YOUTH AND YOUNG MANHOOD

EDITOR'S NOTE. - The Cosmopolitan presents this month to its
21 readers a facsimile of an article sent to us by Mrs. Eddy, with the
corrections on the manuscript reproduced in her own handwriting.
Not only Mrs. Eddy's own devoted followers, but the public gen-
24 erally, will be interested in this communication from the extraordi-
nary woman who, nearly eighty-seven years of age, plays so great
a part in the world and leads with such conspicuous success her very
27

great following.

Mrs. Eddy writes very rarely for any publications outside of the
Christian Science periodicals, and our readers will be interested in

30

this presentation of the thought of a mind that has had so much
influence on this generation.

The Cosmopolitan gives no editorial indorsement to the teachings

Page 273

1 of Christian Science, it has no religious opinions or predilections to
put before its readers. This manuscript is presented simply as an
3

interesting and remarkable proof of Mrs. Eddy's ability in old age
to vindicate in her own person the value of her teachings.

Certainly, Christian Scientists, enthusiastic in their belief, are

6 fortunate in being able to point to a Leader far beyond the allotted
years of man, emerging triumphantly from all attacks upon her, and
guiding with remarkable skill, determination, and energy a very
9

great organization that covers practically the civilized world.

King David, the Hebrew bard, sang, "I have been
young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the right-

12

eous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

I for one accept his wise deduction, his ultimate or
spiritual sense of thinking, feeling, and acting, and its

15 reward. This sense of rightness acquired by experience
and wisdom, should be early presented to youth and to
manhood in order to forewarn and forearm humanity.
18 The ultimatum of life here and hereafter is utterly
apart from a material or personal sense of pleasure, pain,
joy, sorrow, life, and death. The truth of life, or life in
21 truth, is a scientific knowledge that is portentous; and
is won only by the spiritual understanding of Life as God,
good, ever-present good, and therefore life eternal.
24 You will agree with me that the material body is mortal,
but Soul is immortal; also that the five personal senses
are perishable: they lapse and relapse, come and go, until
27 at length they are consigned to dust. But say you,
"Man awakes from the dream of death in possession of
the five personal senses, does he not?" Yes, because
30

death alone does not awaken man in God's image
and likeness. The divine Science of Life alone gives

Copyright, 1907, by Mary Baker G. Eddy. Renewed, 1935.

Page 274

1 the true sense of life and of righteousness, and demon-
strates the Principle of life eternal; even the Life that
3

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

Death alone does not absolve man from a false material

6 sense of life, but goodness, holiness, and love do this, and
so consummate man's being with the harmony of heaven;
the omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience of Life,
9

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

Dear reader, right thinking, right feeling, and right
acting - honesty, purity, unselfishness - in youth tend

12 to success, intellectuality, and happiness in manhood.
To begin rightly enables one to end rightly, and thus it is
that one achieves the Science of Life, demonstrates health,
15

holiness, and immortality.

[Boston Herald, April, 1908]

MRS. EDDY SENDS THANKS

18

Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy has sent the following to the
Herald: -

Will the dear Christian Scientists accept my thanks

21 for their magnificent gifts, and allow me to say that I am
not fond of an abundance of material presents; but I
am cheered and blessed when beholding Christian healing,
24 unity among brethren, and love to God and man; this
is my crown of rejoicing, for it demonstrates Christian
Science.
27

The Psalmist sang, "That thy way may be known
upon earth, thy saving health among all nations."

Page 275

1

[Minneapolis (Minn.) News]

UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP

3 Christian Science can and does produce universal
fellowship. As the sequence of divine Love it explains
love, it lives love, it demonstrates love. The human,
6 material, so-called senses do not perceive this fact until
they are controlled by divine Love; hence the Scripture,
"Be still, and know that I am God."
9

BROOKLINE, MASS.,
May 1, 1908

[New York Herald]

MRS. EDDY'S OWN DENIAL THAT SHE IS ILL

Permit me to say, the report that I am sick (and I
trust the desire thereof) is dead, and should be buried.

15 Whereas the fact that I am well and keenly alive to the
truth of being - the Love that is Life - is sure and stead-
fast. I go out in my carriage daily, and have omitted
18 my drive but twice since I came to Massachusetts.
Either my work, the demands upon my time at home, or
the weather, is all that prevents my daily drive.
21 Working and praying for my dear friends' and my dear
enemies' health, happiness, and holiness, the true sense
of being goes on.
24 Doing unto others as we would that they do by us, is
immortality's self. Intrepid, self-oblivious love fulfils the
law and is self-sustaining and eternal. With white-winged
27

charity brooding over all, spiritually understood and de-
monstrated, let us unite in one Te Deum of praise.

BOX G, BROOKLINE, MASS.,

30

May 15, 1908

Page 276

[Christian Science Sentinel, May 16, 1908]

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

3 Since Mrs. Eddy is watched, as one watches a criminal
or a sick person, she begs to say, in her own behalf, that
she is neither; therefore to be criticized or judged by
6 either a daily drive or a dignified stay at home, is super-
fluous. When accumulating work requires it, or because
of a preference to remain within doors she omits her
9 drive, do not strain at gnats or swallow camels over
it, but try to be composed and resigned to the shock-
ing fact that she is minding her own business, and rec-
12 ommends this surprising privilege to all her dear friends
and enemies.
MARY BAKER EDDY
15

[Boston Post, November, 1908]

POLITICS

Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy has always believed that those

18 who are entitled to vote should do so, and she has also
believed that in such matters no one should seek to dictate
the actions of others.
21 In reply to a number of requests for an expression of
her political views, she has given out this statement: -

I am asked, "What are your politics?" I have none, in
24

reality, other than to help support a righteous government;
to love God supremely, and my neighbor as myself.

Page 277

CHAPTER XV - PEACE AND WAR

1

[Boston Herald, March, 1898]

OTHER WAYS THAN BY WAR

3 IN reply to your question, "Should difficulties between
the United States and Spain be settled peacefully by
statesmanship and diplomacy, in a way honorable and
6 satisfactory to both nations?" I will say I can see no
other way of settling difficulties between individuals and
nations than by means of their wholesome tribunals,
9

equitable laws, and sound, well-kept treaties.

A bullet in a man's heart never settles the question of
his life. The mental animus goes on, and urges that the

12 answer to the sublime question as to man's life shall come
from God and that its adjustment shall be according to
His laws. The characters and lives of men determine the
15 peace, prosperity, and life of nations. Killing men is
not consonant with the higher law whereby wrong and
injustice are righted and exterminated.
18 Whatever weighs in the eternal scale of equity and
mercy tips the beam on the right side, where the immortal
words and deeds of men alone can settle all questions
21

amicably and satisfactorily. But if our nation's rights or
honor were seized, every citizen would be a soldier and
woman would be armed with power girt for the hour.

Page 278

1 To coincide with God's government is the proper in-
centive to the action of all nations. If His purpose for
3 peace is to be subserved by the battle's plan or by the
intervention of the United States, so that the Cubans
may learn to make war no more, this means and end
6

will be accomplished.

The government of divine Love is supreme. Love rules
the universe, and its edict hath gone forth: "Thou shalt

9 have no other gods before me," and "Love thy neighbor
as thyself." Let us have the molecule of faith that
removes mountains, - faith armed with the understand-
12 ing of Love, as in divine Science, where right reigneth.
The revered President and Congress of our favored land
are in God's hands.
15

[Boston Globe, December, 1904]

HOW STRIFE MAY BE STILLED

Follow that which is good.

18 A Japanese may believe in a heaven for him who dies
in defence of his country, but the steadying, elevating
power of civilization destroys such illusions and should
21

overcome evil with good.

Nothing is gained by fighting, but much is lost.

Peace is the promise and reward of rightness. Gov-

24 ernments have no right to engraft into civilization the
burlesque of uncivil economics. War is in itself an evil,
barbarous, devilish. Victory in error is defeat in Truth.
27

War is not in the domain of good; war weakens power
and must finally fall, pierced by its own sword.

