Miscellaneous Writings – Part Six

JUNE

Whence are thy wooings, gentle June?

3 Thou hast a Naiad’s charm;

Thy breezes scent the rose’s breath;

Old Time gives thee her palm.

6 The lark’s shrill song doth wake the dawn:

The eve-bird’s forest flute

Gives back some maiden melody,

Too pure for aught so mute.

The fairy-peopled world of flowers,

Enraptured by thy spell,

12 Looks love unto the laughing hours,

Through woodland, grove, and dell;

And soft thy footstep falls upon

15 The verdant grass it weaves;

To melting murmurs ye have stirred

The timid, trembling leaves.

18 When sunshine beautifies the shower,

As smiles through teardrops seen,

Ask of its June, the long-hushed heart,

21 What hath the record been?

And thou wilt find that harmonies,

In which the Soul hath part,

Ne’er perish young, like things of earth,

In records of the heart.

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WISH AND ITEM

Written to the Editor of the Item, Lynn, Mass.

3 I hope the heart that’s hungry

For things above the floor,

Will find within its portals

An item rich in store;

That melancholy mortals

Will count their mercies o’er,

And learn that Truth and wisdom

Have many items more;

That when a wrong is done us,

12 It stirs no thought of strife;

And Love becomes the substance,

As item, of our life;

15 That every ragged urchin,

With bare feet soiled or sore,

Share God’s most tender mercies, –

Find items at our door.

Then if we’ve done to others

Some good ne’er told before,

When angels shall repeat it,

‘T will be an item more.

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THE OAK ON THE MOUNTAIN’S SUMMIT

Oh, mountain monarch, at whose feet I stand, –

3 Clouds to adorn thy brow, skies clasp thy hand, –

Nature divine, in harmony profound,

With peaceful presence hath begirt thee round.

6 And thou, majestic oak, from yon high place

Guard’st thou the earth, asleep in night’s embrace, –

And from thy lofty summit, pouring down

Thy sheltering shade, her noonday glories crown?

Whate’er thy mission, mountain sentinel,

To my lone heart thou art a power and spell;

A lesson grave, of life, that teacheth me

To love the Hebrew figure of a tree.

Faithful and patient be my life as thine;

As strong to wrestle with the storms of time;

As deeply rooted in a soil of love;

As grandly rising to the heavens above.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Written on receiving a painting of the Isle

Isle of beauty, thou art singing

To my sense a sweet refrain;

To my busy mem’ry bringing

Scenes that I would see again.

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1 Chief, the charm of thy reflecting,

Is the moral that it brings;

Nature, with the mind connecting,

Gives the artist’s fancy wings.

Soul, sublime ‘mid human débris,

6 Paints the limner’s work, I ween,

Art and Science, all unweary,

Lighting up this mortal dream.

9 Work ill-done within the misty

Mine of human thoughts, we see

Soon abandoned when the Master

Crowns life’s Cliff for such as we.

Students wise, he maketh now thus

Those who fish in waters deep,

When the buried Master hails us

From the shores afar, complete.

Art hath bathed this isthmus-lordling

18 In a beauty strong and meek

As the rock, whose upward tending

Points the plane of power to seek.

21 Isle of beauty, thou art teaching

Lessons long and grand, to-night,

To my heart that would be bleaching

To thy whiteness, Cliff of Wight.

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HOPE

‘T is borne on the zephyr at eventide’s hour;

3 It falls on the heart like the dew on the flower, –

An infinite essence from tropic to pole,

The promise, the home, and the heaven of Soul.

6 Hope happifies life, at the altar or bower,

And loosens the fetters of pride and of power;

It comes through our tears, as the soft summer rain,

To beautify, bless, and make joyful again.

The harp of the minstrel, the treasure of time;

A rainbow of rapture, o’erarching, divine;

The God-given mandate that speaks from above,-

No place for earth’s idols, but hope thou, and love.

RONDELET

15 “The flowers of June

The gates of memory unbar:

The flowers of June

18 Such old-time harmonies retune,

I fain would keep the gates ajar, –

So full of sweet enchantment are

The flowers of June.”

JAMES T. WHITE

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TO MR. JAMES T. WHITE

Who loves not June

3 Is out of tune

With love and God;

The rose his rival reigns,

The stars reject his pains,

His home the clod!

And yet I trow,

9 When sweet rondeau

Doth play a part,

The curtain drops on June;

Veiled is the modest moon –

Hushed is the heart.

AUTUMN

Written in childhood, in a maple grove

Quickly earth’s jewels disappear;

The turf, whereon I tread,

Ere autumn blanch another year,

May rest above my head.

Touched by the finger of decay

21 Is every earthly love;

For joy, to shun my weary way,

Is registered above.

24 The languid brooklets yield their sighs,

A requiem o’er the tomb

Of sunny days and cloudless skies,

Enhancing autumn’s gloom.

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1 The wild winds mutter, howl, and moan,

To scare my woodland walk,

And frightened fancy flees, to roam

Where ghosts and goblins stalk.

The cricket’s sharp, discordant scream

6 Fills mortal sense with dread;

More sorrowful it scarce could seem;

It voices beauty fled.

9 Yet here, upon this faded sod, –

O happy hours and fleet, –

When songsters’ matin hymns to God

Are poured in strains so sweet,

My heart unbidden joins rehearse;

I hope it’s better made,

When mingling with the universe,

Beneath the maple’s shade.

CHRIST MY REFUGE

18 O’er waiting harpstrings of the mind

There sweeps a strain,

Low, sad, and sweet, whose measures bind

The power of pain,

And wake a white-winged angel throng

Of thoughts, illumed

By faith, and breathed in raptured song,

With love perfumed.

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1 Then His unveiled, sweet mercies show

Life’s burdens light.

I kiss the cross, and wake to know

A world more bright.

And o’er earth’s troubled, angry sea

6 I see Christ walk,

And come to me, and tenderly,

Divinely talk.

9 Thus Truth engrounds me on the rock,

Upon Life’s shore,

‘Gainst which the winds and waves can shock,

Oh, nevermore!

From tired joy and grief afar,

And nearer Thee, –

Father, where Thine own children are,

I love to be.

My prayer, some daily good to do

To Thine, for Thee;

An offering pure of Love, whereto

God leadeth me.

“FEED MY SHEEP”

Shepherd, show me how to go

O’er the hillside steep,

How to gather, how to sow, –

How to feed Thy sheep;

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1 I will listen for Thy voice,

Lest my footsteps stray;

I will follow and rejoice

All the rugged way.

Thou wilt bind the stubborn will,

6 Wound the callous breast,

Make self-righteousness be still,

Break earth’s stupid rest.

9 Strangers on a barren shore,

Lab’ring long and lone,

We would enter by the door,

And Thou know’st Thine own;

So, when day grows dark and cold,

Tear or triumph harms,

15 Lead Thy lambkins to the fold,

Take them in Thine arms;

Feed the hungry, heal the heart,

Till the morning’s beam;

White as wool, ere they depart,

Shepherd, wash them clean.

COMMUNION HYMN

Saw ye my Saviour? Heard ye the glad sound?

Felt ye the power of the Word?

‘Twas the Truth that made us free,

And was found by you and me

In the life and the love of our Lord.

Poems

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1 Mourner, it calls you, – “Come to my bosom,

Love wipes your tears all away,

3 And will lift the shade of gloom,

And for you make radiant room

Midst the glories of one endless day.”

6 Sinner, it calls you, – “Come to this fountain,

Cleanse the foul senses within;

‘T is the Spirit that makes pure,

That exalts thee, and will cure

All thy sorrow and sickness and sin.”

Strongest deliverer, friend of the friendless,

12 Life of all being divine:

Thou the Christ, and not the creed;

Thou the Truth in thought and deed;

Thou the water, the bread, and the wine.

LAUS DEO!

Written on laying the corner-stone of The Mother Church

18 Laus Deo, it is done!

Rolled away from loving heart

Is a stone.

Lifted higher, we depart,

Having one.

Laus Deo, – on this rock

24 (Heaven chiselled squarely good)

Stands His church, –

God is Love, and understood

By His flock.

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1 Laus Deo, night star-lit

Slumbers not in God’s embrace;

3 Be awake;

Like this stone, be in thy place:

Stand, not sit.

6 Grave, silent, steadfast stone,

Dirge and song and shoutings low

In thy heart

9 Dwell serene, – and sorrow? No,

It has none,

Laus Deo!

A VERSE

MOTHER’S NEW YEAR GIFT TO THE LITTLE CHILDREN

Father-Mother God,

15 Loving me, –

Guard me when I sleep;

Guide my little feet

Up to Thee.

TO THE BIG CHILDREN

Father-Mother good, lovingly

21 Thee I seek, –

Patient, meek,

In the way Thou hast, –

Be it slow or fast,

Up to Thee.

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CHAPTER XII

TESTIMONIALS

LETTERS FROM THOSE HEALED BY READING “SCIENCE

AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES”

The Editor of The Christian Science Journal (Falmouth and St.

Paul Streets, Boston, Mass.) holds the original of most of the letters

that authenticate these.

IT is something more than a year and a half since I was

cured of a complication of diseases through reading

“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.”

Becoming at an early age disgusted with drugs, I learned

hygiene, and practised it faithfully for over twenty years;

then I began to lose all faith in its efficacy, became

greatly discouraged, and, as I had never been cured of

a single ailment, I rapidly grew worse in health. Hear-

ing of this, a dear sister brought me Science and Health.

Her admonition was, “Now read it, E – ; I have heard

that just the reading of that book has been known to heal

the sick.”

I had read to, and through, the chapter on Healing and

Teaching,(1) and was so deeply interested that I began

reading that blessed chapter over again, – when I found

I was cured of my dyspepsia, that I could use my strength

in lifting without feeling the old distressing pain in my

side, and also that the pain in the kidneys only came on

(1) Page 292 of the revised edition of 1890.

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at night, waking me out of sleep. Then I began my first

conscious treatments: of course I followed no formula,

and I needed none. A cry for help, knowing it would

be answered; precious texts from the Bible, which had

already become like a new book to me; sweet assurance

of faith by the witnessing Spirit; strong logical conclu-

sions, learned from Science and Health: what a wealth

of material! Before finishing the book, all tendency to

my old aches and pains had left me, and I have been a

strong, healthy woman ever since.

My first demonstration with another than myself was

also before I had finished my first reading. My husband

was cured of the belief of bilious fever by not over ten

minutes’ treatment; the fever and pain in head and limbs

disappearing in that instantaneous way as soon as I

could summon sufficient courage to offer my services in

this, to us, new but glorious work. He slept soundly

that night (the treatment was given about 10 A. M.), and

ate and worked as usual the next day, with no symptoms

of a relapse then or afterward. That was in March, 1888;

in the following August I met in one of our Rocky Moun-

tain berry patches a lady who complained so bitterly that

I felt compelled to offer her treatment. Her words, when

I visited her at her home during Christmas week, will

give some idea of the result: –

“Yes, I am doing three women’s work, – attending to

my own and my son’s housework, and caring for his wife

and new-born babe; but I am equal to it, when I think

of all the Lord has done for me! Why, Mrs. S., I was

cured with that first treatment you gave me, I know;

because I went out to gather berries that day and was

caught in a drenching shower, – and for ten years before

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I could not bear the least exposure without suffering

from those dreadful headaches I told you about, and

from dysentery, – but that day I had neither. I had

once been laid out for dead, – lying there perfectly con-

scious, hearing my friends grieving over me, – but I did

not want to come to, I suffered so. No, I never have any

of those ailments. I am a well, hearty woman, – and

that is not all. I had been seeking religion for more than

twenty years, but I never knew how Christians felt till I

told you I was cured that day on the camp-ground.”

On the first of this year I was so blessed as to receive

a course of lessons from one of our teacher’s students.

Now I am only trusting that the time will come when I

may be enabled to teach others the way of Truth, as well

as to add to the many demonstrations God has given

me. – E. D. S.

