Pulpit and Press (6th Edition) - Mary Baker Eddy
"That healing gift He lends to them
Who use it in His name;
The power that filled his garment's hem
Is evermore the same."
Again, in a poem entitled "The Master," he wrote:
"The healing of his seamless dress
Is by our beds of pain;
We touch Him in life's throng and press,
And we are whole again."
[Footnote: About 1868, the author of SCIENCE AND HEALTH healed
Mr. Whittier with one visit, at his home in Amesbury, of incipient
pulmonary consumption.--M.B. EDDY.]
That Jesus operated in perfect harmony with natural law, not in
defiance, suppression, or violation of it, we cannot doubt. The
perfectly natural is the perfectly spiritual. Jesus enunciated and
exemplified the principle; and, obviously, the conditions requisite in
psychic healing to-day are the same as were necessary in apostolic
times. We accept the statement of Hudson: "There was no law of nature
violated or transcended. On the contrary, the whole transaction was in
perfect obedience to the laws of nature. He understood the law
perfectly, as no one before him understood it; and in the plentitude of
his power he applied it where the greatest good could be accomplished."
A careful reading of the accounts of his healings, in the light of
modern science, shows that he observed, in his practice of mental
therapeutics, the conditions of environment and harmonious influence
that are essential to success. In the case of Jairus' daughter they are
fully set forth. He kept the unbelievers away, "put them all out," and
permitting only the father and mother, with his closest friends and
followers, Peter, James, and John, in the chamber with him, and having
thus the most perfect obtainable environment, he raised the daughter to
life.
"Not in blind caprice of will,
Not in cunning sleight of skill,
Not for show of power, was wrought
Nature's marvel in Thy thought."
In a previous article we have referred to cyclic changes that came
during the last quarter of preceding centuries. Of our remarkable
nineteenth century not the least eventful circumstance is the advent of
Christian Science. That it should be the work of a woman is the natural
outcome of a period notable for her emancipation from many of the
thraldoms, prejudices, and oppressions of the past. We do not,
therefore, regard it as a mere coincidence that the first edition of
Mrs. Eddy's "SCIENCE AND HEALTH" should have been published in 1875.
Since then she has revised it many times, and the ninety-first edition
is announced. Her discovery was first called "the science of divine
metaphysical healing." Afterward she selected the name Christian
Science. It is based upon what is held to be scientific certainty,
namely,--that all causation is of Mind, every effect has its origin in
desire and thought. The theology--if we may use the word--of Christian
Science is contained in the volume entitled "SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY
TO THE SCRIPTURES."
The present Boston congregation was organized April 19, 1879, and has
now over 4,000 members. It is regarded as the parent organization, all
others being branches, though each is entirely independent in the
management of its own affairs. Truth is the sole recognized authority.
Of actual members of different congregations there are between 100,000
and 200,000. One or more organized societies have sprung up in New York,
Chicago, Buffalo, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Detroit, Toledo,
Milwaukee, Madison, Scranton, Peoria, Atlanta, Toronto, and nearly every
other centre of population, besides a large and growing number of
receivers of the faith among the members of all the churches and
non-church-going people. In some churches a majority of the members are
Christian Scientists, and, as a rule, are the most intelligent.
Space does not admit of an elaborate presentation on the occasion of the
erection of the temple, in Boston, the dedication taking place on the
6th of January, of one of the most remarkable, helpful, and powerful
movements of the last quarter of the century. Christian Science has
brought hope and comfort to many weary souls. It makes people better and
happier. Welding Christianity and Science, hitherto divorced because
dogma and truth could not unite, was a happy inspiration.
"And still we love the evil cause,
And of the just effect complain;
We tread upon life's broken laws,
And mourn our self-inflicted pain."
(_The Outlook_, New York, January 19, 1895.)
A CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH.
A great Christian Science Church was dedicated in Boston on Sunday, the
6th inst. It is located at Norway and Falmouth streets, and is intended
to be a testimonial to the discoverer and founder of Christian Science,
the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy. The building is fireproof, and cost over
$200,000. It is entirely paid for, and contributions for its erection
came from every state in the Union, and from many lands. The auditorium
is said to seat between fourteen and fifteen hundred, and was thronged
at the four services on the day of dedication. The sermon prepared by
Mrs. Eddy was read by Mrs. Bemis. It rehearsed the significance of the
building, and reenunciated the truths which will find emphasis there.
