The wisdom and clarity of thought manifested in the answers to questions sent to Mrs. Eddy during the early years of Christian Science, as they appear in "Miscellaneous Writings," deeply impress every reader. That she was dealing with divine Science, which was revolutionary both in its theology and its philosophy, she was fully aware. Moreover, she knew that her published words were being carefully examined by both friends and hostile critics. Hence the wise caution apparent in many of her answers.
When asked the name of the "critique" who, under the pen name of "Quibus," had made statements friendly to Christian Science in a Boston paper, Mrs. Eddy adroitly avoided a direct answer, and without offense turned the thought of the inquirer from the personality involved to the quality of the message he had written. By this means was avoided the bringing of a sympathetic personage into what might have developed into a personal controversy.
Christian Science was given to the world during the golden age of literature in New England. Among that notable galaxy of literary lights were those whose names have become household words throughout the English-speaking world. It was inevitable that the spiritual appeal of Mrs. Eddy's revelation should have found response with some, at least, of those searchers for truth. That several, also, who had received and perused her textbook expressed sincere gratitude for its message, there is published evidence. In "Miscellaneous Writings" appear letters from Longfellow and A. Bronson Alcott acknowledging receipt of the book; and the latter expresses gratitude for the new star shining so brilliantly in the firmament of spiritual enlightenment. His own questing nature had responded to this newly revealed interpretation of the Master's teaching.
That Mrs. Eddy had acquaintance with the poet Whittier is evident from a note which appears on page 54 of "Pulpit and Press," which tells of her successful ministry in freeing him through spiritual means of the beginning of a serious disease. She characterized him as the "grandest of mystic poets," apparently using the word "mystic" as describing one who believed in the possibility of direct communion with God as in the range of human experience, and in the application of that conviction through righteous prayer. She manifestly used the word "mystic" in its true connotation, rather than with the implication of something mysterious, lacking in clarity.
Other literary personages of note came to Mrs. Eddy. One of these, Miss Lilian Whiting, was the author of "The World Beautiful," a popular book of that day. Miss Whiting's charming verse appears in "Pulpit and Press." In the Ohio Leader, Miss Whiting described in beautiful language an interview with our Leader which manifested a keen and sympathetic appreciation of her rare spiritual quality. Sibyl Wilbur quotes this interview in her life of Mrs. Eddy.
Apart from her many personal contacts with people of note, Mrs. Eddy's writings attracted many literary lights of the time, and not infrequently there developed a type of correspondence that was enjoyed by both participants. One such literary friend was James T. White of New York, a publisher and poet of some standing, who, attracted by Mrs. Eddy's writings, wrote a dainty poem to which Mrs. Eddy replied in equally clever and friendly terms. Both Mr. White's "Rondelet" and Mrs. Eddy's response are found in "Miscellaneous Writings."
That Mrs. Eddy's writings, especially her textbook of Christian Science, found ready response, there is ample evidence. To clergymen in particular, both her theology and her philosophy made strong appeal. An evidence of this is found in "Retrospection and Introspection" under the heading "Theological Reminiscence," where it is related that Mrs. Eddy was called to preach in Boston at the Baptist Tabernacle of the Rev. Daniel C. Eddy, D.D., the pastor of the church. She continued in this capacity for some time, and retained his friendship, although differing from him in theology. Several other clergymen of prominence made friendly remarks relative to Christian Science. Among these appears a statement by a prominent Boston clergyman, Rev. William R. Alger. And one of Massachusetts' most brilliant orators and publicists said regarding Mrs. Eddy's work, "Had I young blood in my veins, I would help that woman."
Christian Science was not without recognition and appreciation among the notables of New England.