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

30

Whatever brings into human thought or action an ele-

Page 279

1 ment opposed to Love, is never requisite, never a neces-
sity, and is not sanctioned by the law of God, the law
3 of Love. The Founder of Christianity said: "My
peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give
I unto you."
6 Christian Science reinforces Christ's sayings and doings.
The Principle of Christian Science demonstrates peace.
Christianity is the chain of scientific being reappearing in
9 all ages, maintaining its obvious correspondence with the
Scriptures and uniting all periods in the design of God.
The First Commandment in the Hebrew Decalogue -
12 "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" - obeyed,
is sufficient to still all strife. God is the divine Mind.
Hence the sequence: Had all peoples one Mind, peace
15

would reign.

God is Father, infinite, and this great truth, when
understood in its divine metaphysics, will establish the

18

brotherhood of man, end wars, and demonstrate "on
earth peace, good will toward men."

[Christian Science Sentinel, June 17, 1905]

THE PRAYER FOR PEACE

Dearly Beloved: - I request that every member of The
Mother Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, pray each

24 day for the amicable settlement of the war between
Russia and Japan; and pray that God bless that great
nation and those islands of the sea with peace and
27

prosperity.
MARY BAKER EDDY

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
June 13, 1905

Page 280

1 REV. MARY BAKER EDDY,
Pleasant View, Concord, N. H.
3 Beloved Leader: - We acknowledge with rejoicing the
receipt of your message, which again gives assurance of
your watchful care and guidance in our behalf and of your
6 loving solicitude for the welfare of the nations and the
peaceful tranquillity of the race. We rejoice also in this
new reminder from you that all the things which make for
9 the establishment of a universal, loving brotherhood on
earth may be accomplished through the righteous prayer
which availeth much.
12

WILLIAM B. JOHNSON, Clerk
BOSTON, MASS., June 13, 1905

[Christian Science Sentinel, July 1, 1905]

"HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD"

15 I now request that the members of my church cease
special prayer for the peace of nations, and cease in full
18 faith that God does not hear our prayers only because of
oft speaking, but that He will bless all the inhabitants
of the earth, and none can stay His hand nor say unto
21 Him, What doest Thou? Out of His allness He must
bless all with His own truth and love.
MARY BAKER EDDY
24

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
June 27, 1905

[Christian Science Sentinel, July 22, 1905]

AN EXPLANATION

In no way nor manner did I request my church to cease
praying for the peace of nations, but simply to pause in

30

special prayer for peace. And why this asking? Because

Page 281

1 a spiritual foresight of the nations' drama presented
itself and awakened a wiser want, even to know how
3 to pray other than the daily prayer of my church, -
"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it
is in heaven."
6 I cited, as our present need, faith in God's disposal of
events. Faith full-fledged, soaring to the Horeb height,
brings blessings infinite, and the spirit of this orison is the
9 fruit of rightness, - "on earth peace, good will toward
men." On this basis the brotherhood of all peoples is
established; namely, one God, one Mind, and "Love thy
12 neighbor as thyself," the basis on which and by which
the infinite God, good, the Father-Mother Love, is ours
and we are His in divine Science.
15

[Boston Globe, August, 1905]

PRACTISE THE GOLDEN RULE

[Telegram]

18 "Official announcement of peace between Russia and
Japan seems to offer an appropriate occasion for the ex-
pression of congratulations and views by representative
21 persons. Will you do us the kindness to wire a sentiment
on some phase of the subject, on the ending of the war,
the effect on the two parties to the treaty of Portsmouth,
24

the influence which President Roosevelt has exerted for
peace, or the advancement of the cause of arbitration."

Mrs. Eddy's Reply

27

TO THE EDITOR OF THE Globe:
War will end when nations are ripe for progress. The
treaty of Portsmouth is not an executive power, although

Page 282

1 its purpose is good will towards men. The government of
a nation is its peace maker or breaker.
3 I believe strictly in the Monroe doctrine, in our Con-
stitution, and in the laws of God. While I admire the
faith and friendship of our chief executive in and for all
6 nations, my hope must still rest in God, and the Scrip-
tural injunction, - "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all
the ends of the earth."
9 The Douma recently adopted in Russia is no uncer-
tain ray of dawn. Through the wholesome chastise-
ments of Love, nations are helped onward towards
12 justice, righteousness, and peace, which are the land-
marks of prosperity. In order to apprehend more,
we must practise what we already know of the Golden
15

Rule, which is to all mankind a light emitting light.
MARY BAKER EDDY

MRS. EDDY AND THE PEACE MOVEMENT

18 MR. HAYNE DAVIS, American Secretary,
International Conciliation Committee,
542 Fifth Avenue, New York City
21 Dear Mr. Davis: - Deeply do I thank you for the
interest you manifest in the success of the Association
for International Conciliation. It is of paramount im-
24

portance to every son and daughter of all nations under
the sunlight of the law and gospel.

May God guide and prosper ever this good endeavor.

27 Most truly yours,
MARY BAKER EDDY
PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
30

April 3, 1907

Page 283

MRS. EDDY'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF APPOINTMENT

AS FONDATEUR OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR

3 INTERNATIONAL CONCILIATION

FIRST CHURCH OP CHRIST, SCIENTIST, NEW YORK CITY,
MR. JOHN D. HIGGINS, Clerk
6 My Beloved Brethren: - Your appointment of me as
Fondateur of the Association for International Concilia-
tion is most gracious.
9 To aid in this holy purpose is the leading impetus of
my life. Many years have I prayed and labored for the
consummation of "on earth peace, good will toward
12

men." May the fruits of said grand Association, preg-
nant with peace, find their birthright in divine Science.

Right thoughts and deeds are the sovereign remedies

15 for all earth's woe. Sin is its own enemy. Right has its
recompense, even though it be betrayed. Wrong may be
a man's highest idea of right until his grasp of goodness
18

grows stronger. It is always safe to be just.

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

21 Individuals, as nations, unite harmoniously on the basis
of justice, and this is accomplished when self is lost in
Love - or God's own plan of salvation. "To do justly,
24

and to love mercy, and to walk humbly" is the stand-
ard of Christian Science.

Human law is right only as it patterns the divine.

27

Consolation and peace are based on the enlightened sense
of God's government.

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

30

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

Page 284

1 or the great. Because of my rediscovery of Chris-
tian Science, and honest efforts (however meagre)
3 to help human purpose and peoples, you may have
accorded me more than is deserved, - but 'tis sweet
to be remembered.
6 Lovingly yours,
MARY BAKER EDDY
PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
9

April 22, 1907

[Concord (N. H.) Daily Patriot]

A CORRECTION

12 Dear Editor: - In the issue of your good paper, the
Patriot, May 21, when referring to the Memorial service
of the E. E. Sturtevant Post held in my church building,
15 it read, "It is said to be the first time in the history of
the church in this country that such an event has oc-
curred." In your next issue please correct this mistake.
18 Since my residence in Concord, 1889, the aforesaid
Memorial service has been held annually in some church
in Concord, N. H.
21 When the Veterans indicated their desire to assemble
in my church building, I consented thereto only as other
churches had done. But here let me say that I am
24 absolutely and religiously opposed to war, whereas I do
believe implicitly in the full efficacy of divine Love to
conciliate by arbitration all quarrels between nations
27 and peoples.
MARY BAKER EDDY
PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
30

May 28, 1907

Page 285

TO A STUDENT

Dear Student: - Please accept my thanks for your

3 kind invitation, on behalf of the Civic League of San
Francisco, to attend the Industrial Peace Conference,
and accept my hearty congratulations.
6 I cannot spare the time requisite to meet with you;
but I rejoice with you in all your wise endeavors for
industrial, civic, and national peace. Whatever adorns
9 Christianity crowns the great purposes of life and demon-
strates the Science of being. Bloodshed, war, and op-
pression belong to the darker ages, and shall be relegated
12

to oblivion.

