CITY AND THUS HAVE BECOME A PART OF CONCORD’S RECORDS

Concord, New Hampshire, to Rev. Mary Baker G.

Eddy

Whereas, Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy has decided to

make her home in Massachusetts, after a residence of

nineteen years in Concord, and

Page 365

1 Whereas, her residence here has been the source of so

much good to the city, and

3 Whereas, the most kindly and helpful relations have

ever existed between Mrs. Eddy and Concord and Con-

cord people,

6 Be It Resolved, That the City of Concord, through its

Board of Aldermen and Common Council, in joint

convention, convey to Mrs. Eddy,

9 1. Its appreciation of her life in its midst,

2. Its regrets over her departure, and

3. The hope that though absent she will always

12 cherish a loving regard for the city, near which she was

born, and for its people, among whom she has lived for

so many years.

15 Be It Resolved, That the Mayor and City Clerk be

authorized and instructed to sign and attest this testi-

monial in behalf of the City Council.

18 Done this tenth day of February, nineteen hundred

and eight.

CHARLES R. CORNING, Mayor

Attest: HENRY E. CHAMBERLAIN, City Clerk

Mrs. Eddy’s Reply

TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL,

24 CONCORD, N. H.

Gentlemen: – I have not only the pleasure, but the

honor of replying to the City Council of Concord, in

27 joint convention assembled, and to Alderman Cressy,

for the kindly resolutions passed by your honorable

body, and for which I thank you deeply. Lest I should

acknowledge more than I deserve of praise, I leave their

courteous opinions to their good judgment.

Page 366

1 My early days hold rich recollections of associations

with your churches and institutions, and memory has a

3 distinct model in granite of the good folk in Concord,

which, like the granite of their State, steadfast and

enduring, has hinted this quality to other states and

nations all over the world.

My home influence, early education, and church

experience, have unquestionably ripened into the fruits

9 of my present religious experience, and for this I prize

them. May I honor this origin and deserve the con-

tinued friendship and esteem of the people in my native

12 State.

Sincerely yours,

MARY BAKER G. EDDY

15 BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

February 13, 1908

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