principles. Pilgrims from everywhere will go there in search of truth, and
some may be satisfied and some will not. Christian Science cannot absorb
the world's thought. It may get the share of attention it deserves, but it
can only aspire to take its place alongside other great demonstrations of
religious belief which have done something good for the sake of humanity.
Wonders will never cease. Here is a church whose treasurer has to send out
word that no sums except those already subscribed can be received! The
Christian Scientists have a faith of the mustard-seed variety. What a pity
some of our practical Christian folk have not a faith approximate to that
of these "impractical" Christian Scientists.
* * * * *
[_Jackson Patriot_, Jackson, Mich., January 20, 1895]
[Extract]
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
The erection of a massive temple in Boston by Christian Scientists, at a
cost of over two hundred thousand dollars, love-offerings of the disciples
of Mary Baker Eddy, reviver of the ancient faith and author of the textbook
from which, with the New Testament at the foundation, believers receive
light, health, and strength, is evidence of the rapid growth of the new
movement. We call it new. It is not. The name Christian Science alone is
new. At the beginning of Christianity it was taught and practised by Jesus
and his disciples. The Master was the great healer. But the wave of
materialism and bigotry that swept over the world for fifteen centuries,
covering it with the blackness of the Dark Ages, nearly obliterated all
vital belief in his teachings. The Bible was a sealed book. Recently a
revived belief in what he taught is manifest, and Christian Science is one
result. No new doctrine is proclaimed, but there is the fresh development
of a Principle that was put into practice by the Founder of Christianity
nineteen hundred years ago, though practised in other countries at an
earlier date. "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and
that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing
under the sun."
The condition which Jesus of Nazareth, on various occasions during the
three years of his ministry on earth, declared to be essential, in the mind
of both healer and patient, is contained in the one word--_faith_. Can
drugs suddenly cure leprosy? When the ten lepers were cleansed and one
returned to give thanks in Oriental phrase, Jesus said to him: "Arise, go
thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." That was Christian Science. In
his "Law of Psychic Phenomena" Hudson says: "That word, more than any
other, expresses the whole law of human felicity and power in this world,
and of salvation in the world to come. It is that attribute of mind which
elevates man above the level of the brute, and gives dominion over the
physical world. It is the essential element of success in every field of
human endeavor. It constitutes the power of the human soul. When Jesus of
Nazareth proclaimed its potency from the hilltops of Palestine, he gave to
mankind the key to health and heaven, and earned the title of Saviour of
the World." Whittier, grandest of mystic poets, saw the truth:--
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.[D]
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 plenitude 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 four thousand 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 one hundred
thousand and two hundred thousand. 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 fire-proof, and cost over two hundred
thousand dollars. 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[E] 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
Publishing Society, with the other members of the Christian Science Board
of Directors--Ira O. Knapp, Edward P. Bates, Stephen A. Chase,--gentlemen
officially connected with the movement. The children of believing families
collected the money for the Mother's 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 for
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
textbook. 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 wind-chests throughout, and having an
Æolian 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 gamba, doppel flute, hohl
flute, octave, octave quint, superoctave, and trumpet,--61 pipes each. The
swell organ has bourdon, open diapason, salicional, æoline, 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 diapason, bourdon, 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 occupying a space not 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 keyboard, 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 one hundred thousand
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 two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, 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, homoeopathy, 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 six thousand 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, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,
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'Rell's 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 one hundred 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.
* * * * *