It is a matter for rejoicing that the best, bravest, most
cultured men and women of this period unite with us in

15

the grand object embodied in the Association for Inter-
national Conciliation.

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

18 overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to
him will I give power over the nations." In the words
of St. Paul, I repeat: -
21 "And they neither found me in the temple disputing
with any man, neither raising up the people, neither
in the synagogues, nor in the city: neither can they
24 prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But
this I confess unto thee, that after the way which
they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers,
27 believing all things which are written in the law and in
the prophets."
Most sincerely yours,
30

MARY BAKER EDDY
PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.

Page 286

[The Christian Science Journal, May, 1908]

WAR

3 For many years I have prayed daily that there be
no more war, no more barbarous slaughtering of our
fellow-beings; prayed that all the peoples on earth and
6

the islands of the sea have one God, one Mind; love
God supremely, and love their neighbor as themselves.

National disagreements can be, and should be, arbi-

9

trated wisely, fairly; and fully settled.

It is unquestionable, however, that at this hour
the armament of navies is necessary, for the purpose

12

of preventing war and preserving peace among nations.

Page 287

CHAPTER XVI - TRIBUTES

1

[New York Mail and Express]

MONUMENT TO BARON AND BARONESS DE HIRSCH

3 THE movement to erect a monument to the late
Baron and Baroness de Hirsch enlists my hearty
sympathy. They were unquestionably used in a re-
6

markable degree as instruments of divine Love.

Divine Love reforms, regenerates, giving to human
weakness strength, serving as admonition, instruction, and

9 governing all that really is. Divine Love is the noumenon
and phenomenon, the Principle and practice of divine
metaphysics. Love talked and not lived is a poor shift
12 for the weak and worldly. Love lived in a court or cot
is God exemplified, governing governments, industries,
human rights, liberty, life.
15 In love for man we gain the only and true sense of love
for God, practical good, and so rise and still rise to His
image and likeness, and are made partakers of that Mind
18

whence springs the universe.

Philanthropy is loving, ameliorative, revolutionary; it
wakens lofty desires, new possibilities, achievements, and

21

energies; it lays the axe at the root of the tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit; it touches thought to
spiritual issues, systematizes action, and insures success;

Page 288

1 it starts the wheels of right reason, revelation, justice, and
mercy; it unselfs men and pushes on the ages. Love
3 unfolds marvellous good and uncovers hidden evil. The
philanthropist or reformer gives little thought to self-
defence; his life's incentive and sacrifice need no apology.
6

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

Love for mankind is the elevator of the human race;

9 it demonstrates Truth and reflects divine Love. Good is
divinely natural. Evil is unnatural; it has no origin in
the nature of God, and He is the Father of all.
12 The great Galilean Prophet was, is, the reformer of re-
formers. His piety partook not of the travesties of human
opinions, pagan mysticisms, tribal religion, Greek phi-
15 losophy, creed, dogma, or materia medica. The divine
Mind was his only instrumentality in religion or medi-
cine. The so-called laws of matter he eschewed; with
18 him matter was not the auxiliary of Spirit. He never
appealed to matter to perform the functions of Spirit,
divine Love.
21 Jesus cast out evil, disease, death, showing that all
suffering is commensurate with sin; therefore, he cast
out devils and healed the sick. He showed that every
24 effect or amplification of wrong will revert to the wrong-
doer; that sin punishes itself; hence his saying, "Sin
no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." Love
27

atones for sin through love that destroys sin. His rod
is love.

We cannot remake ourselves, but we can make the

30

best of what God has made. We can know that all is
good because God made all, and that evil is not a
fatherly grace.

Page 289

1 All education is work. The thing most important is
what we do, not what we say. God's open secret is seen
3

through grace, truth, and love.

I enclose a check for five hundred dollars for the
De Hirsch monument fund.

TRIBUTES TO QUEEN VICTORIA

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

Beloved Student: - I deem it proper that The Mother

9 Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, the
first church of Christian Science known on earth, should
upon this solemn occasion congregate; that a special meet-
12 ing of its First Members convene for the sacred purpose of
expressing our deep sympathy with the bereaved nation,
its loss and the world's loss, in the sudden departure of
15 the late lamented Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and
Empress of India, - long honored, revered, beloved.
"God save the Queen" is heard no more in England, but
18 this shout of love lives on in the heart of millions.
With love,
MARY BAKER EDDY
21

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
January 27, 1901

It being inconvenient for me to attend the memorial

24 meeting in the South Congregational church on Sunday
evening, February 3, I herewith send a few words of con-
dolence, which may be read on that tender occasion.
27

I am interested in a meeting to be held in the capi-
tal of my native State in memoriam of the late lamented
Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Empress of India.

Page 290

1 It betokens a love and a loss felt by the strong hearts
of New England and the United States. When contem-
3 plating this sudden international bereavement, the near
seems afar, the distant nigh, and the tried and true seem
few. The departed Queen's royal and imperial honors
6

lose their lustre in the tomb, but her personal virtues can
never be lost. Those live on in the affection of nations.

Few sovereigns have been as venerable, revered, and

9

beloved as this noble woman, born in 1819, married in
1840, and deceased the first month of the new century.

LETTER TO MRS. McKINLEY

12 My Dear Mrs. McKinley: - My soul reaches out to God
for your support, consolation, and victory. Trust in Him
whose love enfolds thee. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect
15 peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth
in Thee." "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee."
Divine Love is never so near as when all earthly joys seem
18

most afar.

Thy tender husband, our nation's chief magistrate, has
passed earth's shadow into Life's substance. Through

21 a momentary mist he beheld the dawn. He awaits to
welcome you where no arrow wounds the eagle soaring,
where no partings are for love, where the high and holy
24

call you again to meet.

"I knew that Thou hearest me always," are the words of
him who suffered and subdued sorrow. Hold this attitude

27 of mind, and it will remove the sackcloth from thy home.
With love,
MARY BAKER EDDY
30

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
September 14, 1901

Page 291

TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT McKINLEY

Imperative, accumulative, holy demands rested on the

3 life and labors of our late beloved President, William
McKinley. Presiding over the destinies of a nation
meant more to him than a mere rehearsal of aphorisms,
6 a uniting of breaches soon to widen, a quiet assent or dis-
sent. His work began with heavy strokes, measured
movements, reaching from the infinitesimal to the
9 infinite. It began by warming the marble of politics
into zeal according to wisdom, quenching the vol-
canoes of partizanship, and uniting the interests of all
12

peoples; and it ended with a universal good overcoming
evil.

His home relations enfolded a wealth of affection, - a

15 tenderness not talked but felt and lived. His humanity,
weighed in the scales of divinity, was not found wanting.
His public intent was uniform, consistent, sympathetic,
18 and so far as it fathomed the abyss of difficulties was
wise, brave, unselfed. May his history waken a tone
of truth that shall reverberate, renew euphony, empha-
21

size humane power, and bear its banner into the vast
forever.

While our nation's ensign of peace and prosperity

24 waves over land and sea, while her reapers are strong,
her sheaves garnered, her treasury filled, she is suddenly
stricken, - called to mourn the loss of her renowned
27 leader! Tears blend with her triumphs. She stops to
think, to mourn, yea, to pray, that the God of harvests
send her more laborers, who, while they work for their
30

own country, shall sacredly regard the liberty of other
peoples and the rights of man.

Page 292

1 What cannot love and righteousness achieve for the
race? All that can be accomplished, and more than his-
3 tory has yet recorded. All good that ever was written,
taught, or wrought comes from God and human faith in
the right. Through divine Love the right government is
6 assimilated, the way pointed out, the process shortened,
and the joy of acquiescence consummated. May God
sanctify our nation's sorrow in this wise, and His rod
9

and His staff comfort the living as it did the departing.
O may His love shield, support, and comfort the chief
mourner at the desolate home!

