Psychical research is the order of the day. From the farthest East, where the study and practice of Occult Science are most extensive, from the English Society of investigation, and from the general stir of thought in our own country, come the "signs of the times" whereby to foretell with mathematical precision the dawn of a new era.
Mankind has become dissatisfied with matter as a lawgiver, finding no efficacy for the ills of flesh in its pharmacopia, no panacea for its woes in its tenets and laws. "Give us something which will make us well and happy," is the despairing cry of humanity; and by the very law of opposites, man will, of necessity, rush into the realm of mind to get the relief matter has failed to yield.
"Vive le roi, le roi est mort, " is the voice of the hour.
Sage and bard, theologian and Scientist for countless years, have searched into the endless expanse of mind's wealth and power and mystery. Has there ever been a plumb-line dropped so continuous as to sound its vast unknown deeps? The most gigantic intellect, the most prophetic soul, the most penetrating vision has but one answer: "I find immensity beyond immensity."
And so this sea of mind is still unexplored. Its most courageous navigators have left its laws of currents of thoughts, its cyclones of public opinion, its trade-winds of peace and harmony, its whirlpools of passion and fury, its storms and gusts of hatred and malice, its ripples and wavelet of gentleness and love, as undefined and unexplained as when first the study began.
But the chart and compass, which should steer the sailor through this troubled sea to gain the port of Heaven, were given by the Master. Apprehending this divine fact twenty years ago, a woman, with no friend to bid God speed to her work, gave to the world her inspiration, and called all mankind to battle on the issue—"All is mind, there is no matter." Raised from hopeless disease first herself, she wrought long and patiently in silence and obscurity among the poor, that she might bring to the public a multitude of well attested proofs of the Eternal Law of Harmony and Love by which God governs man and the universe. So misunderstood were her published works that many prophesied they would never be sold or read. The author was called by every opprobrious epithet the public could command. Nothing daunted she continued her glorious work of healing the sick and reforming sinners, and yoked in an eternal bond of harmony and peace the grandest two words in the mind of man—Christianity and Science. The seed she sowed so long ago proved to be indeed a seed of truth, for, behold the results:—
To-day Christian Science has a seat of learning—the Massachusetts Metaphysical College (founded during Gov. Long's administration, in 1881); a church regularly established; a large and flourishing Association in Boston, with branches in Chicago and other principal cities, and publishes a monthly magazine which has a large and rapidly increasing subscription list, while the students of this College are scattered all over the country healing the sick and teaching Truth.—Surely the fruits declare the seed to have been divine, for they are health and holiness.
The Principal of the college was its founder. She is pastor of the Church, President of the Association, and Editor of the Magazine. For which of her works is she stoned? For what are her students condemned? Branded by so-called Christian ministers with the epithets, "frauds," "dead beats," and "money extortioners,"— denounced in public in every possible way, both for their theology and their works,—they go steadily on with their labors, advancing the cause of Christianity in patience and love, answering not accusation with accusation, nor insult with insult, leaving Time with its winnowing sickle to separate the wheat from the tares, steadily demanding—with the invincible consciousness of right—that that be most recognized as God's work which brings out most of good.
There are charlatan mind-curers wholly excluded from the ranks of Christian Science, taking advantage of the popular feeling, to make money and talk in the synagogue,—for themselves,—defrauding the public in every possible way. Christian Science turns not to the right nor to the left, but waits for the Eternal Judge of all things to decide who are working in the name of Christ, and who in the Spirit of Christ.
No one is recognized by the Association as being a Christian Scientist who has no certificate to that effect; though many claim the title falsely. The time is not far distant when the public will be roused to its very depths over the question of silent mesmerism, which practice is denied only by two classes,—those who practise it, and those ignorant of this mental malpractice,—now becoming understood in all its sin.
Ten years ago our teacher lifted her voice, through Science and Health, in denunciation of what she termed "Demonology," or the uncurbed license of one mind to control another. Animal magnetism, will-power and clairvoyance were all explained, and nothing was stated that has not since been found true of them. That which is false and unholy she justly exposed. There are still thousands of persons who know nothing and care nothing about understanding the hidden action of mortal mind upon mortal mind. But from all quarters the apathy is passing away. By reason of her labors and the practical healing of her students, mankind is waking up to the great question of metaphysics so long uninvestigated, and, although the English Society has commenced its work of investigation in the wrong direction, viz., mortal, erring mind, it is still a step toward the right, for it thus recognizes need to know more of the evil of the human powers, which will lead to its remedy in the divine Mind.
Christian Science begins with God, and bridges the awful chasm of time, from mortality to immortality; solves the mysteries and opens the doors of the universe with the key of harmony. Its avenues all lead to God. The Christian Scientist finds Jesus' life furnishing the way and the understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven.
History measures and places man and woman when the prejudice awakened by personality has passed away. Time will give to the discoverer of Christian Science her legitimate place. Meanwhile, thousands all over the world, whom she has healed of sickness and of sin, "arise and call her blessed." "Her own works shall praise her in the gates."
"Hail to the coming singers!
Hail to the brave light-bringers!
Forward I reach and share
All that they sing and dare."
"When in the world a miracle appears,
'Tis faithful loving hearts that work the wonder."
