The latest pamphlet of the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, "Christian Science versus Pantheism," is among the most valuable of her recent contributions to our literature. It is her message to the Mother Church on the occasion of the June Communion, 1898. Mechanically this pamphlet is most tasteful and pleasing to the eye; printed on an excellent quality of paper in clear type, and enclosed in a substantial and chaste cover, it reflects much credit upon its publisher, the Rumford Press, of Concord, N. H.
This pamphlet fills an important niche in our literature, refuting as it does in clear, strong, and unmistakable terms the charges so frequently made, that Christian Science is Pantheism. This word "Pan-Theism" is often loosely used and superficially understood. Its place in theological terminology seems to he about as uncertain as it is in general literature. Whenever the words, "God is all" are used, many at once say, "That is Pantheism." Mrs. Eddy's great text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," clearly shows the error of this conclusion. A leading premise of Christian Science is that God is Spirit, and that" Spirit is universal, that is to say, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. This conception of God is the direct opposite of the pantheistic conception, which declares for a matter-universe based upon wholly material premises, instead of a universe where Spirit is the real and the All, and matter but a delusion of the personal or material senses.
Our Leader's pamphlet clears up this question, re-emphasizing in this respect the statements of her text-book. It seems to us more difficult for the fair and logical mind to read her definition of God without becoming convinced that it is the only true Scriptural definition, than to reject it on the ground that it is pantheistic. It is as far removed from the Pagan conception of Pantheism as pole from pole. The pamphlet will be read with interest by all earnest investigators and will, doubtless, have the wide distribution to which it is entitled.