POWER OF PRAYER

My answer to the inquiry, "Why did Christians of every
sect in the United States fail in their prayers to save

15 the life of President McKinley," is briefly this: Insuffi-
cient faith or spiritual understanding, and a compound of
prayers in which one earnest, tender desire works uncon-
18 sciously against the modus operandi of another, would
prevent the result desired. In the June, 1901, Message
to my church in Boston, I refer to the effect of one
21

human desire or belief unwittingly neutralizing another,
though both are equally sincere.

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

24 with morphine to remedy dysentery, for those drugs are
supposed to possess opposite qualities and so to produce
opposite effects. The spirit of the prayer of the righteous
27 heals the sick, but this spirit is of God, and the divine
Mind is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; where-
as the human mind is a compound of faith and doubt,
30

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

Page 293

1 The knowledge that all things are possible to God ex-
cludes doubt, but differing human concepts as to the
3 divine power and purpose of infinite Mind, and the so-
called power of matter, act as the different properties of
drugs are supposed to act - one against the other - and
6

this compound of mind and matter neutralizes itself.

Our lamented President, in his loving acquiescence,
believed that his martyrdom was God's way. Hun-

9 dreds, thousands of others believed the same, and hun-
dreds of thousands who prayed for him feared that the
bullet would prove fatal. Even the physicians may have
12

feared this.

These conflicting states of the human mind, of trembling
faith, hope, and of fear, evinced a lack of the absolute

15 understanding of God's omnipotence, and thus they pre-
vented the power of absolute Truth from reassuring the
mind and through the mind resuscitating the body of
18

the patient.

The divine power and poor human sense - yea, the spirit
and the flesh - struggled, and to mortal sense the flesh pre-

21 vailed. Had prayer so fervently offered possessed no
opposing element, and President McKinley's recovery
been regarded as wholly contingent on the power of God,
24 - on the power of divine Love to overrule the pur-
poses of hate and the law of Spirit to control matter, -
the result would have been scientific, and the patient
27

would have recovered.

St. Paul writes: "For the law of the Spirit of life in
Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and

30

death." And the Saviour of man saith: "What things
soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive
them, and ye shall have them." Human governments

Page 294

1 maintain the right of the majority to rule. Christian
Scientists are yet in a large minority on the subject of
3 divine metaphysics; but they improve the morals and the
lives of men, and they heal the sick on the basis that God
has all power, is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent,
6

supreme over all.

In a certain city the Master "did not many mighty
works there because of their unbelief," - because of the

9 mental counteracting elements, the startled or the un-
righteous contradicting minds of mortals. And if he were
personally with us to-day, he would rebuke whatever
12 accords not with a full faith and spiritual knowledge of
God. He would mightily rebuke a single doubt of the
ever-present power of divine Spirit to control all the con-
15

ditions of man and the universe.

If the skilful surgeon or the faithful M.D. is not dis-
mayed by a fruitless use of the knife or the drug, has not

18 the Christian Scientist with his conscious understanding
of omnipotence, in spite of the constant stress of the
hindrances previously mentioned, reason for his faith in
21

what is shown him by God's works?

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

The sad, sudden announcement of the decease of Pope

24 Leo XIII, touches the heart and will move the pen of
millions. The intellectual, moral, and religious energy
of this illustrious pontiff have animated the Church of
27 Rome for one quarter of a century. The august ruler
of two hundred and fifty million human beings has now
passed through the shadow of death into the great forever.
30

The court of the Vatican mourns him; his relatives
shed "the unavailing tear." He is the loved and lost

Page 295

1 of many millions. I sympathize with those who mourn,
but rejoice in knowing our dear God comforts such with
3 the blessed assurance that life is not lost; its influence
remains in the minds of men, and divine Love holds
its substance safe in the certainty of immortality.
6

"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men."
(John 1: 4.)

A TRIBUTE TO THE BIBLE

LETTER OF THANKS FOR THE GIFT OF A COPY OF MARTIN LUTHER'S
TRANSLATION INTO GERMAN OF THE BIBLE, PRINTED IN

NUREM BERG IN 1733

12 Dear Student: - I am in grateful receipt of your time-
worn Bible in German. This Book of books is also the
gift of gifts; and kindness in its largest, profoundest
15

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

Christian Scientists are fishers of men. The Bible is

18

our sea-beaten rock. It guides the fishermen. It stands
the storm. It engages the attention and enriches the
being of all men.

A BENEDICTION

[Copy of Cablegram]

COUNTESS OF DUNMORE AND FAMILY,

24

55 Lancaster Gate, West, London, England

Divine Love is your ever-present help. You, I, and
mankind have cause to lament the demise of Lord Dun-

27 more; but as the Christian Scientist, the servant of God
and man, he still lives, loves, labors.
MARY BAKER EDDY
30

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
August 31, 1907

Page 296

HON. CLARENCE A. BUSKIRK'S LECTURE

The able discourse of our "learned judge," his flash of

3 flight and insight, lays the axe "unto the root of the
trees," and shatters whatever hinders the Science of
being.
6

MARY BAKER EDDY
PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
October 14, 1907

"HEAR, O ISRAEL"

The late lamented Christian Scientist brother and the
publisher of my books, Joseph Armstrong, C.S.D., is not

12 dead, neither does he sleep nor rest from his labors in
divine Science; and his works do follow him. Evil has no
power to harm, to hinder, or to destroy the real spiritual
15 man. He is wiser to-day, healthier and happier, than
yesterday. The mortal dream of life, substance, or mind
in matter, has been lessened, and the reward of good
18 and punishment of evil and the waking out of his Adam-
dream of evil will end in harmony, - evil powerless, and
God, good, omnipotent and infinite.
21

MARY BAKER EDDY
PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
December 10, 1907

MISS CLARA BARTON

In the New York American, January 6, 1908, Miss
Clara Barton dipped her pen in my heart, and traced its

27

emotions, motives, and object. Then, lifting the curtains
of mortal mind, she depicted its rooms, guests, standing
and seating capacity, and thereafter gave her discovery

Page 297

1 to the press. Now if Miss Barton were not a venerable
soldier, patriot, philanthropist, moralist, and states-
3 woman, I should shrink from such salient praise. But
in consideration of all that Miss Barton really is,
and knowing that she can bear the blows which may
6 follow said description of her soul-visit, I will say, Amen,
so be it.
MARY BAKER EDDY
9

PLEASANT VIEW, CONCORD, N. H.,
January l0, 1908

THERE IS NO DEATH

12 A suppositional gust of evil in this evil world is the
dark hour that precedes the dawn. This gust blows
away the baubles of belief, for there is in reality no evil,
15 no disease, no death; and the Christian Scientist who
believes that he dies, gains a rich blessing of disbelief in
death, and a higher realization of heaven.
18 My beloved Edward A. Kimball, whose clear, correct
teaching of Christian Science has been and is an inspira-
tion to the whole field, is here now as veritably as when
21 he visited me a year ago. If we would awaken to this
recognition, we should see him here and realize that he
never died; thus demonstrating the fundamental truth
24

of Christian Science.

MARY BAKER EDDY

MRS. EDDY'S HISTORY

27 I have not had sufficient interest in the matter to read
or to note from others' reading what the enemies of
Christian Science are said to be circulating regarding my
30

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

Page 298

1 "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy," and request the privi-
lege of buying, circulating, and recommending it to the
3 public. I briefly declare that nothing has occurred in my
life's experience which, if correctly narrated and under-
stood, could injure me; and not a little is already re-
6

ported of the good accomplished therein, the self-sacrifice,
etc., that has distinguished all my working years.