A student of Christian Science was employed in the

Massachusetts State Prison at Charlestown, to teach the

prisoners to make shoes. He carried his copy of “Science

and Health with Key to the Scriptures” and the Journal

with him, and as he had the opportunity would tell the

men what this wonderful truth could do for them, set-

ting them free in a larger and higher sense than they had

dreamed of.

We make extracts from a number of letters that one

of the prisoners has written to those who are interesting

themselves in this work.

“Editor of The Christian Science Journal: – At the

prison, once a week, there are Christian papers given

to the inmates. But none of those papers point out so

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clearly the fallibility of the mortal or carnal mind, and

the infallibility of the divine Mind, as does the teaching

of Christian Science.

“I was strangely blind and stupid. I loved sin, and

it seemed as though I never would be able to forsake it.

I did everything that would be expected of one entirely

ignorant of God.

“I also had a complication of diseases. I could not

begin to describe the medicines I have taken.

“I no longer look for material treatment, but hum-

bly seek for the divine assistance of Jesus, through the

way Christian Science has taught me. I am, indeed,

an altered man. I now have no more doubt of the

way of salvation than I have of the way to the prison

workshop.

“I am very grateful to the students of Christian Science,

for the interest they have taken in me and my fellow-

prisoners. Their letters and books have been of great

profit, and in accordance with their wish I have done what

I could for the others.

“I gave the Journal to every man who would accept

it, and related my experience to those who would listen.

I told them they need go no farther than myself to see

what the demonstration was; for not only have my eyes

been healed, but many other ailments have disappeared.

“Some of the fellows told me I was becoming reli-

giously insane, but acting upon your advice, I did not stop

to argue with those opposed; and I am glad to be able to

tell you that those who expressed interest were more than

those who opposed.

“The chaplain told me I could keep Science and

Health until I got through with it. I never should

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get through with that book, but, as others were waiting

for it, I did not like to keep it too long. God bless the

author!

“I need have no fear after leaving here; I feel that

I can make an honest living. I can honestly add, that

my bad reputation is largely due to my lack of educa-

tion. What little I do know, I learned here and in the

House of Correction. I tell you this, for I feel that I

must be honest with the kind friends who have done so

much for me.

“Providing I should not be paroled, I shall remain

here until the 24th of next December. God bless you

all. – J. C.”

I am glad to tell how I was healed. Beliefs of con-

sumption, dyspepsia, neuralgia, piles, tobacco, and bad

language held me in bondage for many years. Doctors

that were consulted did nothing to relieve me, and I

constantly grew worse. Nearly two years ago a lady

told me that if I would read a book called “Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures” I would be healed.

I told her I would “go into it for all it is worth,” and

I have found that it is worth all. I got the book, and

read day and night. I saw that it must be true, and be-

lieved that what I could not then understand would be

made clear later.

After some days’ reading I was affected with drowsi-

ness, followed by vomiting. This lasted several hours;

when I fell into a sleep, and awoke healed. The good I

have received, and that I have been able to do in healing

others, has all come from Science and Health. I received

some instructions from teachers; but they did me more

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harm than good: I asked for bread, but they gave me a

stone. I held to what I could understand of Science and

Health; and the truth does not forsake me, but enables

me to heal others.

Last February, I was called to treat a child that the

M. D.’s said was dying from lung fever; after the third

treatment the child got up and ran about, completely

healed. Another child was brought to me, with rupture;

after the second treatment the truss was thrown away.

An aged lady was healed of heart disease and chills, in

one treatment. These cases brought me many more, that

were also healed.

The husband of a lady in the State Lunatic Asylum

asked me to treat her; she had been for two years and

a half in the asylum, and though taken home in this time

once or twice, she had had to be taken back. After two

weeks of absent treatment, the husband visited her, and

the doctor reported great improvement during the pre-

ceding two weeks. At the end of another two weeks I

went with the husband to the asylum, and the doctor told

us that she was well enough to go home. The husband

asked the doctor how it was that she had improved so

rapidly, and he said that he could not account for it. We

said nothing about the Christian Science treatment, and

took the lady home. This was about a year ago, and she

has remained perfectly well.

Many cases as striking as this can be referred to in

this town, as evidence that Truth is the healer of sickness

as well as of sin. – J. B. H.

No. 1. A lady friend, who was found to have a severe

attack of dysentery, was assured that such attacks could

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be cured without medicine, and advised to take no more.

She was more than astonished at the result; for in less

than an hour all pain and other symptoms of the trouble

ceased, and she felt perfectly well the next day.

No. 2. While she was visiting relatives in the country,

an infant of theirs was attacked severely with croup,

and appeared to be on the verge of suffocation, giving

its parents much alarm. The infant was taken in

the arms of the lady, in thirty minutes was completely

relieved, went to sleep, and awoke in good health the

next morning.

No. 3. The mother of this child was subsequently

attacked with a scrofulous swelling on the neck, just

under the ear, which was very painful and disfiguring;

the side of the face, also, being badly swollen. It was

feared that this would develop into and undergo the

usual phenomenon of abscess, as other similar swellings

had done previously. She had great faith in the meta-

physical treatment, because of the experience which she

had had with her baby, and wrote a letter describing her

case. This was immediately answered, and absent

treatment was begun. In twenty-four hours after receipt

of the letter, to the astonishment of herself and family,

the tumor had entirely disappeared: there was not a

trace of it left; although the day before it was fully as

large as a hen’s egg; red, and tender to the touch.

These instances are only a few of the many cures which

have been performed in this way, and they are mentioned

simply to show what good work may be done by any

earnest, conscientious person who has gained by reading

my works the proper understanding of the Principle of

Christian Science.

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What a wonderful field for enlightenment and profit

lies open to those who seek after Truth. Alas, that the

feet of so few enter it!

Rev. M. B. G. Eddy: – Will you kindly spare me a few

moments for the perusal of these lines from a stranger, –

one who feels under a debt of gratitude to you, – for,

through the divine Science brought to light by you, I have

been “made whole.” I have been cured of a malignant

cancer since I began to study Christian Science, and have

demonstrated the truth of it in a number of cases. I have

only studied your good books, having been unable to take

the lectures for want of means. I dare not think of these,

for there is no prospect that I shall be in a position to

take the course at all. I do not allow myself to com-

plain, but cheerfully take up my books and study, and

feel thankful for this light.

M. E. W., Canon City, Col.

Dear Madam: – May I thank you for your book,

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

say how much I owe to it – almost my very life – at a

most critical time . . . .

If it were not for the heat of your American summers

(I had nine attacks of dysentery in the last one), and the

expense, I should dearly like to learn from you person-

ally; but I must forego this, – at any rate, for the pres-

ent. If you would write me what the cost would be for a

course on divine metaphysics, I would try to manage it

later on.

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Meanwhile, I should be grateful if you would refer me

to any one in this country who is interested similarly,

for I get more kicks than halfpence in discussing it.

Your obliged friend, (REV.) I. G. W. BISHOP,

Bovington Vicarage, Hemel Hempstead,

Herts, England

Extract from a letter to Rev. M. B. G. Eddy

A gentleman here had hired all the most skilled doctors

in the United States – nothing helped him. He was a

ghost to look upon. I told him just to read my copies

of your books. I talked to him, told him what he could

do for himself if he but tried. He laughed at me. I was

willing he should laugh, for it was very unusual for him

to do this. He had your books two months, and last Sun-

day he returned them. I wish you could see him: he is

well. He is happy, and told me he was going to write to

you for the books for himself this week. – E. E. B.

Dear Madam: – I have been a sickly person all my

life, until a few months ago, and was confined to my

bed every little while. It was during one of many attacks

that your book, “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures,” was handed me. I read it only a very short

time, when I arose, well, went out into the kitchen, pre-

pared a large dinner, and ate heartily of it.

I have been up and well ever since, – a marvel to my

friends and family, and sometimes they can hardly be-

lieve it is I; and feeling so grateful, I must tell you of

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it. I wish everybody in the world would read your book,

for all would be benefited by it.

Gratefully yours, ANNA M. SMITH

Dear Madam: – About seven years ago I was com-

pelled to go to an oculist and have an operation performed

upon my eyes. He fitted me with glasses, which I wore

for a considerable time, and then removed; but the pain

and difficulty returned, and I was obliged to go again to

the oculist, who advised me never to take my glasses off

again.

I continued wearing them for fully five years longer,

until some time in last January, when, upon reading your

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

I again took them off. Since that time, though I have been

in the courts reporting, and reading fine notes frequently,

I have experienced no difficulty with my eyes.

Very respectfully,

WILLIAM A. SMITH, Wilmington, Del.

Dear Mrs. Eddy: – We have been studying “Science

and Health with Key to the Scriptures” for a year, and

I cannot tell you how much it has done for us; giving us

health instead of sickness, and giving us such an under-

standing of God as we never had before. Christian

Science was our only help two weeks ago, when our baby

was born. My husband and myself were alone. I dressed

myself the next day; commenced doing my work the

third day, and am well and strong. It must be pleasing

to you to know how much good your work is doing.

KITTIE BECK, Elmwood, Cass Co., Neb.

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I was a helpless sufferer in August, 1883, and had been

so for many years. The physicians said I had cancer

of the uterus. I heard of your book, “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures,” bought a copy, began read-

ing it, and a great light seemed to break through the

darkness. I cried aloud in joy, “This is what I have

been hungering for, these many years!” I studied it

closely, and healed myself and several of my friends be-

fore I had taken instruction of any teacher.

MRS. S. A. McMAHON, Wyandotte, Kans.

I was healed thoroughly of the belief of chronic hepati-

tis and kidney disease, by reading “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures.” I have never, to this day,

had the slightest return of it.

J. P. FILBERT, Council Bluffs, Iowa

You, dear Mrs. Eddy, have saved my life, through

Science and Health; and I feel that the patients healed

through me should give the first thanks to God and to

you. – MRS. D. S. HARRIMAN, Kansas City, Mo.

How grand your book, “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures,” is! It is a translation of Truth. No

amount of money could buy the book of me, if I could not

get another. No matter what suffering comes, physical

or mental, I have only to take Science and Health, and

almost invariably the first sentence brings relief. It

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seems to steady the thought. I do not think any student

old enough to neglect reading it. When we think we are

advanced far enough to let that book alone, then are

we in danger.

MRS. ELLEN P. CLARK, Dorchester, Mass.

Many thanks for the good received from your books.

When I commenced reading them, I was carrying about

a very sick body. Your books have healed me. I am

now in perfect health. People look at me with surprise,

and say they do not understand it; but when they see

the sick ones made well, they are not always willing to

believe it.

MRS. JOSEPH TILLSON, South Hanson, Mass.

Rev. M. B. G. Eddy: – I add one more testimony of

a cure from reading your book, “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures.” Five years ago I lay pros-

trate with piles and inflammation of the bowels. All

the coating came off, apparently. A stricture was formed,

beyond medical reach. I then lived in Chicago; one

of the best physicians, who made a specialty of treating

piles, attended me. The pain was relieved, but my

bowels were inactive, and remained so until New Year’s

eve.

I determined to trust all to God, or die before I would

take any more medicine, as I never had an action unless

I took a free dose of some laxative. If I forgot to take

the medicine one night, or allowed myself to be without

it, I had a terrible sick headache for two or three days,

and terrible backache. I never had backache at any

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other time, and the piles would be so much inflamed, in

two days’ time, that I could hardly tell where I suffered

the worst.

Since I have learned to trust all to God, I have not

had the least trouble with the piles, nor one twinge of

the backache. I have an easy action of the bowels each

morning. It was five days after I resolved to leave medi-

cine alone, before a natural movement took place; and

ever since I have been perfectly regular. It was a great

effort for me to take that step, for I knew I was running

the risk of throwing myself back into all misery, and

perhaps into a worse state than before. By reading

Science and Health, I learned that God was able to save

the body as well as the soul, and I believed His promises

were for me.

