Editorial May 15, 1902 Issue

Some Fragments of History

Editor with contributions from Mary Baker G. Eddy

There is yet an occasional attempt made by some who oppose Christian Science to show that the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, as a patient or pupil of Dr. P. P. Quimby, gathered from him the ideas which form the groundwork of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Only recently this was re-asserted from a pulpit, with the added charge that the claim put forth by Dr. Quimby's friends had never been refuted by Mrs. Eddy or any one for her. This is so contrary to the fact that one at all familiar with the history of the matter is unable to comprehend how a fairly well informed person, and especially a minister of the Gospel, could be led to make in public so grave a mistake. Public instructors should take, at the very least, ordinary pains to inform themselves before broadcasting statements which are altogether erroneous. In view of the situation we feel it our duty again to publish some facts in connection with this matter, our purpose being to do what we can toward removing all cause for lack of information and all reasonable excuse for misstating facts. We had hoped that the pamphlet entitled "Christian Science History," which contained a full account of all the essential facts, and which was generally and gratuitously circulated, would have reached and have been read by ministers of the Gospel and publicists who might feel called upon to oppose Christian Science or criticise it in either an unfriendly or a friendly spirit.

One of the peculiarities or foibles of our human nature is that, too often, it prefers its own predilections or prejudices rather than a careful, just, and impartial view. This is as unfair as it is dangerous, and one of its inevitable results is, sooner or later, a reaction, as the real facts become known.

In "Christian Science History"—written by the writer of this article—the author, by way of preliminary, said:—

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