I thank Miss Wilbur and the Concord Publishing Com-

9 pany for their unselfed labors in placing this book before
the public, and hereby say that they have my permission
to publish and circulate this work.
12

MARY BAKER EDDY

Page 299

CHAPTER XVII - ANSWERS TO CRITICISMS

1

[Letter to the New York Commercial Advertiser]

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AND THE CHURCH

3 OVER the signature "A Priest of the Church,"
somebody, kindly referring to my address to First
Church of Christ, Scientist, in Concord, N. H., writes:
6 "If they [Christian Scientists] have any truth to reveal
which has not been revealed by the church or the Bible,
let them make it known to the world, before they claim
9

the allegiance of mankind. "

I submit that Christian Science has been widely made
known to the world, and that it contains the entire

12 truth of the Scriptures, as also whatever portions of truth
may be found in creeds. In addition to this, Christian
Science presents the demonstrable divine Principle and
15

rules of the Bible, hitherto undiscovered in the trans-
lations of the Bible and lacking in the creeds.

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

18 and especially those who claim to pardon sin, believe
that God is good, and that God is All? Christian
Scientists firmly subscribe to this statement; yea, they
21

understand it and the law governing it, namely, that
God, the divine Principle of Christian Science, is

Page 300

1 "of purer eyes than to behold evil." On this basis they
endeavor to cast out the belief in sin or in aught
3 besides God, thus enabling the sinner to overcome
sin according to the Scripture, "Work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which
6

worketh in you both to will and to do of His good
pleasure."

Does he who believes in sickness know or declare that

9 there is no sickness or disease, and thus heal disease?
Christian Scientists, who do not believe in the reality
of disease, heal disease, for the reason that the divine
12 Principle of Christian Science, demonstrated, heals the
most inveterate diseases. Does he who believes in
death understand or aver that there is no death, and
15 proceed to overcome "the last enemy" and raise the
dying to health? Christian Scientists raise the dying to
health in Christ's name, and are striving to reach the
18

summit of Jesus' words, "If a man keep my saying, he
shall never see death."

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

21 from Christian Science, are common to his church, we
propose that he make known his doctrine to the world,
that he teach the Christianity which heals, and send out
24 students according to Christ's command, "Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,"
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast
27

out devils."

The tree is known by its fruit. If, as he implies,
Christian Science is not a departure from the first cen-

30

tury churches, - as surely it is not, - why persecute
it? Are the churches opening fire on their own religious
ranks, or are they attacking a peaceable party quite

Page 301

1 their antipode? Christian Science is a reflected glory;
it shines with borrowed rays - from Light emitting light.
3

Christian Science is the new-old Christianity, that which
was and is the revelation of divine Love.

The present flux in religious faith may be found to be

6 a healthy fermentation, by which the lees of religion will
be lost, dogma and creed will pass off in scum, leaving a
solid Christianity at the bottom - a foundation for the
9 builders. I would that all the churches on earth could
unite as brethren in one prayer: Father, teach us the
life of Love.
12

PLEASANT VEIW, CONCORD, N. H.,
March 22, 1899

[Letter to the New York World]

FAITH IN METAPHYSICS

Is faith in divine metaphysics insanity?

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

18 There is a universal insanity which mistakes fable for
fact throughout the entire testimony of the material
senses. Those unfortunate people who are committed to
21 insane asylums are only so many well-defined instances
of the baneful effects of illusion on mortal minds and
bodies. The supposition that we can correct insanity
24 by the use of drugs is in itself a species of insanity. A
drug cannot of itself go to the brain or affect cerebral
conditions in any manner whatever. Drugs cannot
27

remove inflammation, restore disordered functions, or
destroy disease without the aid of mind.

If mind be absent from the body, drugs can produce

30

no curative effect upon the body. The mind must

Page 302

1 be, is, the vehicle of all modes of healing disease and of
producing disease. Through the mandate of mind or
3 according to a man's belief, can he be helped or be killed
by a drug; but mind, not matter, produces the result in
either case.
6 Neither life nor death, health nor disease, can be pro-
duced on a corpse, whence mind has departed. This
self-evident fact is proof that mind is the cause of all
9 effect made manifest through so-called matter. The
general craze is that matter masters mind; the specific
insanity is that brain, matter, is insane.
12

[Letter to the New York Herald]

REPLY TO MARK TWAIN

It is a fact well understood that I begged the students

15 who first gave me the endearing appellative "Mother,"
not to name me thus. But without my consent, the use
of the word spread like wildfire. I still must think the
18 name is not applicable to me. I stand in relation to
this century as a Christian Discoverer, Founder, and
Leader. I regard self-deification as blasphemous. I may
21 be more loved, but I am less lauded, pampered, provided
for, and cheered than others before me - and where-
fore? Because Christian Science is not yet popular, and
24

I refuse adulation.

My first visit to The Mother Church after it was built
and dedicated pleased me, and the situation was satisfac-

27 tory. The dear members wanted to greet me with escort
and the ringing of bells, but I declined and went alone in
my carriage to the church, entered it, and knelt in thanks
30

upon the steps of its altar. There the foresplendor of

Page 303

1 the beginnings of truth fell mysteriously upon my spirit.
I believe in one Christ, teach one Christ, know of but
3 one Christ. I believe in but one incarnation, one Mother
Mary. I know that I am not that one, and I have never
claimed to be. It suffices me to learn the Science of the
6

Scriptures relative to this subject.

Christian Scientists have no quarrel with Protestants,
Catholics, or any other sect. Christian Scientists need to

9 be understood as following the divine Principle - God,
Love - and not imagined to be unscientific worshippers
of a human being.
12 In his article, of which I have seen only extracts, Mark
Twain's wit was not wasted in certain directions. Chris-
tian Science eschews divine rights in human beings.
15 If the individual governed human consciousness, my
statement of Christian Science would be disproved;
but to demonstrate Science and its pure monotheism
18 - one God, one Christ, no idolatry, no human propa-
ganda - it is essential to understand the spiritual idea.
Jesus taught and proved that what feeds a few feeds
21 all. His life-work subordinated the material to the
spiritual, and he left his legacy of truth to man-
kind. His metaphysics is not the sport of philosophy,
24

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

I have not the inspiration nor the aspiration to be

27 a first or second Virgin-mother - her duplicate, ante-
cedent, or subsequent. What I am remains to be proved
by the good I do. We need much humility, wisdom,
30

and love to perform the functions of foreshadowing and
foretasting heaven within us. This glory is molten in
the furnace of affliction.

Page 304

[Boston Journal, June 8, 1903]

A MISSTATEMENT CORRECTED

3 I was early a pupil of Miss Sarah J. Bodwell, the
principal of Sanbornton Academy, New Hampshire, and
finished my course of studies under Professor Dyer
6 H. Sanborn, author of Sanborn's Grammar. Among
my early studies were Comstock's Natural Philosophy,
Chemistry, Blair's Rhetoric, Whateley's Logic, Watt's
9 "On the Mind and Moral Science." At sixteen years
of age, I began writing for the leading newspapers, and
for many years I wrote for the best magazines in the
12 South and North. I have lectured in large and crowded
halls in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Portland,
and at Waterville College, and have been invited to
15 lecture in London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland.
In 1883, I started The Christian Science Journal, and
for several years was the proprietor and sole editor of
18 that periodical. In 1893, Judge S. J. Hanna became
editor of The Christian Science Journal, and for ten
subsequent years he knew my ability as an editor. In
21 a lecture in Chicago, he said: "Mrs. Eddy is from
every point of view a woman of sound education and
liberal culture."
24 Agassiz, the celebrated naturalist and author, wisely
said: "Every great scientific truth goes through three
stages. First, people say it conflicts with the Bible.
27

Next, they say it has been discovered before. Lastly,
they say they have always believed it."

The first attack upon me was: Mrs. Eddy misinterprets

30

the Scriptures; second, she has stolen the contents of her
book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,"

Page 305

1 from one P. P. Quimby (an obscure, uneducated man),
and that he is the founder of Christian Science. Failing
3 in these attempts, the calumniator has resorted to Ralph
Waldo Emerson's philosophy as the authority for Christian
Science! Lastly, the defamer will declare as honestly (?),
6

"I have always known it."