MATTIE E. MAYFIELD, Des Moines, Iowa

For the Cause of Truth, I submit the following testi-

monial for publication; may it bring one more, at least,

into the fold of divine Science ! The truth, as it is stated

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

has done much towards making our home the abiding-

place of peace and harmony. I now write of the wonder-

ful demonstration of Truth over the birth of my baby

boy, two weeks ago. Sunday, September 23, we went

for a long drive of three hours; at night I retired at the

usual hour; toward morning I was given a little warn-

ing; when I awoke at seven o’clock, the birth took place.

Not more than ten minutes after, I ate a hearty break-

fast, and then had a refreshing sleep; at ten o’clock

walked across the room while my bed was dressed; at

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twelve took a substantial dinner; most of the afternoon

sat up in bed, without any support but Truth; at six

in the evening dressed myself and walked to the dining-

room, and remained up for two hours. Next morning

I arose at the usual hour, and have kept it up ever since,

– was not confined to my bed one whole day. The

second day was out walking in the yard, and the third

day went for a drive in the morning and received callers

in the afternoon. If it had not been for the presence of

my young hopeful, it would have been hard to believe

that there had so recently been a belief of a birth in the

house; but then, I was sustained by Love, and had no

belief of suffering to take my strength away. Before

baby was two weeks old, I cooked, swept, ran the sew-

ing machine, etc., assisting with the housework gen-

erally. How grateful I am for the obstetrics of this

grand Science! Mothers need no longer listen to the

whispering lies of the old serpent, for the law of mortal

mind is broken by Truth.

MRS. DORA HOSSICK, Carrolton, Mo.

My wife and I have been healed by reading your book,

“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.” We

both feel very grateful to you.

Five months ago my wife gave birth to a child, with-

out pain or inconvenience, has done all the housework

since, and has been every minute perfectly well. Neither

she nor the child have been ill, – as was constantly the

case with former children, – so we have thought it right

to name the child Glover Eddy.

We have been reading Science and Health nearly

Page 415

two years, and have sold several copies to others. We

are reading the Journal also this year.

Yours respectfully, JOHN B. HOUSEL, Lincoln, Neb.

Dear Mother: – The most blessed of women! Oh,

how I long to sit within range of your voice and hear the

truth that comes to you from on high! for none could

speak such wondrous thoughts as have come from your

pen, except it be the Spirit that speaketh in you.

Two years ago last October, while laboring under a

great strain of care and anxiety in regard to financial

affairs, I heard of Christian Science. I borrowed “Sci-

ence and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” and began

to read. I bless God that I was driven to it by such an

extremity. After reading some one hundred and fifty

pages, I was convinced that it was the truth for which

I had searched during twenty years. While I was read-

ing the chapter on Imposition and Demonstration, (1) I

was healed of endometritis and prolapsus uteri of over

twenty years’ standing, pronounced incurable by emi-

nent physicians. Professor Ludlam, the dean of Hahne-

mann Medical College, of Chicago, Ill., was one of my

doctors.

Before I was healed, to walk seven or eight blocks

would so fatigue me that it would take me a week to

recover. I now started out and walked, and was on my

feet all day and for several succeeding days, but felt no

weariness from my labors.

I felt, after being healed, I must have a Science and

Health of my own. I had no money to buy it, so earned

(1) Page 234, revised edition of 1890.

Page 416

it by getting subscribers for the Journal. It has gone

with me everywhere I have been. I have been well ever

since.

I had suffered from bodily ailments, but they were

nothing compared to my mental trials. Grief, hatred,

jealousy, and revenge had well-nigh bereft me of reason.

I had lost a home of plenty, been reduced to almost abject

poverty, and had become a cheerless woman, – could

not smile without feeling I had sinned.

All my griefs and sorrows are now turned to joy, and

my hatred is changed to love. “Glory to God in the

highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” I

read Science and Health, and all your other books, to-

gether with the New Testament, every minute I can

get. – E. B. C., Omaha, Neb.

I must add one more to your great pile of letters, to

tell you what your book, “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures,” has done for me and my family. More

than a year ago, my husband was suffering from an injury

received about a year previous, and he went to Mrs. B. for

treatment. His shoulder had been fractured, his collar-

bone broken, and he had sustained internal injuries. Sev-

eral M. D.’s had attended him, but had given him very

little relief. Mrs. B. treated him a short time, and he

received much benefit. He bought Science and Health.

From reading it, I was cured of a belief of chronic liver

complaint. I suffered so much from headaches and con-

stipation, and other beliefs, that I seldom ever saw a well

day; but, thanks to you and divine Principle, I now

seldom ever have a belief of feeling badly.

Page 417

November 4th, last, I was confined. I was alone,

because I knew no one whose thought was in harmony

with Science. I thought I could get along without help,

and I did. My little girl was sleeping in the same room

with me, and after the birth she called a woman who

was asleep upstairs, to take care of the baby. This

woman was much frightened; but, on seeing how com-

posed I was, she got over her fright. I was sitting up

in bed, holding the child, and feeling as well as I ever

did in my life. I never had seen a Scientist nor been

treated, but got all my ideas from Science and Health.

My baby was born on Sunday morning, and I got up

Monday at noon, and stayed up. I never got along so

well with a baby as I did with this one.

I am very thankful for the knowledge of Science I

have gained through your book. I want so much to be

a Scientist; but we are very poor. My husband is a

brakeman on the railroad; and I have very little educa-

tion. There is comfort in the thought that, if I can’t be

a Scientist, my children may be.

Yours with much love,

C. A. W., Lexington, Mo.

In the February Journal it appears there is some one

who says that “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures” is hard to understand, and who thinks she

can explain it. Perhaps my experience with Science

and Health may help some one who might otherwise

take up this thought, and so be led away from the truth.

After reading and studying it for some time, and talking

to the Scientists I met in my travels, the thought came

to me, “Why not try these truths on yourself ?” I did

Page 418

so, and to my surprise and great joy I found immediate

relief. Dyspepsia (the trouble of most commercial travel-

lers), catarrh, and many lesser beliefs, left me, so that in

a short time I was a well man, and by no other means

than trusting to the Saviour’s promises as explained in

Science and Health. This took place while I was travel-

ling about the country.

On my return home, I gave my wife treatments. In

many instances the blessing came before the treatment

was finished, and often we proved that only a thought

of the power of Truth was sufficient to give relief.

One Sunday morning, soon after my return, a friend

called and asked if I could give him anything to relieve

his wife, who, he said, had been suffering for some days

with rheumatism in her shoulder, so severely that she

could neither dress alone nor comb her hair. I told him

that the only medicine we had in the house was Chris-

tian Science. He laughed at the idea; but before he

left, he asked if I would give his wife a treatment. I

told him I was very young in Science, but if she wished

it, I would. He went home, but returned immediately,

saying she wished me to come. Then I asked help from

the fountain of Truth, and started for my first treatment

to be given away from home. When I left their room

fifteen minutes later, she was shaking her hand high

above her head, and exclaiming, “I am all right; I am

well!” That was in November, 1887, and she has had

no return of the belief since.

A friend told me that his son, twelve years old, had

catarrh so badly that his breath was very offensive, his

throat troubled him all the time, and that he had been

deaf since he had the measles. In less than three weeks

Page 419

both beliefs vanished. This was a case of absent treat-

ment. I could give you other cases, but I think I have

said enough to prove that Science and Health is not

hard to understand, for my work has all been done with-

out my ever attending class.

H. H. B., New York City

A lady, with no other instructor than “Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures,” has demonstrated

beyond many who have taken numerous lessons. Per-

suaded, through her reading, of the allness of God, –

and the perfectness of idea, – she would know nothing

else. A daughter, so badly affected by poison oak (ivy)

that for weeks death was feared from blood-poisoning,

had recovered with a terrible dread of that plant. As

the next season’s picnic time drew near, she was regret-

ting that she dared not go again. The mother, with her

new-born faith in the Science of being, said, “Certainly

you can go, for nothing can harm you.” Assured by

these words, the daughter went, and in her rambles fell

into a mass of the dreaded plant; but trusting to the

word of Truth, she thought nothing of it till one who

knew of her previous trouble said, in her mother’s pres-

ence, “See, her face is showing red already.” But the

mother was prompt in denial and assurance. Next morn-

ing, old symptoms were out in force, but they yielded

at once and finally to the positive and uncompromising

hold on Truth. Another daughter, that was thought

too delicate to raise, from bronchial and nervous troubles,

always dosed with medicine and wrapped in flannels,

now runs free and well without either of these, winter

Page 420

and summer. The mother was recently attacked by

mesmerism from the church that believed she was in-

fluencing her daughter to leave. She overcame by the

same unwavering trust in God, seeing Truth clearer than

ever before. Her demonstrations come through no form

of treatment, but by letting the Spirit bear witness, –

by the positive recognition and realization of no reality

but ever-present good.

The other night her husband was attacked with an

old belief, similar to one that some time before had ended

in a congestive chill which the doctor thought very seri-

ous, and from which he had been a long time in recover-

ing. The wife simply recognized no reality in the belief,

and, seeing only perfect being, felt no fear. She did

nothing, – no “treating” in the usual sense. There is

nothing to do but to understand that all is harmony,

always. He felt the presence that destroys the sense of

evil, and next morning – there was nothing left to re-

cover from.

A lady, while doing some starching, thoughtlessly put

her hand into the scalding starch to wring out a collar.

Recalled to mortal sense by the stinging pain, she imme-

diately realized the all-power of God. At once the pain

began to subside; and as she brushed off the scalding

starch, she could see the blister-swelling go down till

there was but a little redness to show for the accident;

absorbed in her thankfulness, she mechanically wrung

out the collar with the same hand, and with no sense of

pain, thus verifying the demonstration. This woman

(not reading English) only knows Science as she has re-

ceived it from her practitioner during the treatments

received within the last month. So much has come to

Page 421

her from Spirit through her loyalty to Christ, in so far

as she could understand.

A case of ulcerated tooth and neuralgic belief would

only partially yield after repeated treatments, till it was

discovered that the patient was antagonizing Truth by

holding the thought that her old remedy, laudanum,

would give relief; treated from this standpoint, relief was

immediate and final.

One morning after Rev.- had been preaching to

thousands for several days, he told them that he had

never felt such a sense of depression nor had so little

showing of results. Some Scientists hearing this, at once

saw his trouble. He had been fearlessly exposing and

denouncing evil; and it had turned on him, till the mes-

merism was likely to overcome him entirely, for he did

not understand the seeming power. The effect of the

silent word to uplift and sustain, was very manifest that

evening in his preaching, and was a beautiful demon-

stration of Science. He probably only felt Spirit-inspira-

tion as he had not before, without a thought as to what

had broken the evil spell; but we never know the what,

or when, or where, of the harvest we can sow – “God

giveth the increase.” – E. H. B., Sacramento

I had two German patients who were anxious to have

you publish “Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-

tures” in their language. I advised them to buy it and

try to read it. They commenced reading, and now can

Page 422

read all of Science and Health, but do not read well any

other book or paper, and they do not need to. With

great love. – M. H. P.

I sold three copies of “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures” to friends, not long ago. One of them,

fifty years of age, said to me, “I never had one day’s

sickness in my life; but after reading Science and Health

I found that I was bruised and mangled, from the crown

of my head to the soles of my feet. I have been reach-

ing after something that, before reading Science and

Health, seemed to me unattainable;” and with tears

in her eyes, she rejoiced in the God of her salvation.

Did not Jesus say, “If these should hold their peace, the

stones would immediately cry out”?

P. L., Lexington, Ky.

For eight years I suffered terribly with my eyes; I

could not read fifteen minutes without the most agoniz-

ing sick headache. Oculists called it a case of double

vision, and said that the only chance for a cure lay in

cutting the muscles of the eyes. This was done, but the

pain was worse than before. One of the most famous

oculists of New York said I would simply have to endure

it for life, as it was a case of severe astigmatism.

I suffered so that my health gave way. A friend spoke

to me of Christian Science, but I scoffed at the idea.

