A Reminiscence A. P. W.          It was in the summer of 1878, if I remember aright, that I saw Mrs. Mary B. G. Eddy for the first time. Christian Science was comparatively new, and it was very difficult for her to obtain a place to preach in, large enough to accommodate an ordinary audience. It was announced at length that Mrs. Eddy would speak in one of the churches of Boston; and I was, among others, a delighted listener to her (to me) new theory. Many, I am sure, went out of curiosity, to see the lady about whom there had begun to be quite a stir in some circles; but I am sure that nearly all went away, after listening to her, with the conviction that she was at least sincere.          Mrs. Eddy was then introducing to the public her strange theory of curing disease through Mind, without medicine, or other material appliance.          I well recollect her rapt and devout countenance, — as she announced her text, after lifting her eyes to Heaven for guidance, — as well as her clear and sweet voice, as she proceeded with her discourse. Her husband, Dr. Asa G. Eddy, sat beside her while she spoke, and his attitude was that of a learner or student at her feet.          The subject-matter of her discourse is gone from me now; but I shall never forget the saintly expression of her face, as she stood there, proclaiming this new yet old gospel of Goodwill to Man.          Those were the days when she was obliged to face comparative poverty, obloquy, and ridicule. She bore it all bravely, for the sake of Truth, and in the sure hope and prophetic intuition that the seed sown would take root in soil prepared for it by Spirit, and become the Tree of Life, whose leaves should be "for the healing of the nations." She persevered, in spite of opposition that would have completely appalled and discouraged an ordinary woman. She established her college. She has instructed hundreds of students, who, in their turn, instruct other hundreds, and thus the little leaven is spreading, until the whole mass of society shall be permeated with this glorious Truth.          I had read cursorily Mrs. Eddy's first edition of Science and Health, and was convinced of its truth. Indeed I had resolved to plant myself on a Metaphysical basis, and take no more drugs in any form; but being obliged to leave Boston, I left the sphere of Christian Science. After a few months, during which I tried hard to maintain my foothold in Science, I became the victim of former beliefs of disease. I went with the current, I regret to say, employed homeopathic doctors, and finally became a wretched invalid.          At length the Daystar dawned for me. A Christian Scientist came to our city, one of Mrs. Eddy's students. After receiving about twenty treatments, I pronounced myself well, and was ushered into a new world, as it seemed to me, of health, joy, and harmony; and now I remember, with gratitude, the blessed woman who first introduced this subject to me.          If I could envy anyone, I should envy those whose privilege it is to listen to her instructions, thereby fitting themselves more perfectly for the glorious work of healing and teaching. Having taken one course of instruction of a student, I consider myself just above the bottom round of the ladder, and long more than ever for draughts from the living spring. This is indeed the new wine which the Master has promised to drink with us in his Father's Kingdom. As for the noble woman who has been chosen of God to usher in this new dispensation, may Heaven bless and guard her, that she may enjoy the full fruition of all her toil and self-denial.   "A Reminiscence" by A. P. W. The Christian Science Journal, March, 1888

 

| Home | Library |

Copyright © 1996-2012 CSEC