In Science and Health, page 68, third paragraph, I
briefly express myself unmistakably on the subject of

9 "vulgar metaphysics," and the manuscripts and letters
in my possession, which "vulgar" defamers have circu-
lated, stand in evidence. People do not know who is
12 referred to as "an ignorant woman in New Hampshire."
Many of the nation's best and most distinguished men
and women were natives of the Granite State.
15 I am the author of the Christian Science textbook,
"Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures;" and
the demand for this book constantly increases. I am
18 rated in the National Magazine (1903) as "standing
eighth in a list of twenty-two of the foremost living
authors."
21 I claim no special merit of any kind. All that I am
in reality, God has made me. I still wait at the cross to
learn definitely more from my great Master, but not
24

of the Greek nor of the Roman schools - simply how to
do his works.

A PLEA FOR JUSTICE

27 My recent reply to the reprint of a scandal in the
Literary Digest was not a question of "Who shall be
greatest?" but of "Who shall be just?" Who is or is
30

not the founder of Christian Science was not the trend
of thought, but my purpose was to lift the curtain on

Page 306

1 wrong, on falsehood which persistently misrepresents
my character, education, and authorship, and attempts
3

to narrow my life into a conflict for fame.

Far be it from me to tread on the ashes of the dead or
to dissever any unity that may exist between Christian

6 Science and the philosophy of a great and good man, for
such was Ralph Waldo Emerson; and I deem it unwise to
enter into a newspaper controversy over a question that
9 is no longer a question. The false should be antagonized
only for the purpose of making the true apparent. I have
quite another purpose in life than to be thought great.
12 Time and goodness determine greatness. The greatest
reform, with almost unutterable truths to translate,
must wait to be transfused into the practical and
15 to be understood in the "new tongue." Age, with
experience-acquired patience and unselfed love, waits
on God. Human merit or demerit will find its proper
18

level. Divinity alone solves the problem of human-
ity, and that in God's own time. "By their fruits ye
shall know them."

REMINISCENCES

In 1862, when I first visited Dr. Quimby of Portland,
Me., his scribblings were descriptions of his patients, and

24 these comprised the manuscripts which in 1887 I adver-
tised that I would pay for having published. Before his
decease, in January, 1866, Dr. Quimby had tried to get
27

them published and had failed.

Quotations have been published, purporting to be Dr.
Quimby's own words, which were written while I was his

30

patient in Portland and holding long conversations with
him on my views of mental therapeutics. Some words in

Page 307

1 these quotations certainly read like words that I said to
him, and which I, at his request, had added to his
3 copy when I corrected it. In his conversations with
me and in his scribblings, the word science was not
used at all, till one day I declared to him that back
6 of his magnetic treatment and manipulation of patients,
there was a science, and it was the science of mind,
which had nothing to do with matter, electricity, or
9

physics.

After this I noticed he used that word, as well as other
terms which I employed that seemed at first new to him.

12 He even acknowledged this himself, and startled me by
saying what I cannot forget - it was this: "I see now
what you mean, and I see that I am John, and that you
15

are Jesus."

At that date I was a staunch orthodox, and my theologi-
cal belief was offended by his saying and I entered a de-

18 murrer which rebuked him. But afterwards I concluded
that he only referred to the coming anew of Truth, which
we both desired; for in some respects he was quite a seer
21 and understood what I said better than some others did.
For one so unlearned, he was a remarkable man. Had
his remark related to my personality, I should still think
24

that it was profane.

At first my case improved wonderfully under his
treatment, but it relapsed. I was gradually emerging

27 from materia medica, dogma, and creeds, and drifting
whither I knew not. This mental struggle might have
caused my illness. The fallacy of materia medica, its
30

lack of science, and the want of divinity in scholas-
tic theology, had already dawned on me. My ideal-
ism, however, limped, for then it lacked Science. But

Page 308

1 the divine Love will accomplish what all the powers
of earth combined can never prevent being accom-
3

plished - the advent of divine healing and its divine
Science.

REPLY TO McCLURE'S MAGAZINE

6 It is calumny on Christian Science to say that man is
aroused to thought or action only by ease, pleasure, or
recompense. Something higher, nobler, more imperative
9

impels the impulse of Soul.

It becomes my duty to be just to the departed and to
tread not ruthlessly on their ashes. The attack on me

12 and my late father and his family in McClure's Magazine,
January, 1907, compels me as a dutiful child and the
Leader of Christian Science to speak.
15 McClure's Magazine refers to my father's "tall, gaunt
frame" and pictures "the old man tramping doggedly
along the highway, regularly beating the ground with a
18 huge walking-stick." My father's person was erect and
robust. He never used a walking-stick. To illustrate:
One time when my father was visiting Governor Pierce,
21 President Franklin Pierce's father, the Governor handed
him a gold-headed walking-stick as they were about to
start for church. My father thanked the Governor,
24

but declined to accept the stick, saying, "I never use
a cane."

Although McClure's Magazine attributes to my father

27 language unseemly, his household law, constantly en-
forced, was no profanity and no slang phrases. McClure's
Magazine
also declares that the Bible was the only book
30

in his house. On the contrary, my father was a great
reader. The man whom McClure's Magazine characterizes

Page 309

1 as "ignorant, dominating, passionate, fearless," was
uniformly dignified - a well-informed, intellectual man,
3 cultivated in mind and manners. He was called upon
to do much business for his town, making out deeds,
settling quarrels, and even acting as counsel in a lawsuit
6 involving a question of pauperism between the towns of
Loudon and Bow, N. H. Franklin Pierce, afterwards
President of the United States, was the counsel for
9 Loudon and Mark Baker for Bow. Both entered their
pleas, and my father won the suit. After it was decided,
Mr. Pierce bowed to my father and congratulated him.
12 For several years father was chaplain of the New
Hampshire State Militia, and as I recollect it, he was
justice of the peace at one time. My father was a
15

strong believer in States' rights, but slavery he regarded
as a great sin.

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

18 inherited his father's real estate, an extensive farm situ-
ated in Bow and Concord, N. H. It is on record that
Mark Baker's father paid the largest tax in the colony.
21 McClure's Magazine says, describing the Baker home-
stead at Bow: "The house itself was a small, square box
building of rudimentary architecture." My father's
24

house had a sloping roof, after the prevailing style of
architecture at that date.

McClure's Magazine states: "Alone of the Bakers, he

27 [Albert] received a liberal education. . . . Mary Baker
passed her first fifteen years at the ancestral home at Bow.
It was a lonely and unstimulating existence. The church
30

supplied the only social diversions, the district school
practically all the intellectual life."

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

Page 310

1 unstimulating existence." All my father's daughters were
given an academic education, sufficiently advanced so that
3 they all taught school acceptably at various times and
places. My brother Albert was a distinguished lawyer.
In addition to my academic training, I was privately
6 tutored by him. He was a member of the New Hamp-
shire Legislature, and was nominated for Congress, but
died before the election. McClure's Magazine calls my
9 youngest brother, George Sullivan Baker, "a workman in
a Tilton woolen mill." As a matter of fact, he was joint
partner with Alexander Tilton, and together they owned a
12 large manufacturing establishment in Tilton, N. H. His
military title of Colonel came from appointment on the
staff of the Governor of New Hampshire. My oldest
15

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

Regarding the allegation by McClure's Magazine that all

18 the family, "excepting Albert, died of cancer," I will
say that there was never a death in my father's family
reported by physician or post-mortem examination as
21

caused by cancer.

McClure's Magazine says that "the quarrels between
Mary, a child ten years old, and her father, a gray-haired

24 man of fifty, frequently set the house in an uproar,"
and adds that these "fits" were diagnosed by Dr. Ladd
as "hysteria mingled with bad temper." My mother
27 often presented my disposition as exemplary for her other
children to imitate, saying, "When do you ever see
Mary angry?" When the first edition of Science and
30

Health was published, Dr. Ladd said to Alexander Tilton:
"Read it, for it will do you good. It does not surprise
me, it so resembles the author."