Later on, in desperation, I asked her to lend me “Science

and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” thinking I might

be able to read five minutes a day in it. I opened the

Page 423

book at the chapter on Physiology, and began. Time

passed unnoticed: every page seemed illuminated. I

said, “This is everything or nothing; if everything, then

you need no glasses.” I took off the heavy ground glasses,

and went on. What a terrible headache I had the next

morning! but I fought it with the truth laid down in the

book. I said again, “This is everything or nothing,”

and the truth triumphed. The headache ceased, but I

felt miserably. I recalled what was said about chemicali-

zation, and persevered.

In four days my eyes were well; I read as many hours

a day as I pleased; my strength returned. I conquered

one belief after another, until now, strong and well, I

meet every belief with confidence. “I will fear no evil:

for Thou art with me.” For two years I have realized

the peace and confidence which the knowledge that God

is all-powerful and always present alone can give. Feel-

ing a great desire to spread Christian Science, that it

may do the good to others that it has to me, not only

physically but spiritually, I ask if you have any mission-

aries in the work. Being a member of the Episcopal

Church, I have always sent what I could to help foreign

missions through that church. Will it do the most good

to continue so doing, as our foreign missionaries are de-

voted men, or have you Christian Science missionaries

who devote their lives to the work?

An answer addressed to me, or published in the Journal,

would help one who is seeking to do right.

Yours sincerely, K. L. T.

I do wish to add my testimony of being healed by

reading “Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-

Page 424

tures.” I had been an invalid for over twenty years,

and had given up all hope of ever being well again. I

had read the book about six weeks, when it seemed

I was made all over new, and I could “run, and not be

weary; and . . . walk, and not faint.” I did not under-

stand it, but it was the savior from death unto life with

me; I have remained well ever since I was healed, –

more than five years ago. I commenced to treat others

as soon as I was born anew into the kingdom of Truth.

My patients were healed right along, before I had taken

lessons in a class, and they have remained well to this

day.

Christian Science has made me as young as a girl of

sixteen. If this should meet the eye of any sufferers

who may be led to go and do as I did, they will be

healed. – N. A. E.

Language is inadequate when bearing grateful testi-

mony to the book “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures.” By its simple reading, I was healed of ills

which baffled the skill of specialists and all curatives

that love and money could command. After eighteen

years of invalidism, and eight years of scepticism, with-

out hope, with no God, – except a First Cause, – I was

given up to die.

A loving friend told me of this book, which was soon

brought; and thirty-five pages of the first chapter were

read to me that evening. The next morning I got up,

walked, and read the book for myself.

I mention the chapter, for the reason that nearly two

years have passed since those wonderful words of Life

Page 425

were first read to me, and still their sacred sweetness is

ever the same. Now I exclaim, God is All!

MRS. MARY A. R.

It is impossible for me to keep still any longer. In

1885, when I had not known a well day in five years,

“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” was

placed in my hands by a dear lady who insisted upon

my reading it, saying she believed it would heal me. Like

many, I was afraid of it, – until I learned what it really

was. The friend’s words were verified. I was healed

by the reading of the book, and for one year continued

to read nothing whatever but the Bible and Science

and Health. They were my constant study. Through the

understanding gained, that God is All, I came to demon-

strate with great success, and with but one thought, –

for I knew nothing about giving a “treatment;” I wish

I knew as little now, for I believe that healing in Christian

Science is to be done in a moment. I became anxious to

learn more, to study with the teacher, but funds would

not allow, – and I thought to substitute a course in

Chicago, perhaps. Every time I would speak of it, how-

ever, my dear mother would say, “You have Science and

Health and the Bible, and God for your teacher – what

more do you need? If I could not go to the teacher, I

would not go to any one.”

If I had only heeded the blessed counsel of Truth!

I went to Chicago, however, so full of confidence in

Christian Science that I supposed every one who had

studied with Mrs. Eddy must be right. Unfortunately,

I took my course with a spiritualist who had been through

Page 426

two of her classes; discovered my mistake, and went to

a mind-cure, – only to find the mistake repeated. Being

an earnest seeker for Truth, I tried again to go to the

Massachusetts Metaphysical College; but it was un-

certain when there would be a class, so I took a course

with one of Mrs. Eddy’s students in Boston. The dark-

ness now rolled away. Science and Health once more

revealed the light to me as of old.

All this time, the mind-curers had me in view, and

were sending me reading-matter; but, praise the Lord!

Truth is victorious.

My dear brothers and sisters, let us be safely guided

by the counsels of our Mother, in Science and Health!

I, for one, am astounded that I was so led astray; but I

did it all through ignorance, – and the sincere desire to

know the truth and to do it, saved me.

Your sister in truth, R. D.

I have been reading Science and Health for one year

and a half, and have had some wonderful demonstra-

tions. People here are antagonistic to the Science, and

tell me that I am a “fit subject for the asylum.” Physi-

cians threaten me with arrest, also, but I walk straight

on, knowing well in whom I trust.

E. I. R., Wauseon, Ohio

A little over two years ago, while living in Pittsburgh,

my wife and I had Christian Science brought to our at-

tention. We were at once interested, and bought a copy

of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.”

Page 427

At the time, Mrs. A- was suffering with severe belief

of astigmatism of the eyes. She had been treated by a

number of specialists, during seven years, the last being

the late Dr. Agnew of New York, who prescribed two

sets of glasses. He said that he could do nothing more

for her, as the trouble was organic; that she must wear

glasses constantly; that if she attempted to go without,

she would become either blind or insane. The glasses

were in operation, and still life had become a burden

from constant pain, when Christian Science came to our

relief. Mrs. A- had not in years read for two con-

secutive minutes, and could not use her eyes in sewing

at all. The lady that told us of the Science, insisted that

she could read Science and Health, which she actually

did, – reading it through twice, and studying it carefully

each time. After the second reading, there came the

thought that she did not need the glasses, and she at once

abandoned them, and went about her usual duties. In

about two weeks from that day the eyes were perfectly

healed, and are well and strong to-day.

E. G. A., New York City

My Dear Teacher: – Yours without date is at hand.

Could you know out of what depths of material débris

the first reading of the first volume of Science and Health,

six years ago last December, lifted me, you would be-

lieve it had always been “all I could ask.” It was only

words from the pen of uninspired writers that gave me

pain. As the revelation of the All-good appeared to

me, all other books, all forms of religion, all methods

of healing, to my sense became void. Chronic beliefs of

Page 428

disease of twenty years’ standing, dimness of sight from

the belief of age, all disappeared instantly; indeed,

material life seemed a blank. The why? I could not

explain, but this I did know, in this realm of the real I

found joy, peace, rest, love to all, unbounded, unspeak-

able. Human language had lost its power of expression,

for no words came to me; and in all this six years of bliss

I still have found no words to tell my new-found life in

God. The most chronic forms of disease have some-

times been healed instantly and without argument. With

great love and gratitude. – M. H. P.

I take great comfort in reading “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures,” and will cling firmly to

the light I have, knowing that more will be given me.

While in Salt Lake City, I met at the hotel a lady who

had been an invalid all her life. I talked with her about

Christian Science, and loaned her Science and Health,

together with the Journals I had with me. She had

become very much discouraged, having lost all faith

in doctors and medicine, and did not know where to

turn next. She became very much absorbed in the book,

feeling she had found salvation. She at once laid aside

the glasses she was wearing, and now reads readily with-

out them. She and her husband have accepted this truth

beautifully. – MRS. G. A. G., Ogden, Utah

On a trip through Mexico I met a woman who told me

that, although she did not believe in Christian Science,

on her way from Wisconsin, her home, she had bought

Page 429

a copy of Science and Health. When she reached M-,

she met a minister from the North, whom the M. D.’s

had sent there because of consumption, – they had given

him two months to live. She gave him Science and

Health, and while doing so, felt it was all absurd. The

minister read it, and was healed immediately. Was not

this a beautiful demonstration of the power of Truth,

and good evidence that Science and Health is the word

of God?

I had while in Mexico a glorious conquest over the

fear of smallpox. There were hundreds of cases in some

small towns where we were. After the fear was cast

out, never a thought of it as real came to me or my hus-

band, or troubled us in any way. On the street I met

three men who were being taken to the pest-house with

that loathsome disease. – F. W. C.

A lady to whom I sold “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures,” writes me: “My longing to know

God has been answered in this book; and with the answer

has come the healing.” She is an intimate friend of

Will Carleton, the poet. This is doing much good in

the social circles. He has for a long time been interested,

but his wife has declared it could not heal, and was not

Christian. She will now be obliged to acknowledge this

healing, for the lady above referred to has been, to sense,

a great sufferer. – P. J. L.

Some of the experiences given in the Journal have

been so helpful to me, I have been moved to give to its

Page 430

readers a little experience of my own, which occurred

when I first began the study of “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures.”

I had already been healed of sick headache, almost

instantly, by declaring that I was God’s child, and, as

God is perfect, His child must be perfect also. This had

given me great happiness, and a quiet, peaceful state of

mind I never had known before. My family did not

seem to see anything good in Christian Science, but to

me it was sacred.

One Monday morning, I awoke feeling very ill indeed.

The morning was warm and sultry. I thought I cer-

tainly could not wash that day; but when I went down-

stairs, I found my daughter had made preparations for

such work. I thought, “Well, if she feels like washing,

I will not say anything; perhaps I shall get over this.”

After breakfast I went about my work, thinking I could

lean against the tub and wash with more ease than I

could do up the morning work. I tried to treat myself

as I had done before, – tried to realize that “all is Mind,

there is no matter;” that “God is All, there is nothing

beside Him,” but all to no purpose. I seemed to grow

worse all the time. I did not want my family to know

how badly I was feeling, and it was very humiliating to

think that I must give up and go to bed.

All at once these questions came to me, as though

spoken by some one, taking me away from my line of

thought entirely: How is God an ever-present help?

How does He know our earnest desires? Then, with-

out waiting for me to think how, the answer came in

the same way, God is conscious Mind. Instantly the

thoughts came: Is God conscious of me? Can I be

Page 431

conscious of Him? I was healed instantly: every bad

feeling was destroyed. I could see that the morning

had not changed a particle, but I was oblivious of the

weather. It did not seem that I had anything more to

do with that washing. It was finished in good season,

while I was “absent from the body, and present with the

Lord.”

That was the beginning of the battle with sin and

self, but at the same time it was the dawning of the resur-

rection. Since then (over four years) I have had many

experiences, some of which seem too sacred to give to the

world. False literature has caused me much suffering;

sorrow has visited my home; but, through all this, the

light that came to me on that Monday morning – that

new and precious sense of omnipresent Life, Truth,

and Love – has never left me one moment. It was the

light that cannot be hid.

MRS. H. B. J., Cambridge, Ill.

HEALING

Four years ago I learned for the first time that there

was a way to be healed through Christ. I had always

been sick, but found no relief in drugs; still, I thought

that if the Bible was true, God could heal me. So, when

my attention was called to Christian Science, I at once

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

studied it, and began to improve in health. I seemed

to see God so near and so dear, – so different from

the God I had been taught to fear. I studied alone night

and day, until I found I was healed, both physically and

mentally.

Page 432

Then came a desire to tell every one of this wonder-

ful truth. I expected all to feel just as pleased as

I did; but to my sorrow none would believe. Some,

it is true, took treatment and were helped, but went

on in the old way, without a word of thanks. But still

I could not give up. I seemed to know that this was

the way, and I had rather live it alone than to follow

the crowd the other way. But as time passed, I had

some good demonstrations of this Love that is our

Life.

I am the only Scientist in Le Roy, as yet, but the good

seed has been sown, and where the people once scoffed

at this “silly new idea,” they are becoming interested,

and many have been healed, and some are asking about

it. One dear old lady and I study the Bible Lessons

every Tuesday afternoon. She came to call, and as we

talked, she told me of her sickness of years’ standing;

and was healed during our talk, so that she has never felt

a touch of the old trouble since.