From the description we judge that it is one of the most beautiful
buildings in Boston, and, indeed, in all New England. Whatever may be
thought of the peculiar tenets of the Christian Scientists, and whatever
difference of opinion there may be concerning the organization of such a
church, there can be no question but that the adherents of this church
have proved their faith by their works.
(_American Art Journal_, New York, January 26, 1895.)
"OUR PRAYER IN STONE."
Such is the excellent name given to a new Boston church. Few people
outside its own circles, realize how extensive is the belief in
Christian Science. There are several sects of mental healers, but this
new edifice on Back Bay, just off Huntington avenue, not far from the
big Mechanics building and the proposed site of the new Music hall,
belongs to the followers of Rev. Mary Baker Glover Eddy, a lady born of
an old New Hampshire family, who, after many vicissitudes, found herself
in Lynn, Mass., healed by the power of Divine Mind, and thereupon
devoted herself to imparting this faith to her fellow beings. Coming to
Boston about 1880 she began teaching, gathered an association of
students, and organized a church. For several years past she has lived
in Concord, N.H., near her birthplace, owning a beautiful estate called
Pleasant View; but thousands of believers throughout this country have
joined the Mother Church in Boston and have now erected this edifice at
a cost of over two hundred thousand dollars, every bill being paid.
Its appearance is shown in the pictures we are permitted to publish. In
the belfry is a set of tubular chimes. Inside is a basement room,
capable of division into seven excellent class rooms, by the use of
movable partitions. The main auditorium has wide galleries, and will
seat over a thousand in its exceedingly comfortable pews. Scarcely any
woodwork is to be found. The floors are all mosaic, the steps marble,
and the walls stone. It is rather dark, often too much so for
comfortable reading, as all the windows are of colored glass, with
pictures symbolic of the tenets of the organization. In the ceiling is a
beautiful sunburst window. Adjoining the chancel is a pastor's study;
but for an indefinite time their prime instructor has ordained that the
only pastor shall be the Bible, with her book called "SCIENCE AND HEALTH
WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES." In the tower is a room devoted to her, and
called Mother's Room, furnished with all conveniences for living, should
she wish to make it a home by day or night. Therein is a portrait of her
in stained glass; and an electric light, behind an antique lamp, kept
perpetually burning in her honor; though she has not yet visited her
temple, which was dedicated on New Year's Sunday, in a somewhat novel
way.
There was no special sentence or prayer of consecration; but continuous
services were held from nine to four o'clock, every hour and a half, so
long as there were attendants; and some people heard these exercises
four times repeated. The printed program was for some reason not
followed, certain hymns and psalms being omitted. There was singing by a
choir and congregation. The _pater noster_ was repeated in the way
peculiar to Christian Scientists, the congregation repeating one
sentence and the leader responding with its parallel interpretation by
Mrs. Eddy. Antiphonal paragraphs were read from the book of Revelation
and her work respectively. The sermon, prepared by Mrs. Eddy, was well
adapted for its purpose, and read by a professional elocutionist, not an
adherent of the order, Mrs. Henrietta Clark Bemis, in a clear, emphatic
style. The solo singer, however, was a Scientist, Miss Elsie Lincoln;
and on the platform sat Joseph Armstrong, formerly of Kansas, and now
the business manager of the publication society, with the other members
of the Christian Science Board of Directors--Ira C. Knapp, Edward P.
Bates, Stephen A. Chase,--gentlemen officially connected with the
movement. The children of believing families collected the money for the
Mother Room, and seats were especially set apart for them at the second
dedicatory service. Before one service was over and the auditors left by
the rear doors, the front vestibule and street (despite the snowstorm)
were crowded with others, waiting admission.
