Article February 13, 1932 Issue

An Appreciation

CAROLINE V. LANGWORTHY

A New generation of Christian Scientists, one might say, has arisen since the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, passed from her human labors. It has not had the opportunity of that contact with the beloved Leader so prized by the early faithful students who, working more or less under her guidance in those first years when the Christian Science movement was in its infancy, had the privilege of frequent and informal meetings with their Leader and teacher, whom they dearly loved. That these experiences were cherished we know; and many of us to-day have felt our hearts respond and brightly glow when, out of this rich fellowship, some student has related to us an incident expressive of Mrs. Eddy's helpful good will, or recalled a memory with a deep spiritual lesson. We are grateful for all authentic information as to the facts relating to her life.

There comes a time in every student's experience when he feels that he must awaken to a right understanding of our Leader's life; and this will inevitably result in a true appreciation of it. Mrs. Eddy's autobiography, "Retrospection and Introspection," illumines her life-purpose. Also, "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy" by Sibyl Wilbur, first published while Mrs. Eddy was still with us, and the recently published biography, "Mary Baker Eddy: A Life Size Portrait" by Lyman P. Powell, give valuable information concerning the unfolding events of her life.

Her husband, Dr. Asa G. Eddy, once said of her: "Mrs. Eddy's works are the outgrowths of her life. I never knew so unselfish an individual" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 35). The desire, therefore, to become familiar with the events of this life which gave expression to achievements the full import of which has not yet been wholly grasped, is commendable. And, moreover, an effort to gain this information tends to make one mindful of the following words of our Leader, who was ever alert to turn the thoughts of her followers from material, finite personality to the infinite and divine Principle, Love, as being All-in-all and the source of all true inspiration (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 120): "Those who look for me in person, or elsewhere than in my writings, lose me instead of find me. I hope and trust that you and I may meet in truth and know each other there, and know as we are known of God."

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