One lady, whom I had never seen, was healed of con-

sumption in six weeks’ treatment. She had not left

her bed in four months, and had been given up by many

physicians.

MRS. FLORENCE WILLIAMS, Le Roy, Mich.

I like the Journal and Quarterly, and have many of

Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy’s works, which make my little

world. I have a great desire to learn more of this Love

that casts out all fear, and to work in this Science. It is

the greatest pleasure I have, to talk this truth, as far as

I understand it, to any who will listen; and am waiting

for others to learn of this blessed Science.

Page 433

I give my experience in reading “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures” aloud to a little child. A

letter published in the Journal, written by a lady who

had relieved a two-year-old child by reading to her, first

suggested this course to me. At the time, my little one

was a trifle over a year old. I was trying to overcome

for him a claim which, though not one of serious illness,

was no small trial to me, because of its frequent occur-

rence and its seeming ability to baffle my efforts. One

day as I sat near and treated him, it occurred to me to

read aloud. I took up one of the older editions of Science

and Health lying near, began at the words, “Brains

can give no idea of God’s man,” and read on for two

or three paragraphs, endeavoring – as the writer suggested

– to understand it myself; yet thinking, perchance,

the purer thought of the babe might grasp the underlying

meaning sooner than I. So it proved. Before the dis-

turbance felt by me had been calmed, the weary expres-

sion on the face of the child was replaced by one of evident

relief.

When putting him to sleep, I had often repeated the

spiritual interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer. One night

he was very restless, fretful, and cried a great deal,

while I seemed unable to soothe him. At last I per-

ceived that he was asking for something, and it dawned

upon me that the Prayer might be his desire. I began

repeating it aloud, endeavoring to mean it also. He

turned over quietly, and in a few minutes was sweetly

sleeping.

The last time my attention was specially called to

this subject, was about a year after the first experience.

Various hindrances had been allowed to keep me from

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Science and Health all day; and it was toward even-

ing when I recognized that material sense had been

given predominance, and must be put down. I soon felt

drawn to read the book. The little boy had seemed

restless and somewhat disturbed all day; but without

thinking specially of him, rather to assist in holding my

own thought, I began to read aloud, “Consciousness

constructs a better body, when it has conquered our

fear of matter.” In a minute or two a little hand had

touched mine, and I looked down into a sweet face fairly

radiant with smiles. I read it over. The child was evi-

dently delighted, and was restful and happy all the rest

of the day. – A. H. W., Deland, Florida

A week ago a friend wrote to me on business, and in

the letter stated that his wife had been very ill for six

weeks. At once the thought came, “Tell her to read the

chapter on Healing, in Science and Health.” In my

answer to his letter I obeyed the thought. A few days

after, I had occasion to call; found her much better, and

reading Science and Health. They had done as directed,

and had received the promise. – R., New York

The first allusion to Christian Science reached me in

an article I read on that subject. Later, a friend came

to visit me, bringing a copy of “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures.” For two weeks I read it eagerly;

then I sent for a copy for myself. When it came, I

began to study it. The Bible, of which I had had but

a dim understanding, began to grow clearer. The light

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grew brighter each day. Finally, I began to treat my-

self against ills that had bound me for twenty-eight

years. At the end of six weeks I was healed, much to the

amazement of all who knew me. From that time, my

desire was to help others out of their suffering, and to

talk this wonderful truth. After a while I took the class

lectures, and am doing what I can to spread this healing

gospel. – A. M. G.

Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy

My Dear Leader: – I will try to tell you how I was

led to Christian Science. Heretofore I have not tried to

lead a Christian life, but have always firmly believed

that if one truly desired and needed help, he would get

it from God by asking for it. I suffered, as I think but

very few have, for fourteen years; yet I did not think it

sufficient to warrant me in asking God to help me, until

I gave up all hope elsewhere, – and this occurred in the

spring of 1891. I then thought that the time had come

to commit myself to God. Being at home alone, after

going to bed I prayed God to deliver me from my tor-

ments, this sentence being the substance of my prayer,

“What shall I do to be saved?”

I repeated that sentence, I suppose, until I fell asleep.

About twelve o’clock at night, I saw a vision in the form

of a man with wings, standing at the foot of my bed, –

wings partly spread, – one arm hanging loosely at his

side, and one extended above his head. At the same

time there was a bright light shining in my room, which

made all objects shine like fire. I knew where I was,

and was not afraid. The vision (for such it was), after

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looking directly at me for some time, spoke this one sen-

tence, and then disappeared: “Do right, and thou shalt

be saved.”

I immediately tried to live according to that precept,

and found relief in proportion to my understanding.

I soon after learned of Christian Science. One of my

brothers in Kansas, having been healed by it, persuaded

me to buy “Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-

tures,” wherein I learned that the above precept was the

key to Christian Science; that it is Christian Science to

do right, and that nothing short of right living has any

claim to the name.

I have been learning my way in Christian Science

about one year, and have been successful in healing. I

have all of your books, and am a subscriber for the Jour-

nal and Quarterly Bible Lessons. Some of the cases

I have treated have yielded almost instantly. I am a

stranger to you, but I have told you the truth, just as it

occurred. Yours in truth,

SAM SCHROYER, Oklahoma City, Okla.

I desire to make known the great good I have re-

ceived by reading the blessed book “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures.” Four years have now

passed since I began to read it. It has been my only

healer and teacher, as I never have had an opportunity

to go through a class; but I find that the “Spirit of truth”

will teach us all things if we will but practise well what

we know. After two years and a half of study, I thought,

as many beginners think, that I had travelled over the

worst part of this narrow path.

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Soon after, it came about that I was separated from

every one who had ever heard of Christian Science; and,

as I lived in the country, no one came to visit me for

about eight months. At first, I thought the Lord had

wrought a great evil. I had no one to talk to, but would

take my Science and Health every morning, before go-

ing about my work, and read; yet mortal mind would

say, “You can do no good, with no one to talk with.”

At last, one morning after listening to the serpent’s voice,

I looked out at the little wild flowers as they waved to

and fro; they seemed to be a living voice, and this is what

they said: “On earth peace, good will toward men.”

There was also a mocking-bird that would sit on the

house and sing. For the first time, I realized that divine

Love was the only friend I needed. Soon after, I sent

the Journal to my nearest neighbor, by her little son

who came to play with my children. Afterward she

told me that when she began to read it she said to the

family, “God has sent this book to me.” Calling to see

her one evening, I found her suffering from heart dis-

ease. I began talking to her about Christian Science,

and in less than an hour she declared herself healed.

She is to-day a happy woman. I would say to all suf-

fering ones, that if you will buy a copy of this wonderful

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

by the Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, and study it, and

practise its teachings, you will find it a pearl of great

price.

MRS. FANNIE MEEKS, Bells, Grayson Co., Texas

On my arrival in New York, last July, my brother

spoke to me of “Science and Health with Key to the

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Scriptures;” and, coming in contact with a number of

Scientists, all wishing me to procure the book, I did so.

I read it through in the same manner in which I would

read any other book, to find out the contents.

Before I got to the end, having partly understood its

meaning, I began to demonstrate over old physical trou-

bles, and they disappeared. A belt that I had worn for

over twelve years, I took off, and threw overboard (being

a seafaring man).

Up to that time I had been a constant smoker, and

chewed tobacco; but I gradually lost all pleasure in it,

and now look upon it with disgust.

I was brought up in the Lutheran doctrine, and when

a boy received a good knowledge of Scripture; but I

never understood it until explained to me in Science and

Health. H. F. WITKOV,

27 Needham Road, Liverpool, England

In a letter received a few days ago from one of my

absent patients, there was such a glorious testimonial

for Science and Health that I feel as if I ought to send

it in for the pages of our Journal, trusting it may be the

means of helping many others to turn for help and com-

fort, in every emergency, to this book.

In her letter, this lady says: “A few days since, I had

quite a serious claim attack me. I left my mending, took

Science and Health and read all the afternoon and even-

ing; when all trace of the claim was gone, and I have

felt nothing of it since.”

When this dear woman applied to Truth, she was a

great sufferer. Her gratitude knows no bounds. Many

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chronic ailments, which have bound her with heavy

chains for many years, are being removed one by one.

It is such a sweet privilege to lead her out of this bond-

age of flesh, for she turns with such childlike trust and

obedience to the book, and looks to that for aid in every

trial and affliction. It is beautiful to see, and is a rebuke

to some of us older in the thought, who depend so much

on personality.

She is far away, in a little country town where Science

has hardly been heard of; but she is so happy with her

book that she has no desire for other reading.

I have always tried to show her that God was with her

there as well as with us here; that in Him she possesses

all; and that with her Bible and Science and Health no

harm can befall her, for the remedy for every ill she has

at hand. – MRS. C. H. S., Woburn, Mass.

I have been an interested reader of the Journal for

some time, and thought I would contribute my mite by

giving one of my latest demonstrations in Christian

Science.

An accident occurred as follows: Officers, while hunt-

ing for a criminal in thick underbrush, fired upon each

other through mistake, and it was found that one was

shot six times; two of the bullets passing through the

abdomen, and one through the hips.

Two physicians who examined him had no hope. He

asked me to help him. I took the case. Relief came

almost instantly. I treated him for eight days; the

fifth, I heard one of three physicians, who held a private

consultation over my patient, ask him this question:

Page 440

“Mr. F- , have you not got one bit of pain?” I was

rewarded by hearing him answer, “No, sir; not the least

bit.” No one else seemed to have any hope for him; but

I held firmly to the thought that God is an ever-present

help, never doubting, and Christian Science has again

won a victory. Many people call it a miracle, and it

has set them to thinking.

The harvest is now ripe and ready for the reaper. I

wish some good Christian Science teacher would come

and help us. I can help in my own way, but am not

advanced enough to lead and teach others. I have only

studied Science and Health a little over a year, and have

not been through a class yet.

S. G. SCHROYER, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

I became interested in Christian Science through be-

ing healed. I had no faith in doctors, therefore would

not consult any; but felt that something must be done,

or I would soon follow a brother and sister who had

passed on with the same claim. In my extremity I thought

of the “great Physician,” and took my case to Him, and

realized that He alone could help me.

A relative, finding I would not consult a doctor or

take any drug, gave me “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures” to read; saying that, although a dear

friend thought she was greatly helped by a Christian

Scientist, he himself had no faith in that kind of treat-

ment, and had no use for the book.

I had heard of the people called Christian Scientists,

and of their textbook, Science and Health, but knew

nothing about either; yet I wanted to know, and took

Page 441

the book gladly, and was soon deeply interested in it.

It was a revelation to me. Although I could only under-

stand it in part, I knew it was the truth, and the truth

was making me free. I felt that I had been bound and

in prison; and that now, one after another, the bonds

were being broken, and I was lifted into the pure air

and light of heaven. I was healed before I had read

half-way through the precious volume; for I was obliged

to read slowly, and some passages over and over again.

When I came to page 304, line 10 (47th edition), I then

and there felt that I must add my testimony, though

already there were “heaps upon heaps;” but since then,

I have tried to put the thought of those dark days away

from me, and only refer to them now in the hope that

some one who is bound may be released and brought

into the light of divine Love, which alone can heal, and

make us “every whit whole.”

L. M. C., Brooklyn, N. Y.

I have been thinking for a long time that I would give

my experience in coming out of sickness into the knowl-

edge of health by reading “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures.”

I was sixty years old (as we mortals count time) be-

fore I ever read one word of Christian Science. On July

2, 1890, I met a Scientist who gave me a pamphlet called

“Christian Healing,” by the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy.

At that time I was almost helpless. This lady advised

me to buy Science and Health. I did so, and tried to

read it; but my hands were so lame I could not hold it,

and I let it fall to the floor so often that it became un-

bound, and I laid it away and resumed my medicine.