On the next Sunday the new order of service went into operation. There
was no address of any sort, no notices, no explanation of Bible or their
text-book. Judge Hanna, who was a Colorado lawyer before coming into
this work, presided, reading in clear, manly, and intelligent tones, the
quarterly Bible lesson, which happened that day to be on Jesus' miracle
of loaves and fishes. Each paragraph he supplemented first with
illustrative Scripture parallels, as set down for him, and then by
passages selected for him from Mrs. Eddy's book. The place was again
crowded, many having remained over a week from among the thousands of
adherents who had come to Boston for this auspicious occasion from all
parts of the country. The organ, made by Farrand & Votey in Detroit, at
a cost of eleven thousand dollars, is the gift of a wealthy Universalist
gentleman, but was not ready for the opening. It is to fill the recess
behind the spacious platform, and is described as containing pneumatic
windchests throughout, and having an aeolian attachment. It is of
three-manual compass, C.C.C. to C.4, 61 notes; and pedal compass, C.C.C.
to F.30. The great organ has double open diapason (stopped bass),
open diapason, dulciana, viola di gambi, doppel flute, hohl flute,
octave, octave quint, superoctave, and trumpet,--65 pipes each. The
swell organ has bourdon, open diapason, salicional, aeoline, stopped
diapason, gemshorn, flute harmonique, flageolet, cornet--3 ranks,
183,--cornopean, oboe, vox humana--61 pipes each. The choir organ,
enclosed in separate swell-box, has geigen principal, dolce, concert
flute, quintadena, fugara, flute d'amour, piccolo harmonique,
clarinet,--61 pipes each. The pedal organ has open diapson, bourden,
lieblich gedeckt (from stop 10), violoncello-wood,--30 pipes each.
Couplers: swell to great; choir to great; swell to choir; swell to great
octaves, swell to great sub-octaves; choir to great sub-octaves; swell
octaves; swell to pedal; great to pedal; choir to pedal. Mechanical
accessories: swell tremulant, choir tremulant, bellows signal; wind
indicator. Pedal movements: three affecting great and pedal stops, three
affecting swell and pedal stops; great to pedal reversing pedal;
crescendo and full organ pedal; balanced great and choir pedal; balanced
swell pedal.
Beautiful suggestions greet you in every part of this unique church,
which is practical as well as poetic, and justifies the name given by
Mrs. Eddy, which stands at the head of this sketch. J.H.W.
(_Boston Journal_, January 7, 1895.)
CHIMES RANG SWEETLY.
Much admiration was expressed by all those fortunate enough to listen to
the first peal of the chimes in the tower of The First Church of Christ,
Scientist, corner of Falmouth and Norway streets, dedicated yesterday.
The sweet, musical tones attracted quite a throng of people, who
listened with delight.
The chimes were made by the United States Tubular Bell Company, of
Methuen, Mass., and are something of a novelty in this country, though
for some time well and favorably known in the Old Country, especially in
England.
They are a substitution of tubes of drawn brass for the heavy cast bells
of old-fashioned chimes. They have the advantage of great economy of
space, as well as of cost, a chime of fifteen bells not occupying a
space of more than five by eight feet.
Where the old-fashioned chimes required a strong man to ring them, these
can be rung from an electric key board, and even when rung by hand
require but little muscular power to manipulate them, and call forth all
the purity and sweetness of their tones. The quality of tone is
something superb, being rich and mellow. The tubes are carefully tuned,
so that the harmony is perfect. They have all the beauties of a great
Cathedral chime, with infinitely less expense.
There is practically no limit to the uses to which these bells may be
put. They can be called into requisition in theatres, concert halls, and
public buildings, as they range in all sizes, from those described down
to little sets of silver bells that might be placed on a small centre
table.
(_The Republic_, Washington, D.C., February 2, 1895.)
EXTRACT.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.
Mary Baker Eddy the "Mother" of the Idea.--She Has an Immense Following
Throughout the United States, and a Church Costing $250,000 Was Recently
Built in Her Honor at Boston.
"My faith has the strength to nourish trees as well as souls," was the
remark Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, the "mother" of Christian Science, made
recently as she pointed to a number of large elms that shade her
delightful country home, in Concord, N.H. "I had them brought here in
warm weather almost as big as they are now, and not one died." This is a
remarkable statement, but it is made by a remarkable woman, who has
originated a new phase of religious belief, and who numbers over 100,000
intelligent people among her devoted followers.
The great hold she has upon this army was demonstrated in a very
tangible and material manner recently when "The First Church of Christ,
Scientist," erected at a cost of $250,000, was dedicated in Boston. This
handsome edifice was paid for before it was begun, by the voluntary
contributions of Christian Scientists all over the country, and a tablet
imbedded in its wall declares that it was built as "a testimonial to our
beloved teacher, Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, discoverer and founder of
Christian Science, author of its textbook, 'SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY
TO THE SCRIPTURES,' president of the Massachusetts Metaphysical college
and the first pastor of this denomination."
