Article December 4, 1909 Issue

OUR DEBT

F. ISABEL B. NORTON.

Le Baron in a short article, "The World's Big Debt to Thoughts in Books," quotes Emerson as saying, "The world is founded on thoughts and ideas." Books have undoubtedly shaped the careers of some great men. It is said that Lincoln worked hard for three days to buy a "Life of Washington," and read and reread it until he almost knew it by heart. It is also said that the chance possession of a copy of Burns made Whittier a poet. Lord Beaconsfield is said to have declared that "a book may be as great a thing as a battle," but it may well be asked what single battle ever had as lasting and vital an influence upon history as the Bible. It was Charles Lamb who said he felt it incumbent upon him to ask grace before reading rather than before dinner; while Milton has said, that "a good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit." The world has outgrown the day when the Christians burned the books of the pagans, and vice versa. Books have taught us better. There were times when books were hardly procurable, when a man, for a single book had to give a landed estate. Then came the time when, as Sir John Lubbock said, "for the price of a little beer, a little tobacco, we can buy a Shakespeare."

Today without question the one book next to the Bible which is having the greatest influence upon the world's thought is "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and with many the Bible would be lacking in influence without this interpretation. Some have worked hard to procure a copy of this inspired and inspiring book, and have read and reread it until they almost know it by heart. Many there are who for a copy of this book would if necessary willingly give a landed estate. Its possession may do even more than make one a poet, for it may make a man of him. The reading of this book may cause many battles with error, but its effect will be the victory of good over evil, and it will hasten that day when there shall be no more wars, but "on earth peace, good will toward men."

We may indeed feel like saying grace before we read this book, and after, too, in gratitude for its teachings; and for this priceless gift we may well thank our Leader, and pay our great debt to her with love.

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