Page 442

The following May, the Scientist visited in this city

again. She advised me to burn all my medicines and to

lean unreservedly on the promises of God. I took her

advice; had my book rebound in three volumes, so I

could hold it more easily, and now read it constantly,

reading nothing else. Sometimes I would suffer intensely,

then I would get a little better; then more suffering, and

so on, until August, 1891, when all pain left me. I have

had no return of it, and no disagreeable sensations of any

kind, and am perfectly well in all respects.

Surely, if we will but trust our heavenly Father, He is

sufficient for us. I hope some one of, or near, my age,

who is afflicted, may read this and take courage; for I

have demonstrated the fact that, by reading Science and

Health, in connection with the Bible, and trying to follow

the teaching therein, one in the autumn of life may be

made over new. I am so thankful to God for my great

recovery!

That remark of Sojourner Truth helps me to a better

understanding of Life in God: “God is the great house

that holds all His children; we dwell in Him as the fishes

dwell in the seas.” – P. T. P.

Until about one year ago, I had no thought of investi-

gating Christian Science. Previous to that time it had

been presented to me in such a way that I condemned it

as unreasonable and absurd. At that time it was pre-

sented to me in a more reasonable light. I determined

to divest myself of prejudice (as far as was possible)

and investigate it, thinking that if there was anything

in it, it was for me as well as others; that I surely needed

Page 443

it, and if I found no good in it, I could then with some

show of reason condemn it.

I had been reading Science and Health about two

weeks, when one morning I wanted my cane. It had

been misplaced; and while looking for it the thought

came to me, If all is Mind, I need no cane. I went out

without it, have not used it at all since, and do not need

it as a support; but for a time I did miss it from my

hand. I had used it for years as a support to a very

lame back.

I before went much stooped, because it pained me to

straighten up; but from the time I laid my cane aside I

straightened up, free from pain. Occasionally I have a

slight pain in my back, but it is nothing to compare with

what it had been.

In a short time after laying my cane aside, my pipe

and tobacco went out into the street and have not re-

turned. I had smoked for sixty-five years, and chewed

for fifty. I have no desire for either of them; in fact,

the smoke is offensive to me.

Many times before I had tried to quit, but the desire

for it was so strong that I would go back to it; and when

I tried to “taper off,” I would make the taper end the

longest.

Many other physical claims have disappeared, and it

is a common thing for acquaintances to say when they

meet me, “You look better than I have seen you for

years; what have you been doing?” My reply is, I not

only look better, but feel better, and am better; and

Christian Science has done it.

With all this, I seem to have very little spiritual under-

standing of the truth; am endeavoring to get more, but

Page 444

it seems slow. If there is a shorter road to it than I have

found, I should like to be directed to it.

J. S. M., Joplin, Mo.

Four years ago I was healed by reading “Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures.” The third day,

one of my worst claims gave way. The book was full of

light, and disease vanished as naturally as darkness gives

place to light, although it was about six months before

I was entirely healed.

Seeing this truth in its purity, showed me where to

take my stand; and in defending it I have the prince of

this world to meet. Mortal mind has even called me

crazy; but what a blessing to know the nothingness of

that mind, and that divine Principle governs all its ideas,

and will place each where it belongs!

If our Master was persecuted, can his servants hope to

escape? I know in some degree what Paul meant when

he said he rejoiced in tribulations, “for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”

Many claims that have baffled the skill of the physi-

cians have disappeared through my understanding of

Truth. What a blessing that we can break the bread of

Life to others, and so add to our crown of rejoicing!

S. E. R., Kansas City, Mo.

A dear little six-year old boy of my acquaintance was

invited by his teacher, with the rest of his class in kinder-

garten school, to attend a picnic one afternoon. He did

not feel that he wanted to go; seemed dumpish, and

Page 445

according to mortal belief was not well; at noon, he said

he wanted to go to sleep.

His mother took him in her lap and began to read to

him from “Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-

tures.” Very soon he expressed a wish to go to the

picnic, and did go. His father, happening to pass the

place where the little ones were spending the afternoon,

and somewhat surprised to see him playing, as happy

and active as any there, called to him and asked, “How

long did you sleep?” The little fellow replied, “I did

not sleep at all; mamma read to me from Science and

Health, and I was well in a minute.” – K. L. H.

One evening I was calling on a neighbor, and some-

how the subject of Christian Science came up. I asked

her what it was, and what they believed.

She then told me of a friend of hers who had become

a Christian Scientist. This friend had passed through

great sorrow and disappointment; her health had failed

her, and her cheerful disposition had entirely changed;

she could talk of nothing but her troubles, and was a

most unhappy woman. A few years ago she visited my

neighbor, who, greatly surprised at her changed appear-

ance, – for she was happy and well, – asked where her

troubles were. The reply was, “I have no troubles. I

have found true happiness; for I have become a Chris-

tian Scientist.”

I became deeply interested, and asked if the students

in Clinton had public meetings on Sundays. She replied

that they had, and told me where they were.

The next Sunday, I went. All was quiet when I en-

Page 446

tered, for they were engaged in silent prayer. Soon they

repeated the spiritual interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer.

I shall never forget the impression that made on me; all

the next week I heard the leader’s voice repeating the

first sentence.

I was invited to come again, and did so. One of the

ladies loaned me “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures,” and offered to get me one; which she did

the next week. I have studied it in connection with the

Bible. I have greatly improved in health, having had

only one attack of a physical trouble which caused great

suffering, since that time, and that was a year ago.

At first, I did not think anything about being healed,

or of my physical infirmity. I only loved the sacred teach-

ing. How true, that God’s word does not return unto

Him void! The words of truth that my neighbor’s

friend spoke to her, were what first awakened me. If

the one who first hears it does not receive it, it goes to

some one who is ready, and it takes root and bears fruit.

MRS. G. H. I., Clinton, N. Y.

About three years ago I was near death’s door with

various troubles; also, was seventy years old. I had a

desire to know something of Christian Science.

I procured the textbook, and studied it with a desire

to know the truth. At first all was dark; but light began

slowly to come, and at the end of three months I found

my physical claims all gone and my eyesight restored.

At the end of three months more, I had gained thirty-

five pounds in weight.

I had been an infidel, and the change from that came

more slowly; but now I know that my Redeemer lives,

Page 447

and I am able by divine grace to make very convincing

demonstrations. – J. S., Rudd, Iowa

For a long time I have felt that I must in some way

express my great debt of gratitude for Christian Science.

I know no better way to do so than to give an account,

through the Journal, of some of the many blessings I

have received as a result of our Leader’s untiring toil

and self-sacrificing love for suffering mortals, in giving

to us the wonderful book, “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures.”

When I first heard of Christian Science, about six

years ago, I was satisfied that it was the religion of Christ

Jesus, because Jesus had so plainly said, “And these

signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall

they cast out devils; . . . they shall lay hands on the

sick, and they shall recover.”

I had been a church-member since my girlhood, but

was not satisfied that my belief would take me to

heaven, as I did not have these “signs following” – and

this had always troubled me; so, when I heard that an

old acquaintance living at a distance had not only been

raised from a dying condition to health, but her life had

been changed and purified through Christian Science, I

could hardly wait to know more of this Christlike religion

which was casting out evils and healing the sick. I

searched every bookstore in the city for Science and

Health, at last found a copy, and was delighted to get hold

of it, but little realized what a treasure it was to be to me

and my household.

At first it was like Greek to me, and I could not un-

Page 448

derstand much of it, but gleaned enough to keep on

reading, and longed for some one to talk to me of it.

After I had been reading it about a year’s time, I

suddenly became almost blind. I knew no Scientist to go

to, so went to physicians; they told me that my case was

hopeless, that it was certain my sight never could be

restored, and the probabilities were that I would soon be

totally blind.

I felt sure that Christian Science would help me if I

could only fully understand it; but there was no one

from whom I could ask help, that I knew of. I gave all

the time that I could use my eyes to studying Science

and Health, – which at first was not more than five

minutes two, and sometimes three, times a day; gradu-

ally my sight returned, until it was fully restored.

During this time God and the “little book” were my

only help. My understanding was very limited; but like

the prodigal son, I had turned away from the husks,

towards my Father’s house, and while I “was yet a great

way off” my Father came to meet me. When this great

cloud of darkness was banished by the light of Truth,

could I doubt that Christian Science was indeed the

“Comforter” that would lead us “into all truth”?

Again I lay at the point of death; but holding stead-

fastly to the truth, knowing, from the teaching of this

precious book, that God is Life and there is no death, I

was raised up to health, – restored to my husband and

little children, all of whom I am thankful to say are now

with me in Science.

I had no one to talk with on this subject, knew no one

of whose understanding I felt sure enough to ask for

help; but I was careful from the first not to read or

Page 449

inquire into anything except genuine Christian Science,

and how thankful I am for it! Since then, I have been

through a class.

I cannot express in words what Christian Science has

done for my children, or my gratitude that the light of

Truth has come to them in their innocent childhood, –

healing all claims of sickness, and showing us how to over-

come the more stubborn claims of sin. – L. F. B.

It is a little over one year since a very esteemed friend,

of this city, invited me to partake of the heavenly manna

contained in the revelation of “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures.” I had, up to that time, been

for fifteen years a victim of hip-joint disease; this even-

tually confining me to my bed, where I had been ten

months when the “book of prophecy” was opened for

me. I was not long in finding the light I needed, – that

gave “feet to the lame,” enabling me now to go, move,

and walk, where I will, without crutch or support of any

description, save the staff of divine Science.

In proportion as my thoughts are occupied with the

work in Science, does the peace and joy come inwardly

that transforms the blight of error externally.

T. G. K., Tacoma, Wash.

I wish to acknowledge the blessings which Christian

Science has brought to me through reading “Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures.” My first demon-

stration was over the tobacco habit; I had smoked for

at least fifteen years: I have now no desire for tobacco.

Page 450

I was then healed of two claims which had bound me

for ten years. My prayer is that I may be so filled with the

truth that I can carry the message to my brother man.

F. W. K., Angelica, N. Y.

I take advantage of the great privilege granted us,

to give my testimony for Christian Science through the

pages of our much loved Journal. The blessing has

been so bountiful that words can but poorly express my

gratitude.

A little over six years ago, a relative came from Den-

ver, Colorado, to visit us. She was a Christian Scientist,

having herself been healed of a severe claim that M. D.’s,

drugs, and climate could not relieve; and her husband

having been in the drug business, she had had a chance

to give them a fair trial.

My sister-in-law did not talk much on the subject, as

I remember; but what was better, lived the truth before

us as she realized it.

One day (a blessed day to me), I ventured to open

Science and Health, and read the first sentence in the

Preface. I closed the book, wondering what more it could

contain, this seeming to cover the whole ground. When

my sister-in-law returned to the room, I asked her if I

might read it. Her reply was, “Yes; but begin at the

first.”

That night, after all had retired, I began to read;

within forty-eight hours I destroyed all drugs, appli-

cations, etc., notwithstanding the fact that my husband

had just paid fifty dollars to a travelling specialist for

part of a treatment. With the drugs disappeared ail-

Page 451

ments of nine years’ standing, which M. D.’s had failed

to relieve.

I now understand that my sudden healing was due to

my turning completely away from material methods;

for I was convinced I should never use them again. I

realized that God was my health, my strength, my Life,

therefore All. As I read Science and Health, I won-

dered why others had not discerned this truth, – physi-

cians, ministers, and others who had devoted their lives

to benefit mankind. Yes! why? Because they had

been seeking in the opposite direction to Truth, namely,

for cause and effect in matter, when all cause and effect

are mental.

I mention physicians and ministers, because one class

claims to heal disease, the other claims to heal sin; but

Christian Science heals physically and morally, – it con-

tains all; “its leaves are for the healing of the nations.”

L. B. A., Memphis, Tenn.

I was for years a great sufferer. I called doctor after

doctor, getting no help. The last one, after treating me

for one year, told me he would give me one year more

to live.

One evening a near neighbor came in and asked me

to go home with her; and as it was only a few steps, I

did so.

She took up a new book, Science and Health, read me

a few chapters, and then gave me some Christian Science

tracts, which I read, and one of them I almost committed

to memory.

