The Mission of Christian Science

Alfred Farlow with contributions from Ira C. Hubbell

To the Editor of the Boston Journal.

Sir:— In the article entitled, "Hypnotism as it is Used in Medicine," published in your issue of the 9th inst., referring to Doctor Quackenbos's comments, it is stated : "The author takes occasion in his chapter on auto-suggestion to oppose the claims of Christian Science healers, while at the same time he admits the efficacy of the so-called science in many cases."

The opinion seems to be quite prevalent that Christian Science is simply a system of curing physical ailments, while to the Christian Scientist this is the very smallest part of its mission. The exalted purpose of Christian Science is to make the world better morally and spiritually, to inculcate into the minds of its students higher ideals and the earnest desire to be better themselves, and to make others better—with the understanding that it is possible to so regenerate mankind as to abolish suffering and discord.

As an example of the good effects of Christian Science in the home, I have procured from the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy the following letter for publication. This letter is written by a thrifty business man of Chicago, and is only one of thousands in her possession.

Chicago, Ill., July 30, 1900.

My Dear Mrs. Eddy:— In May, 1895, I was led to read a copy of Science and Health to see whether or not I considered it a fit book for a sweet Christian girl, my daughter, then a miss of fifteen years, to read. I read first the chapter on "Prayer."

For upward of thirty-five years preceding, I had in a way endeavored to lead a Christian life, but after reading the chapter on "Prayer" in Science and Health, I saw myself as never before; this was one Sunday afternoon in May, 1895. Mrs. Hubbell and myself continued to read Science and Health from about five o'clock in the afternoon of that day until one o'clock Monday morning. The copy of Science and Health was then given to the daughter at breakfast, Monday morning, with the request that she and her brother, then a lad of about seven years, make that book and the Bible the guides of their lives. The following Sunday we attended what was then the Third Church of Christ, Scientist, in Kansas City, and by constantly endeavoring to follow your teachings, my wife says I am a better husband, my children say that I am a better father, and a great many people say I am a better citizen, and I know that I am a better man, and through the desire to "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness," solely because it is right to be right, my cup literally runneth over.

This morning I begin a new business in a new location, and I feel that in entering upon this work I first want, in a measure, to pour out to you something of the depth of gratitude with which my heart overflows. This is not done in any sense of hero worship, because I respect and revere your desire that your followers shall lose sight of your personality and that we shall glorify God only because your light has so shone into us that we see through and beyond the medium, and therefore discover the real power and gain a faint glimpse of eternity.

With loving gratitude, yours sincerely,

Ira C. Hubbell,
1504 Fisher Building.

Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy. Concord, N.H.

Boston, September 19, 1900. Alfred Farlow.

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