There is usually considerable difficulty in securing sufficient funds
for the building of a new church, but such was not the experience of
Rev. Mary Baker Eddy. Money came freely from all parts of the United
States. Men, women, and children contributed, some giving a pittance,
others donating large sums. When the necessary amount was raised the
custodian of the funds was compelled to refuse further contributions in
order to stop the continued inflow of money from enthusiastic Christian
Scientists.
Mrs. Eddy says she discovered Christian Science in 1866. She studied the
Scriptures and the sciences, she declares, in a search for the great
curative principle. She investigated allopathy, homeopathy, and
electricity, without finding a clew; and modern philosophy gave her no
distinct statement of the science of mind healing. After careful study
she became convinced that the curative principle was the Deity.
(_New York Tribune_, February 7, 1895.)
EXTRACT.
Boston has just dedicated the first church of the Christian Scientists
in commemoration of the founder of that sect, the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy,
drawing together 6,000 people to participate in the ceremonies, showing
that belief in that curious creed is not confined to its original
apostles and promulgators, but that it has penetrated what is called the
New England mind to an unlooked-for extent, in inviting the Eastern
churches and the Anglican fold to unity with Rome, the Holy Father
should not overlook the Boston sect of Christian Scientists, which is
rather small and new, to be sure, but is undoubtedly an interesting
faith and may have a future before it, whatever attitude Rome may assume
toward it.
(_Journal_, Kansas City, Mo., January 10, 1895.)
EXTRACT.
GROWTH OF A FAITH.
Attention is directed to the progress which has been made by what is
called Christian Science by the dedication at Boston of "The First
Church of Christ, Scientist." It is a most beautiful structure of gray
granite, and its builders call it their "prayer in stone," which
suggests to recollection the story of the cathedral of Amiens, whose
architectural construction and arrangement of statuary and paintings
made it to be called the Bible of that city. The Frankish church was
reared upon the spot where, in pagan times, one bitter winter day, a
Roman soldier parted his mantle with his sword and gave half of the
garment to a naked beggar; and so was memorialized in art and stone what
was called the divine spirit of giving, whose unbelieving exemplar
afterward became a saint. The Boston church similarly expresses the
faith of those who believe in what they term the divine art of healing,
which, to their minds, exists as much to-day as it did when Christ
healed the sick.
The first church organization of this faith was founded fifteen years
ago with a membership of only twenty-six, and since then the number of
believers has grown with remarkable rapidity, until now, there are
societies in every part of the country. This growth, it is said,
proceeds more from the graveyards than from conversions from other
churches, for most of those who embrace the faith claim to have been
rescued from death miraculously under the injunction to "heal the sick,
raise the dead, cleanse the leper, and cast out demons." They hold with
strict fidelity to what they conceive to be the literal teachings of the
Bible as expressed in its poetical and highly figurative language.
Altogether the belief and service are well suited to satisfy a taste for
the mystical which, along many lines, has shown an uncommon development
in this country during the last decade, and which is largely Oriental in
its choice. Such a rapid departure from long respected views as is
marked by the dedication of this church, and others of kindred meaning,
may reasonably excite wonder as to how radical is to be this
encroachment upon prevailing faiths, and whether some of the
pre-Christian ideas of the Asiatics are eventually to supplant those in
company with which our civilization has developed.
(_Montreal Daily Herald_ Saturday, February 2, 1895.)
EXTRACT.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.
Sketch of Its Origin and Growth--The Montreal Branch.
"If you would found a new faith, go to Boston," has been said by a great
American writer. This is no idle word, but a fact borne out by
circumstances. Boston can fairly claim to be the hub of the logical
universe, and an accurate census of the religious faiths which are to be
found there to-day, would probably show a greater number of them than
even Max O'Rells famous enumeration of John Bull's creeds.
Christian Science, or the principle of divine healing, is one of those
movements which seek to give expression to a higher spirituality.
Founded twenty-five years ago, it was still practically unknown a decade
since, but to-day it numbers over a quarter of a million of believers,
the majority of whom are in the United States, and is rapidly growing.
