In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 210) Mrs. Eddy writes, "Jesus healed sickness and sin by one and the same metaphysical process." The point to be noticed is that the process is metaphysical, and whatever the nature of the case the truth will heal it it might be interjected here that the process must be properly carried out, for otherwise the desired result will not follow.
Some understanding of what Mrs. Eddy meant by the above statement was brought to the writer one Sunday last summer, while visiting a neighboring state prison to attend a Christian Science service, and noting the evidence of what had been accomplished by Christian Science among those whose liberty is restricted under the law of a stern necessity. At this institution the state had in considerable measure segregated its more desperate criminals. Here were confined long term, second and third term prisoners, life prisoners, incorrigibles, and the like. From the very nature of the belief held about the men it is evident they would reciprocate in turn with a firm belief of the world as their enemy and all mankind arrayed against them, or as being without hope in this world.
On this occasion the writer noticed first of all the singing of the hymns. Those who have listened to the wonderful unison of voices in The Mother Church, in the singing of the hymns, know the character of this congregational singing, but if it surpassed these men at all, it was only in volume, and not in joy and vigor, for their voices were full and pregnant with strength. There is a regular prison choir composed of the men there, and this choir sings at all services, regardless of denomination. It is interesting to note that, as it has worked out, the men at the Christian Science services only are allowed individual hymnals and sing for themselves. This is a privilege of which full advantage is taken, and the men simply vent their joy in irresistible song. On this day but two members of the choir were present and they were in the congregation. The men have three ratings, and are in classes A, B, and C, denoting varying degrees of conduct and reliability. In class A are the "trusties," those who by their industry, faithfulness, and good behavior have merited the trust and confidence of the officials. Such men have much liberty, and are not subject to the restraint placed on other groups; besides which they often occupy positions of importance and trust, subordinate to the prison officers. Class B contains the less trustworthy, and class C those considered quite irresponsible or incorrigible.
