Article August 17, 1907 Issue

MRS. EDDY AND HER "NEXT FRIENDS."

Home Rule

The case brought against Mary Baker G. Eddy, which involves her liberty and property, by so-called "next friends," is a species of injustice under the forms of law that should arouse an indignant protest from the press and the people of this country. Here is a woman who has devoted her whole life to doing good for others. She has founded a church on what she and her followers believe to be the right interpretation of the Christian faith. She has spent a long life in writing, talking, and teaching the plan of salvation as given by our Saviour, as she understands it.

Whether her philosophy be perfect, better, or not so good as that taught by other Christian sects, it cannot be devoid of a great truth, else it could not have such a large and intelligent following. Not alone in this country, but in many other countries there are men and women who believe in the teachings of Mrs. Eddy. No one can claim for a moment that her teachings are immoral. Everybody concedes that her whole life has been one of peculiar devotion to what she thought was right. Mrs. Eddy is a publicist of world-wide reputation. There are a million of people, or more, in the United States who believe that she has accomplished more good than any woman who ever lived. While there are others who disagree with her philosophy, there are none but concede the purity of her motives, as well as her phenomenal ability in propagating and advocating her faith.

She has secluded herself from the world in a modest home, surrounded by those who love and revere her. It is the universal testimony of her neighbors and friends that she is an ideal citizen, who has consecrated her life to the betterment of her race. ... As to the ability of Mrs. Eddy to take care of herself, testimony has already been given by some of the most eminent and upright people in this country who have recently visited and talked with her—men like Arthur Brisbane and Edwin J. Park. The devotion of her followers is the safest protection she could have, if she were wanting in anything in this world. Many of them are among the very brightest and best people in the country. They could not be deceived by designing persons imposing upon Mrs. Eddy. They would act and act promptly if she were in need. Everybody must know this to be true.

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