Mary Baker Eddy and Lincoln

PUBLIC TELEVISION'S presentation of God in America happens to coincide with an exhibit in the lobby of The Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston, which portrays Mrs. Eddy's connection to Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and the fight against slavery. The exhibit is titled "Lincoln's great willing heart' and the life of Mary Baker Eddy."

The Library features rotating displays in this exhibit area, which are designed to provide a window into its book and archival collections on different themes regarding Mary Baker Eddy and her times.

Jonathon Eder, the Library's Lending and Reference Services Administrator, says that researching Mrs. Eddy's interest in Lincoln produced some gems from the Library's collections, including a special Lincoln Day Lesson Sermon given by The Mother Church in Boston for his birthday on February 12, 1909.

The photographs and historical documents include memorable quotations from the writings of both figures. Mrs. Eddy's declarations include:

O not too soon is rent the chain
And charter, trampling right in dust!

Till God is God no longer—neer again
Quench liberty that's just.
(Poems, p. 72)

Truth brings the elements of liberty. On its banner is the Soul-inspired motto, 'Slavery is abolished.' The power of God brings deliverance to the captive. No power can withstand divine Love. (Science and Health, p. 224)

Chill was thy midnight day,
While Justice grasped the sword to hold her
throne,
And on her altar our loved Lincoln's own
Great willing heart did lay.
(Poems, p. 26)

Discerning the rights of man, we cannot fail to foresee the doom of all oppression. Slavery is not the legitimate state of man. . . . Citizens of the world, accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free! This is your divine right. (Science and Health, p. 227)

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