Page 311

1 I will relate the following incident, which occurred later
in life, as illustrative of my disposition: -
3 While I was living with Dr. Patterson at his country
home in North Groton, N. H., a girl, totally blind, knocked
at the door and was admitted. She begged to be allowed
6 to remain with me, and my tenderness and sympathy were
such that I could not refuse her. Shortly after, however,
my good housekeeper said to me: "If this blind girl stays
9 with you, I shall have to leave; she troubles me so much."
It was not in my heart to turn the blind girl out, and so
I lost my housekeeper.
12 My reply to the statement that the clerk's book shows
that I joined the Tilton Congregational Church at the age
of seventeen is that my religious experience seemed to
15 culminate at twelve years of age. Hence a mistake may
have occurred as to the exact date of my first church
membership.
18

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

Fanny McNeil, President Pierce's niece, afterwards

21 Mrs. Judge Potter, presented me my coat-of-arms, say-
ing that it was taken in connection with her own family
coat-of-arms. I never doubted the veracity of her gift.
24 I have another coat-of-arms, which is of my mother's
ancestry. When I was last in Washington, D. C., Mrs.
Judge Potter and myself knelt in silent prayer on the
27

mound of her late father, General John McNeil, the
hero of Lundy Lane.

Notwithstanding that McClure's Magazine says, "Mary

30

Baker completed her education when she finished Smith's
grammar and reached long division in arithmetic," I was
called by the Rev. R. S. Rust, D.D., Principal of the

Page 312

1 Methodist Conference Seminary at Sanbornton Bridge, to
supply the place of his leading teacher during her tempo-
3

rary absence.

Regarding my first marriage and the tragic death of my
husband, McClure's Magazine says: "He [George Wash-

6 ington Glover] took his bride to Wilmington, South Caro-
lina, and in June, 1844, six months after his marriage, he
died of yellow fever. He left his young wife in a miser-
9 able plight. She was far from home and entirely without
money or friends. Glover, however, was a Free Mason,
and thus received a decent burial. The Masons also paid
12 Mrs. Glover's fare to New York City, where she was
met and taken to her father's home by her brother George.
. . . Her position was an embarrassing one. She was a
15 grown woman, with a child, but entirely without means
of support. . . . Mrs. Glover made only one effort at
self-support. For a brief season she taught school."
18 My first husband, Major George W. Glover, resided in
Charleston, S. C. While on a business trip to Wilming-
ton, N. C., he was suddenly seized with yellow fever and
21 died in about nine days. I was with him on this trip.
He took with him the usual amount of money he would
need on such an excursion. At his decease I was sur-
24 rounded by friends, and their provisions in my behalf were
most tender. The Governor of the State and his staff,
with a long procession, followed the remains of my be-
27 loved one to the cemetery. The Free Masons selected
my escort, who took me to my father's home in Tilton,
N. H. My salary for writing gave me ample support.
30

I did open an infant school, but it was for the purpose of
starting that educational system in New Hampshire.

The rhyme attributed to me by McClure's Magazine is

Page 313

1 not mine, but is, I understand, a paraphrase of a silly
song of years ago. Correctly quoted, it is as follows, so
3

I have been told: -

Go to Jane Glover,

Tell her I love her

6

By the light of the moon
I will go to her.

The various stories told by McClure's Magazine about

9 my father spreading the road in front of his house with
tan-bark and straw, and about persons being hired to rock
me, I am ignorant of. Nor do I remember any such stuff
12 as Dr. Patterson driving into Franklin, N. H., with a
couch or cradle for me in his wagon. I only know that
my father and mother did everything they could think of
15

to help me when I was ill.

I was never "given to long and lonely wanderings,
especially at night," as stated by McClure's Magazine. I

18 was always accompanied by some responsible individual
when I took an evening walk, but I seldom took one. I
have always consistently declared that I was not a medium
21 for spirits. I never was especially interested in the
Shakers, never "dabbled in mesmerism," never was "an
amateur clairvoyant," nor did "the superstitious coun-
24 try folk frequently" seek my advice. I never went
into a trance to describe scenes far away, as McClure's
Magazine
says.
27 My oldest sister dearly loved me, but I wounded her
pride when I adopted Christian Science, and to a Baker
that was a sorry offence. I was obliged to be parted
30

from my son, because after my father's second marriage
my little boy was not welcome in my father's house.

Page 314

1 McClure's Magazine calls Dr. Daniel Patterson, my
second husband, "an itinerant dentist." It says that
3 after my marriage we "lived for a short time at Tilton,
then moved to Franklin . . . . During the following nine
years the Pattersons led a roving existence. The doctor
6 practised in several towns, from Tilton to North Groton
and then to Rumney." When I was married to him, Dr.
Daniel Patterson was located in Franklin, N. H. He had
9 the degree D.D.S., was a popular man, and considered a
rarely skilful dentist. He bought a place in North Groton,
which he fancied, for a summer home. At that time he
12

owned a house in Franklin, N. H.

Although, as McClure's Magazine claims, the court
record may state that my divorce from Dr. Patterson was

15 granted on the ground of desertion, the cause neverthe-
less was adultery. Individuals are here to-day who were
present in court when the decision was given by the judge
18 and who know the following facts: After the evidence
had been submitted that a husband was about to have Dr.
Patterson arrested for eloping with his wife, the court
21 instructed the clerk to record the divorce in my favor.
What prevented Dr. Patterson's arrest was a letter from
me to this self-same husband, imploring him not to do it.
24 When this husband recovered his wife, he kept her a
prisoner in her home, and I was also the means of recon-
ciling the couple. A Christian Scientist has told me that
27 with tears of gratitude the wife of this husband related
these facts to her just as I have stated them. I lived
with Dr. Patterson peaceably, and he was kind to me up
30

to the time of the divorce.

The following affidavit by R. D. Rounsevel of Littleton,
N. H., proprietor of the White Mountain House, Fabyans,

Page 315

1 N. H., the original of which is in my possession, is of
interest in this connection: -
3 About the year 1874, Dr. Patterson, a dentist, boarded
with me in Littleton, New Hampshire. During his stay,
at different times, I had conversation with him about his
6 wife, from whom he was separated. He spoke of her being
a pure and Christian woman, and the cause of the separa-
tion being wholly on his part; that if he had done as he
9

ought, he might have had as pleasant and happy home as
one could wish for.

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

12 Later on I learned that Mary Baker G. Eddy, the Dis-
coverer and Founder of Christian Science, was the above-
mentioned woman.
15 (Signed) R. D. ROUNSEVEL

Grafton S. S. Jan'y, 1902. Then personally appeared
R. D. Rounsevel and made oath that the within statement
18

by him signed is true.

Before me, (Signed) H. M. MORSE,
Justice of the Peace

21 Who or what is the McClure "history," so called, pre-
senting? Is it myself, the veritable Mrs. Eddy, whom
the New York World declared dying of cancer, or is it

24 her alleged double or dummy heretofore described?