In Canada, also, there is a large number of members. Toronto and
Montreal have strong churches, comparatively, while in many towns and
villages single believers or little knots of them are to be found.
It was exactly 100 years from the date of the Declaration of
Independence, when on July 4, 1876, the first Christian Scientist
Association was organized by seven persons, of whom the foremost was
Mrs. Eddy. The church was founded in April. 1879, with twenty-six
members, and a charter was obtained two months later. Mrs. Eddy assumed
the pastorship of the church during its early years, and in 1881 was
ordained, being now known as the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy.
The Massachusetts Metaphysical College was founded by Mrs. Eddy in 1881,
and here she taught the principles of the faith for nine years. Students
came to it in hundreds from all parts of the world, and many are now
pastors or in practice. The college was closed in 1889, as Mrs. Eddy
felt it necessary for the interests of her religious work to retire from
active contact with the world. She now lives in a beautiful country
residence in her native state.
(_The American_, Baltimore, Md., January 14, 1895.)
EXTRACT.
MRS. EDDY'S DISCIPLES.
It is not generally known that a Christian Science congregation was
organized in this city about a year ago. It now holds regular services
in the parlor of the residence of the pastor, at 1414 Linden avenue. The
dedication in Boston last Sunday of the Christian Science Church, called
the Mother Church, which cost over $200,000, adds interest to the
Baltimore organization. There are many other church edifices in the
United States owned by Christian Scientists. Christian Science was
founded by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy. The Baltimore congregation was
organized at a meeting held at the present location on February 27,
1894.
Dr. Hammond, the pastor, came to Baltimore about three years ago to
organize this movement. Miss Cross came from Syracuse, N.Y., about
eighteen months ago. Both were under the instruction of Mrs. Mary Baker
Eddy, the founder of the movement.
Dr. Hammond says he was converted to Christian Science by being cured by
Mrs. Eddy of a physical ailment some twelve years ago, after several
doctors had pronounced his case incurable. He says they use no
medicines, but rely on Mind for cure, believing that disease comes from
evil and sick-producing thoughts, and that, if they can so fill the mind
with good thoughts as to leave no room there for the bad, they can work
a cure. He distinguishes Christian Science from the faith cure and
added: "This Christian Science really is a return to the ideas of
primitive Christianity. It would take a small book to explain fully all
about it, but I may say that the fundamental idea is that God is Mind,
and we interpret the Scriptures wholly from the spiritual or
metaphysical standpoint. We find in this view of the Bible the power
fully developed to heal the sick. It is not faith cure, but it is an
acknowledgment of certain Christian and scientific laws, and to work a
cure the practitioner must understand these laws aright. The patient may
gain a better understanding than the church has had in the past. All
churches have prayed for the cure of disease, but they have not done so
in an intelligent manner, understanding and demonstrating the
Christ-healing."
(_The Reporter_, Lebanon, Ind., January 18, 1895.)
EXTRACT.
DISCOVERED CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.
Remarkable Career of Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, Who Has Over 100,000
Followers.
Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, discoverer and founder of Christian Science,
author of its textbook, "SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES,"
president of the Massachusetts Metaphysical college, and first pastor of
the Christian Science denomination, is without doubt one of the most
remarkable women in America. She has within a few years founded a sect
that has over 100,000 converts, and very recently saw completed in
Boston as a testimonial to her labors, a handsome fire proof church that
cost $250,000, and was paid for by Christian Scientists all over the
country.
Mrs. Eddy asserts that in 1866 she became certain that "all causation
was mind and every effect a mental phenomenon." Taking her text from the
Bible, she endeavored in vain to find the great curative principle--the
Deity--in philosophy and schools of medicine, and she concluded that the
way of salvation demonstrated by Jesus was the power of truth over all
error, sin, sickness, and death. Thus originated the divine or spiritual
science of mind healing, which she termed Christian Science. She has a
palatial home in Boston and a country seat in Concord, N.H. The
Christian Science church has a membership of 4,000, and 800 of the
members are Bostonians.
(_N.Y. Commercial Advertiser_, January 9, 1895.)
The idea that Christian Science has declined in popularity is not borne
out by the voluntary contribution of a quarter of a million dollars for
a memorial church for Mrs. Eddy, the inventor of this cure. The money
comes from Christian Science believers exclusively.