Article January 22, 1903 Issue

Mrs. Eddy Replies to Mark Twain

Believes in but one Mother Mary and Knows she is not that One.—Explains the Appellation.—Name Given without her Consent by Students Spreads like Wildfire.

Mary Baker G. Eddy

The New York Herald

A letter in this article was later republished in The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany (My. 302:12-303:32)

Concord, N. H., Friday.—In answer to criticisms by Mark Twain, Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy makes the following statement:—

It is a fact, well understood, that I begged the students who first gave me the endearing appellative “mother” not to name me thus. But without my consent that word spread like wildfire. I still must think the name is not applicable to me: I stand in relation to this century, as a Christian discoverer, founder, and leader, I regard self-deification as blasphemous; I may be more loved, but I am less lauded, pampered, provided for, and cheered, than others before me—and wherefore? Because Christian Science is not yet popular, and I refuse adulation.

My first visit to the Mother Church after it was built and dedicated pleased me, and the situation was satisfactory. The dear members wanted to greet me with escort and the ringing of bells, but I declined, and went alone in my carriage to the church, entered it, and knelt in thanks upon the steps of its altar. There the foresplendor of the beginnings of truth fell mysteriously upon my spirit. I believe in one Christ, teach one Christ, know of but one Christ. I believe in but one incarnation, one Mother Mary, and know I am not that one, and never claimed to be. It suffices me to learn the Science of the Scriptures relative to this subject.

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Mrs. Eddy Replies to Mark Twain

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