I bought a copy of “Science and Health with Key to

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the Scriptures,” and studied it carefully. I am healed

of all those claims which troubled me so long. I was

lifted out of darkness into light.

M. J. P., Burns, Oregon

Chicago, March 19, 1894

Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy, Boston, Mass.: – I wish to

thank you for the true light that was revealed to me by

reading your book, “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures,” and at once adopting its teaching. It was

one year ago to-day that I put on the armor, determined

never to surrender to the enemy; and you may know I

have looked forward to this day with a great deal of

pleasure, to show my friends that the Lord is constantly

with me to help overcome all evil.

Some said, when I first started in this new path, “Wait

until you get one of your stomach attacks, and you will

change your mind.” For months they have waited, and

are beginning to see the truth in my actions, that speak

for themselves, and show that all is Mind.

For nearly thirty years I had been a sufferer from

throat and stomach troubles; bronchitis, dyspepsia, gas-

tralgia, and gastritis, etc., were the terms applied by

my physicians. About eighteen years of that time I was

engaged in the drug business, had constant opportunities

for consulting the best physicians, and took such medicine

as I felt assured would cure me; but only to be disap-

pointed each time.

The last few years I had been living on oatmeal crackers

and hot water; suffering more or less all the time, and

could not eat anything else without suffering intense

Page 453

pain. I felt as though I could not live many months

more, and was getting ready to give up the fight

when a dear friend and neighbor, Mrs. Corning, left

a copy of Science and Health at our home. At first I

did not care to read it; having been educated, for many

years, in the belief that medicine can cure all diseases, I

could not conceive of anything else to cure the sick.

One Sunday I had the curiosity to know something

about this Christian Science, and read Science and Health.

The more I read, the more interested I became, and

finally said to myself, “I will try it.” I took a large

porous plaster and four thicknesses of flannel off my

stomach, and threw them in the corner, saying, “Now

it shall be Mind over matter; no more matter over Mind.”

I filled a large basket full of bottles containing medicine,

and put it in the shed (where all medicine should be).

From that day I have eaten of everything on the table,

and all I wished. Coffee was my worst enemy, and I

had not tasted it for years without suffering untold agony.

Several days passed before I cared to drink it; then, one

morning, I told my family I would commence to use it;

I did, and have used it every day since, and don’t know

that I have a stomach, as it never has caused me any

trouble since that morning.

I am happy to say I have not used a drop of any kind

of medicine, internally or externally, from that day, and

I know that all is Mind. I read the Bible and Science

and Health nearly every day, thanking the Lord for the

years of suffering which have led me to the truth as taught

by our Saviour; for I feel it was only through its victory

over the suffering that the truth could have been revealed

in my case.

Page 454

I have had some demonstrations to make over error,

but each time it becomes easier. God is ever present

and ready to help me, and I trust in Him; my faith is

planted on a rock that is immovable.

Yours truly, FRANK S. EBERHART

P. S. If you think this letter, or any part of it, will help

some one out of darkness into the light of Truth, you

are at liberty to have it published.

Having so many occupations and interruptions, I have

not found time to read “Science and Health with Key to

the Scriptures” sufficiently, but will not on that account

delay thanking you for its excellence.

HENRY W. LONGFELLOW, Cambridge, Mass.

I am an old-school practitioner; have served as surgeon

in two European wars; practised medicine for about

ten years in New York city and Brooklyn, until my health

compelled me to relinquish my profession. I became

a victim of the morphia habit, taking daily thirty grains

of that drug. My physicians declared me consumptive,

and abandoned all hopes of recovery. Shortly after

this I made the acquaintance of a student of the author

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

who presented me with her works; and as drugs did me

no good, I stopped taking any whatever, save morphia,

without which I thought it impossible to get along, and

to my astonishment began to gain in flesh, and my am-

bition returning in proportion. I finally felt that I would

stop my loathsome habit of morphia-eating, and did so

Page 455

in one week, without any discomfort worth mentioning.

For a test I administered one fourth of a grain of morphia

to the aforesaid Scientist, hypodermically, without the

slightest physiological effect, clearly proving the existence

of metaphysical laws. I have read Science and Health

carefully, and consider my present improved health solely

due to mental influence.

OTTO ANDERSON, M. D., Cincinnati, Ohio

The profound truths which you announce, sustained

by facts of the immortal life, give to your work the seal

of inspiration – reaffirm in modern phrase the Christian

revelations. In times like these, so sunk in sensualism,

I hail with joy your voice, speaking an assured word for

God and immortality, and my joy is heightened that these

words are of woman’s divinings.

A. BRONSON ALCOTT, Concord, Mass.

I was sick six years; tried many physicians and reme-

dies, but received no lasting benefit from any of them,

and concluded I must remain sick the rest of my life.

In this condition, I purchased the book “Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures,” read it, was deeply

interested, and noticed that my health began to improve;

and the more I read the book, the better I became in

health. This I can say truly: it did more for my health

than all the physicians and remedies that I had ever

tried. – DR. S. G. TODD, 11 School St., Newburyport

I had been a nervous sufferer for nine years; had a

belief of incurable disease of the heart, and was subject

Page 456

to severe nervous prostration if I became the least weary.

I was told that if I should read your books they would

cure me. I commenced reading them: in ten days I was

surprised to find myself overcoming my nervous spasms

without the aid of medicine; and ever since then I have

been improving, and I now can walk twenty miles without

fatigue, and have been able to rise above all ailments.

MRS. JULIA A. B. DAVIS,

Central Village, Westport, Mass.

I would inform my friends and the public, that after

twelve years of sickness I am restored to health; and,

with renewed vigor and keen enjoyment, take up the

pleasures and duties of life once more; all labor now

seems less arduous, and all happiness more perfect. To

Christian Science, as taught in “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures,” I am indebted for my restoration.

I can cordially recommend this book to all.

ROSE A. WIGGLESWORTH, Lowell, Mass.

When I commenced reading “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures,” I could sit up but a very short

time, and could not eat the most simple food without

great distress. In a few days there was a great change,

and I have been growing better ever since.

E. D. RICHARDSON, Merrimac, Mass.

I have not been as well for years as I have been since

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

all of which I impute to its teaching.

(MRS.) MARY A. WILLIAMS, Freeport, Ill.

Page 457

Had been in ill-health for several years; had been

confined to my bed three months, when I got your book

and read it. At first I was unable to read it myself, and

others read it to me, and the truth revealed in your book

restored me to health.

(COL.) E. J. SMITH, Washington, D. C.

I have been perusing with great interest your work

on metaphysical Science, for the last four months, and

to great advantage; you make the path to health so plain,

that a wayfaring man, though a fool, cannot err therein.

R. I. BARKER, Bethel, Me.

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

a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path;” your

missiles of Mind have battered down the illusions of sense,

allowing Life to appear an eternal monument, whose

spirited hieroglyphics, Truth and Love, unlike those cut

in marble, shall grow more luminous to consciousness as

sickness, sin and death fade out of belief.

ARTHUR T. BUSWELL,

Office of Associated Charities, Cincinnati, O.

“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” is

beautiful in its form of thought and expression. I have

perused it with interest. Your book tends to lead us to

new thoughts and practices in the healing art, and for

many maladies I have no doubt the treatment your ex-

cellent work introduces will be the only remedy.

(COL.) ROB’T B. CAVERLY, Centralville, Mass.

Page 458

Undoubtedly “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures” is the greatest and grandest book ever pub-

lished; and that by pulpit and press it will be so ac-

knowledged, is only a question of time. Yours has,

indeed, been a pioneer work, and will be; and I believe

that you, of all the millions, are selected and chosen be-

cause of your peculiar fitness for this great work – this

grand work of opening the gates and leading the way,

that fallen humanity may follow step by step; reach up

to Christ, and be made whole! That all this should be

systematized and proven with mathematical precision, –

that there can be no guesswork or quackery, – is simply

astounding. Science and Health has given me a new

impetus heavenward.

M. A. HINKLEY, Williamsport, Pa.

The book “Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-

tures” is the most wonderful work that has been written

in the past five thousand years. I wish you could get

ten dollars per copy. I am of the opinion that I can heal

the sick on its basis, from reading the work.

H. D. DEXTER, M. D., Dundee, N. Y.

Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy’s book, “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures,” has been duly catalogued

and placed on our shelves for use. In behalf of the trus-

tees, let me convey cordial thanks to the earnest-minded

author for this interesting contribution. My own idea

is, that the power of Mind or Spirit is supreme in char-

acter, and destined to supremacy over all that is adverse

to divine order. WILLIAM H. KIMBALL,

Librarian New Hampshire State Library

Page 459

I am reading the work, “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures,” for the third time; and I am

convinced of the truth of the Science of which it treats,

– instructing us how to attain holiness of heart, purity

of life, and the sublime ascendency of soul over body.

C. CLEMENT, McMinnville, Warren Co., Tenn.

I was sick for a number of years with what some of

the most skilful physicians pronounced an incurable

disease. The more I tried to get help, the worse I be-

came, until a life of pain and helplessness seemed un-

avoidable. Two years ago I heard of “Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures,” began reading it

and trying to live up to its teachings. At first, my be-

liefs were so strong I made but little progress; but grad-

ually my disease gave way, and finally disappeared, and

to-day I am a well woman. I cannot express the grati-

tude I feel for what the light shining through the teachings

of that book did for me.

(MRS.) EMILY T. HOWE, Norway, Me.

I have been reading “Science and Health with Key

to the Scriptures,” and feasting-like a starving, ship-

wrecked mariner, on the food that was to sustain him

– on truths which ages to come will appreciate, under-

stand, and accept. Many of the theories which at first

appear abstruse and obscure, at length become clear and

lucid. The candle of intellect requires occasional snuff-

ing to throw the clear light of penetration on the page.

(MRS.) S. A. ORNE, Malden, Mass.

Page 460

The mother of a little girl about eight years old told

me her child was having a severe attack of cold, and

was delicate and easy to take cold. I told her the little

girl would be all right; not to give her any medicine, but

read Science and Health to her. When I next saw the

mother, she told me the little girl was entirely well; that

the cold had all disappeared, and with it a claim of night-

sweats that the child had been under for more than a

year. The little girl had been out sliding down-hill in

the snow a number of times; had her feet very wet, but

it did not affect her at all. They were all pleased, –

especially the child; her face was beaming with hap-

piness and smiles. This is just one little instance of the

good that comes from reading Science and Health.

T. W. H.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS

This is, perhaps, the most remarkable book on health,

in some respects, which has appeared in this country.

The author evidently discards physiology, hygiene, mes-

merism, magnetism, and every form of medication, bath-

ing, dieting, etc., – all go by the board; no medicine,

manipulation, or external applications are permitted;

everything is done through the mind. Applied to cer-

tain conditions, this method has great value: even the

reading of the author’s book has cured hopeless cases.

The author claims that her methods are those used by

Christ and his apostles, and she has established a church

and school to propagate them. – Herald of Health, N. Y.

(M. L. HOLBROOK, Publisher)

Page 461

The Christian Scientists claim that the power of heal-

ing is not lost, and have supported that claim by induc-

ing cures astonishingly like those quoted from the New

Testament. And even more good they hope to achieve,

as this power which they possess is better understood

and the new light gains strength in the world. Experi-

ence has taught us that the nearer we approach to the

source of a report of miraculous power, the smaller does

the wonder grow. In the instance of the Christian Sci-

entists, the result has been rather the reverse; if third

parties have related a remarkable circumstance, the person

of whom the fact was alleged has been found to make

the assertion still stronger. – Boston Sunday Globe

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

Mary Baker G. Eddy, President of the Massachusetts

Metaphysical College, is a remarkable publication,

claiming to elucidate the influence of mentality over

matter. Mrs. Eddy announces herself as the discoverer

of this metaphysical Science, and receives students, to

whom she imparts so much of her metaphysics as their

minds are capable of receiving. The volumes are a

vigorous protest against the materialism of our modern

scientists, Darwin, Huxley, Tyndall, etc. Her Science

of Mind was first self-applied: having been ill and treated

by doctors of the various schools without benefit, she

discovered the grand Principle of all healing to be God,

or Mind. Relying on this Principle alone, she regained

her health, and for the last sixteen years has taught

this theory to others, and has healed the sick in all cases

where the patient’s mentality was sufficiently strong to

Page 462

understand her teachings and act upon them. – Brooklyn

Eagle

The book “Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-

tures” is certainly original, and contains much that

will do good. The reader will find this work not influ-

enced by superstition or pride, but striking out boldly,

– full of self-sacrifice and love towards God and man. –

Christian Advocate, Buffalo, N. Y.

