Manchester, England, May 21, 1908.
Beloved Teacher:—I have hesitated to take any of your time, but it seems to me that you will be glad to hear what I can tell you about the status of the Christian Science movement in Great Britain. I had no idea it had taken on such large proportions and was so well known and so largely discussed; moreover, I did not suppose the work was being so favorably presented and maintained by the Christian Scientists as I find to be the case. The characteristic sturdiness and earnestness and stability of the better class of people in these islands serve a very large purpose when these people become Christian Scientists. As a rule they have a high and dignified appreciation of Science itself and of what constitutes legitimate and effective practice. They have accomplished much over here, and the present situation and activity of our Cause are full of great promise.
The lectures are largely attended,—sometimes crowds of people are unable to gain entrance,—and they have received quite as much and as respectful attention from the press as is given them in America. One of the great London religious papers has announced its intention to publish the lecture which I am to give in London to-morrow night, in order that the readers of that paper and the people of that denomination (the Congregational) may have a statement of Christian Science from its advocate rather than from its opponent. The editor has stipulated that I am to speak of certain phases of the subject which he has named, and particularly that I shall tell him "something about Mrs. Eddy."
I think that this is the first instance, of the kind in our history. No religious paper in America, other than our own, has ever published the full text of a Christian Science lecture. In this case it is opportune, because there is to be a great meeting in June of the Church of England, and at that meeting the delegates are to discuss Christian Science. A Congregational minister said to me, "Mrs. Eddy has presented the only perfectly concatenated religious system in existence. If one accepts the premise, he must accept the conclusion. I am ready to accept the premise, because Christian Science is the only religion that gets God into the world as or through His spiritual idea, instead of as a man."
To-morrow, at St. James Chapel in London, we shall attend the christening of the grandson of the late Earl of Dunmore. This ceremony in behalf of a future peer of England, or rather Scotland, is of such importance that the King is to be present.
With many good wishes for you, I am, as ever, lovingly yours in the kinship of immortal Life.
Mrs. Eddy's Comment.
Forty years ago I said to a student, "I can introduce Christian Science in England more readily than I can in America."
Brookline, Mass., June 24, 1908.
Dear Mrs. Eddy:—I want to thank you for the depth of tenderness shown to your Church in discontinuing the Communion service. We know that the communion as taught by you will never cease. I refer to this act of yours as one of great tenderness because by it we are gently forced to look beyond the symbol and service; and looking beyond the form, we rise into newness of life with "Him whom to know aright is Life eternal." We rejoice that you discern our readiness to take this forward step in our progress out of the bondage of sense and form into the unrestricted freedom of Soul. I am convinced that the impetus thus given will result in deeper consecration, better healing work, and a broadened understanding of the Church universal.
The tender forcefulness and compassionate vigor made manifest in your leadership are a constant lesson to us, lifting us into a fuller recognition of the Christ-spirit, thus fitting us to minister to the sick and sinful "with signs following." Thanking you for all of the helps that you have given us in this redemptive and regenerative work, I remain,
Yours affectionately,
.