If indeed it be I, allow me to thank the enterprising
historians for the testimony they have thereby given of the

27 divine power of Christian Science, which they admit has
snatched me from the cradle and the grave, and made
me the beloved Leader of millions of the good men and

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

Page 316

1 because the truth I have promulgated has separated the
tares from the wheat, uniting in one body those who love
3 Truth; because Truth divides between sect and Science
and renews the heavenward impulse; because I still hear
the harvest song of the Redeemer awakening the nations,
6

causing man to love his enemies; because "blessed are ye,
when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

[Christian Science Sentinel, January 19, 1907]

A CARD

The article in the January number of The Arena maga-

12 zine, entitled "The Recent Reckless and Irresponsible
Attacks on Christian Science and its Founder, with a
Survey of the Christian Science Movement," by the
15 scholarly editor, Mr. B.O. Flower, is a grand defence of
our Cause and its Leader. Such a dignified, eloquent
appeal to the press in behalf of common justice and truth
18 demands public attention. It defends human rights and
the freedom of Christian sentiments, and tends to turn
back the foaming torrents of ignorance, envy, and malice.
21 I am pleased to find this "twentieth-century review of
opinion" once more under Mr. Flower's able guardianship
and manifesting its unbiased judgment by such sound
24

appreciation of the rights of Christian Scientists and of
all that is right.
MARY BAKER EDDY

Page 317

CHAPTER XVIII - AUTHORSHIP OF SCIENCE AND HEALTH

1 THE following statement, which was published in
the Sentinel of December 1, 1906, exactly defin-
3 ing her relations with the Rev. James Henry Wiggin of
Boston, was made by Mrs. Eddy in refutation of allega-
tions in the public press to the effect that Mr. Wiggin
6

had a share in the authorship of "Science and Health
with Key to the Scriptures."

MRS. EDDY'S STATEMENT

9 It is a great mistake to say that I employed the Rev.
James Henry Wiggin to correct my diction. It was for
no such purpose. I engaged Mr. Wiggin so as to avail
12 myself of his criticisms of my statement of Christian
Science, which criticisms would enable me to explain
more clearly the points that might seem ambiguous to
15

the reader.

Mr. Calvin A. Frye copied my writings, and he will tell
you that Mr. Wiggin left my diction quite out of the

18 question, sometimes saying, "I wouldn't express it that
way." He often dissented from what I had written,
but I quieted him by quoting corroborative texts of
21

Scripture.

My diction, as used in explaining Christian Science, has
been called original. The liberty that I have taken with

Page 318

1 capitalization, in order to express the "new tongue," has
well-nigh constituted a new style of language. In almost
3

every case where Mr. Wiggin added words, I have erased
them in my revisions.

Mr. Wiggin was not my proofreader for my book

6 "Miscellaneous Writings," and for only two of my books.
I especially employed him on "Science and Health with
Key to the Scriptures," because at that date some critics
9 declared that my book was as ungrammatical as it was
misleading. I availed myself of the name of the former
proofreader for the University Press, Cambridge, to
12 defend my grammatical construction, and confidently
awaited the years to declare the moral and spiritual
effect upon the age of "Science and Health with Key
15

to the Scriptures."

I invited Mr. Wiggin to visit one of my classes in the
Massachusetts Metaphysical College, and he consented

18 on condition that I should not ask him any questions.
I agreed not to question him just so long as he refrained
from questioning me. He held himself well in check
21 until I began my attack on agnosticism. As I pro-
ceeded, Mr. Wiggin manifested more and more agita-
tion, until he could control himself no longer and,
24

addressing me, burst out with:

"How do you know that there ever was such a man as
Christ Jesus?"

27 He would have continued with a long argument,
framed from his ample fund of historical knowledge,
but I stopped him.
30

"Now, Mr. Wiggin," I said, "you have broken our
agreement. I do not find my authority for Christian
Science in history, but in revelation. If there had never

Page 319

1 existed such a person as the Galilean Prophet, it would
make no difference to me. I should still know that
3

God's spiritual ideal is the only real man in His image
and likeness."

My saying touched him, and I heard nothing further

6

from him in the class, though afterwards he wrote a
kind little pamphlet, signed "Phare Pleigh."

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

9

for his high-principled character and well-equipped
scholarship.

LETTERS FROM STUDENTS

12 The following letters from students of Mrs. Eddy
confirm her statement regarding the work which the
Rev. Mr. Wiggin did for her, and also indicate what he
15

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

My Dear Teacher: - I am conversant with some facts
which perhaps have not come under the observation of

18 many of your students, and considering the questions
which have recently appeared, it may interest you to be
advised that I have this information. On the tenth day of
21 January, 1887, I entered your Primary class at Boston.
A few days later, in conversation with you about the
preparation of a theme, you suggested that I call on the
24 late J. Henry Wiggin to assist me in analyzing and arrang-
ing the topics, which I did about the twentieth of the
above-named month. These dates are very well fixed in
27 my memory, as I considered the time an important one
in my experience, and do so still. I also recall very
plainly the conversation with you in general as regards
30

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

Page 320

1 work for you and that he was a fine literary student and
a good proofreader.
3 Upon calling on Mr. Wiggin, I presented my matter for
a theme to him, and he readily consented to assist me,
which he did. He also seemed very much pleased to
6 converse about you and your work, and I found that his
statement of what he had done for you exactly agreed
with what you had told me. He also expressed himself
9 freely as to his high regard for you as a Christian lady,
as an author, and as a student of ability. Mr. Wiggin
spoke of "Science and Health with Key to the Scrip-
12 tures" as being a very unique book, and seemed quite
proud of his having had something to do with some
editions. He always spoke of you as the author of this
15 book and the author of all your works. Mr. Wiggin
did not claim to be a Christian Scientist, but was in
a measure in sympathy with the movement, although
18

he did not endorse all the statements in your textbook;
but his tendency was friendly.

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

21 Primary class at the time above referred to, and several
times subsequent thereto, and he always referred to you as
the author of your works and spoke of your ability without
24 any hesitation or restriction. Our conversations were at
times somewhat long and went into matters of detail
regarding your work, and I am of the opinion that he
27

was proud of his acquaintance with you.

I saw Mr. Wiggin several times after the class closed,
and the last conversation I had with him was at the

30

time of the dedication of the first Mother Church edifice
in 1895. I met him in the vestibule of the church
and he spoke in a very animated manner of your

Page 321

1 grand demonstration in building this church for your
followers. He seemed very proud to think that he had
3 been in a way connected with your work, but he always
referred to you as the one who had accomplished this
great work.
6 My recollections of Mr. Wiggin place him as one
of your devoted and faithful friends, one who knew
who and what you are, also your position as regards
9 your published works; and he always gave you that
position without any restriction. I believe that Mr.
Wiggin was an honest man and that he told the same
12 story to every one with whom he had occasion to talk,
so I cannot believe that he has ever said anything
whatever of you and your relations to your published
15 works differing from what he talked so freely in my
presence.

There is nothing in the circumstances which have
18 arisen recently, and the manner in which the statements
have been made, to change my opinion one iota in this
respect.
21 It will soon be twenty years since I first saw you and
entered your class. During that time, from my connec-
tion with the church, the Publishing Society, and my
24 many conversations with you, my personal knowledge of
the authorship of your works is conclusive to me in every
detail, and I am very glad that I was among your early
27 students and have had this experience and know of my
own personal knowledge what has transpired during the
past twenty years.
30

I am also pleased to have had conversations with
people who knew you years before I did, and who have
told me of their knowledge of your work.

Page 322

1 It is not long since I met a lady who lived in Lynn,
and she told me she knew you when you were writing
3 Science and Health, and that she had seen the manu-
script. These are facts which cannot be controverted
and they must stand.
6

Your affectionate student,
EDWARD P. BATES

BOSTON, MASS., November 21, 1906

9 My Beloved Teacher: - I have just read your state-
ment correcting mistakes widely published about the
Rev. James H. Wiggin's work for and attitude towards
12 you; also Mr. Edward P. Bates' letter to you on the
same subject; which reminds me of a conversation I
had with Mr. Wiggin on Thanksgiving Day twenty
15

years ago, when a friend and I were the guests invited
to dine with the Wiggin family.

I had seen you the day before at the Metaphysical

18 College and received your permission to enter the next
Primary class (Jan. 10, 1887). During the evening my
friend spoke of my journeying from the far South, and
21 waiting months in Boston on the bare hope of a few
days' instruction by Mrs. Eddy in Christian Science.
She and Mrs. Wiggin seemed inclined to banter me on