The doctrines of “Science and Health with Key to

the Scriptures” are high and pure, wholly free from

those vile theories about love and marriage which have

been so prevalent among the spiritualists. This new

sect devotes itself to a study of the Bible, and a practice

of curing disease without mesmerism or spiritualism. It

treats Darwin and materialists with a lofty scorn. –

Springfield Republican

“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” is

indisputably a wonderful work. It has no equal. No

one can read the book and not be benefited by it in mind

and body. The work is endorsed by some of the best

men of the age. – Star-Spangled Banner

We shall watch with keen interest the promised results

of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.”

The work shows how the body can be cured, and how

Page 463

a better state of Christianity can be introduced (which

is certainly very desirable) . It likewise has a hard thrust

at spiritualism; and, taken altogether, it is a very rare

book. – Boston Investigator

The author of “Science and Health with Key to the

Scriptures,” which is attracting much attention, shows

her ability to defend her cause with vigor. – Boston

Weekly Journal

(By permission)

HOW TO UNDERSTAND SCIENCE AND HEALTH

My Dear Friend H.: – Your good letter of the 26th

ult. came duly to hand several days ago, and I am not

greatly surprised at its contents. You say, in substance,

that you procured the book, “Science and Health with

Key to the Scriptures,” which I recommended, and

that to your surprise and disgust you found it to be a

work on faith-cure, and ask by what process of reason-

ing I could possibly bring myself to adopt or accept

such visionary theories. In answer to your very nat-

ural question, I will try, in my own way, to give you

what appears to me to be a reason for the hope that is

in me.

My religious views of fifteen years ago are too famil-

iar to you to need any exposition at my hands at this

time. Suffice it to say that the religion of the Bible,

as taught by the churches, to my mind appeared to be

Page 464

self-contradictory and confusing, and their explanations

failed to explain. During the next eleven years my

convictions underwent little change. I read everything

that came in my way that had any bearing upon, or

pretended in any degree to explain, the problem of life;

and while I gained some knowledge of a general nature,

I was no nearer the solution of life’s problem than when

I began my investigations years ago, and I had given

up all hope of ever being able to come to a knowledge

of the truth, or a satisfactory explanation of the enigma

of life.

In all my intellectual wanderings I had never lost my

belief in a great First Cause, which I was as well satis-

fied to call God as anything else; but the orthodox ex-

planations of His or its nature and power were to my

mind such a mixture of truth and error, that I could not

tell where fact left off and fancy began. The whole ef-

fort of the pulpit being put forth, seemed directed to the im-

possible task of harmonizing the teachings of Jesus Christ

with the wisdom of the world; and the whole tendency

of our religious education was to befog the intellect and

produce scepticism in a mind that presumed to think

for itself and to inquire into the why and the wherefore.

I fully believe that the agnosticism of yourself and my-

self was produced by the futile attempt to mix and har-

monize the wisdom of the world with the philosophy of

the Christ.

In my investigations into the researches of the savants

and philosophers I found neither any satisfactory expla-

nation of things as they seemed to exist, nor any solu-

tion of the great and all-absorbing question, “What is

Truth?” Their premises appeared to be sound, and

Page 465

their reasonings faultless; but in the nature of things,

no final conclusion of the whole matter could be reached

from premises based wholly on material knowledge.

They could explain “matter” and its properties to their

own satisfaction, but the intelligence that lay behind or

beyond it, and which was manifested in and through it,

was to them as much of a mystery as it was to the hum-

blest of God’s creatures. They could prove pretty con-

clusively that many of the generally accepted theories

had no basis in fact; but they left us as much in the

dark regarding Life and its governing Principle as had

the divines before them.

About four years ago, while still in the mental condi-

tion above indicated, my attention was called to what at

that time appeared to me to be a new phase of spiritism,

and which was called by those who professed to believe

in it, Christian Science. I thought that I had given some

attention to about all the isms that ever existed, and that

this was only another phantasm of some religionist lost

in the labyrinths of mental hallucination.

In my reflections at that time it seemed to me that

life was an incomprehensible enigma; that the creator

had placed us on this earth, and left us entirely in the

dark as to His purpose in so doing. We seemed to be

cast upon the ocean of time, and left to drift aimlessly

about, with no exact knowledge of what was required of

us or how to attain unto the truth, which must certainly

have an existence somewhere. It seemed to me that in

the very nature of things there must be a great error

somewhere in our understanding, or that the creator

Himself had slipped a cog when He fitted all things into

their proper spheres. That there had been a grand mis-

Page 466

take somewhere I had no doubt; but I still had doubt

enough of my own capabilities and understanding to be-

lieve that the mistake, whatever it was, was in me and

not in the creator. I knew that, in a fair measure at

least, I had an honest desire to live aright, as it was given

me to see the right, and to strive to some extent to do the

will of God, if I could only know certainly just what it

was.

While in this frame of mind, I inwardly appealed to

the great unseen power to enlighten my understanding,

and to lead me into a knowledge of the truth, promising

mentally to follow wherever it might lead, if I could only

do so understandingly.

My wife had been investigating Christian Science to

some extent, but knowing my natural antipathy to such

vagaries, as I then thought them, had said very little to

me about it; but one day, while discussing the mysteries

of life with a judge of one of our courts, he asked me

whether I had ever looked into the teachings of the Chris-

tian Scientists. I told him that I had not, and he urged

me very strongly to do so. He claimed to have investi-

gated their teachings, and said that he had become a

thorough believer in them. This aroused my curiosity,

and I procured the book called “Science and Health

with Key to the Scriptures,” and read it. Before read-

ing very far in it, I became pretty thoroughly nauseated

with what I thought the chimerical ideas of the author,

but kept on reading, – more because I had promised to

read the book than because of interest in its teachings;

but before I had gotten through with it, I did become

interested in the Principle that I thought I discovered

the author was striving to elucidate; and when I got

Page 467

through it, I began again and reread it very carefully.

When I had finished reading this book the second time,

I had become thoroughly convinced that her explana-

tion of the religion taught by Jesus Christ, and what

he did teach, afforded the only explanation which, to

my mind, came anywhere near harmonizing and making

cohesive what had always seemed contradictory and

inexplicable in the Bible. I became satisfied that I had

found the truth for which I had long been seeking, and

I arose from the reading of the book a changed man;

doubt and uncertainty had fled, and my mind has never

been troubled with a serious doubt upon the subject from

that day to this.

I do not pretend to have acquired the power it is claimed

we may attain to; but I am satisfied that the fault is in

me, and not in the Principle. I think I can almost hear

you ask, What! do you believe in miracles? I answer

unhesitatingly, Yes; I believe in the manifestations of

the power of Mind which the world calls miraculous;

but which those who claim to understand the Principle

through which the works are done, seem to think not

unnatural, but only the logical result of the application

of a known Principle.

It always did seem to me that Truth should be self-

evident, or at least susceptible of unmistakable proof, –

which all religions seemed to lack, at least in so far as I

had known them. I now remember that Jesus furnished

unmistakable proofs of the truth of his teachings, by his

manifestations of the power of Mind, or, as some might

call it, Spirit; which power he plainly taught would be

acquired by those who believed in the Principle which he

taught, and which manifestations would follow as signs

Page 468

that an understanding of his philosophy had been reached.

It does seem to me, that where the signs do not follow

professing Christians which Christ said should follow

them, there must be something wrong, either in his teach-

ings or their understanding of them; and to say the

least, the foundations of their faith require a careful re-

examination, with a view to harmonizing them with the

plain teachings of the Christ in whose footsteps they

profess to follow.

I never could understand how God could be ever-pres-

ent as a personal Being, but I think I can and do under-

stand how divine Principle can pervade every thing and

place.

I never could understand how heaven could be a place

with gorgeous fittings, but I think I can and do under-

stand how it might be a spiritual (or if you please mental)

condition. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh

not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here!

or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within

you.”

“Knowledge (or understanding) is power.” Since

adopting the views of life as set forth in “Science and

Health with Key to the Scriptures,” I have seen proofs

of what can be accomplished through a knowledge of the

truth, which to my mind amount to demonstrations, and

which no longer seem incredible, but which I do not ask

another to accept upon my statements. Every one must

see or feel for himself in order to be convinced; but I

am satisfied that any who will lay aside their preconceived

notions, and deal honestly with themselves and the light

they have, will come to a knowledge of the truth as illus-

trated in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ; that is,

Page 469

that Mind, or Soul, or whatever you may be pleased to

call it, is the real Ego, or self, and that mortal mind with

its body is the unreal and vanishing, and eventually goes

back to its native nothingness.

Truth is, and ever has been, simple; and because of

its utter simplicity, we in our pride and selfishness have

been looking right over it. We have been keeping our

eyes turned toward the sky, scanning the heavens with

a far-off gaze in search of light, expecting to see the

truth blaze forth like some great comet, or in some ex-

traordinary manner; and when, instead of coming in

great pomp and splendor, it appears in the simpleness

of demonstration, we are staggered at it, and refuse to

accept it; our intellectual pride is shocked, and we are

sure that there has been some mistake. Human nature

is ever the same. The Jews were looking for something

transcendently wonderful, and the absence of it made

the Christ, Truth, to them a stumbling-block. It was

foolishness to the Greeks, who excelled in the worldly

wisdom of that day; but in all ages of the world it has

ever been the power of God to them that believe, not

blindly, but because of an enlightened understanding.

I always did think that there was something beautiful

in the philosophy of life as taught by Jesus Christ, but

that it was impracticable and not susceptible of applica-

tion to the affairs of life in a world constituted as this

appeared to be. As I now view it, that belief was the

result of ignorance of the real power that “moves the

universe,” – too much faith in matter or effect, and not

enough in Mind or cause, which is God.

To one who can accept the truth that all causation is

in Mind, and who therefore begins to look away from

Page 470

matter and into Mind, or Spirit, for all that is real and

eternal, and for all that produces anything that is last-

ing, the doubts and petty annoyances of life become

dissolved in the light of a better understanding, which

has been refined in the crucible of charity and love; and

they fade away into the nothingness from whence they

came, never having had any existence in fact, being only

the inventions of erring human belief.

Read the teachings of the Christ from a Christian Science

standpoint, and they no longer appear vague and mysti-

cal, but become luminous and powerful, – and, let me

say, intelligible.

It is true, as you intimate, that this theory of life is

much more generally accepted by women than by men,

and it may be true that as a rule their reasoning is much

less rigid in its nature than that of the sterner sex, and

that they may be liable to scan their premises less keenly;

but may it not also be true, that they are of finer texture

and more spiritual in their natures, and that they may

be just as likely to arrive at the truth through their in-

tuitions, in connection with their logic, as we are through

the more rugged courses? If it be true that man is the

more logical, the fallibility of our own reasonings very

frequently becomes painfully apparent even to ourselves,

and they are therefore not the safest gauge by which to

judge others.

I believe, myself, that when it comes to standing up

for Truth in the face of the world, and possibly at the

sacrifice of position and popularity, women possess the

necessary courage in a much greater degree than do

men.

I had not intended to weary you with such a long

Page 471

letter, but after getting into the subject, I hardly knew

where to stop. As an old and loved friend, I have given

you a glimpse of my inner life, because I hardly knew

how to explain my mental condition to you in any other

way. . . .

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