In 1908 a new blessing came to the world in the appearing of The Christian Science Monitor. The Monitor has made its way successfully in spite of the many prophecies, especially from the journalistic world, that a newspaper with its high Christian ideals and purpose would never be a success. It is encouraging to note that these prophecies have faded away and that the Monitor, like every other project started by our Leader, has advanced into an ever-widening sphere of influence. It has now won for itself numerous distinguishing honors from universities, statesmen, and journalists alike.
Our great Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, long had in mind the publishing of a daily newspaper, and she waited upon God to show her how and when to undertake the enterprise. This culminated soon after one of the most trying experiences of her life.
In the year 1907 there was launched against her what is known as the Next Friends Suit. The year before, a New York newspaper which had taken a hostile attitude toward Christian Science attempted to increase its circulation by getting out the sensational story that Mrs. Eddy was very feeble, and that she was impersonated by a woman much younger than herself on a daily drive. This fantastic and malicious story did not take with the public as had been expected and was soon silenced.
