Article September 11, 1965 Issue

Tender, Healing Cadences

VIRGINIA E. ABBOTT

For centuries the Psalms have been treasured, not only for their comfort and counsel but also for the beauty of their language. Christian Scientists regard the poetry written by their beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, in much the same way. They find in the cadences from her pen statements of Truth that bring strength, tranquillity, and liberation.

Her volume entitled Poems contains a remarkable collection of verse, some of which she wrote in girlhood, others after her discovery of Christian Science. Every one of these poems is worthy of thoughtful reading. The earlier ones give clear indication of the sweetness and purity of her nature and reveal the great promise of the young girl. The secular are noble in sentiment, always turning thought to higher things. But it is in the spiritual inspiration of our Leader's sacred poetry that the student of Christian Science finds true solace.

Seven of these religious poems are scattered like softly glowing jewels through the pages of the Christian Science Hymnal. These are the beloved of all hymns, and they are frequently sung in every Church of Christ, Scientist, and in the Sunday School. When one recognizes these hymns for what they are—declarations of God's power and presence and a vital part of the revelation of Christian Science—it becomes impossible for one to sing glibly or mechanically through the measures of these sacred songs, familiar though they may become.

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