A basket of beautiful peaches

Mary Baker Eddy, founder of this magazine, cherished her quiet time to commune with God, including during her daily carriage drive. But at one point, these drives were disrupted by a girl who repeatedly gawked at Mrs. Eddy, even climbing into her carriage. Workers in Mrs. Eddy’s household voiced strong opinions about how the girl should be dealt with. 

But Mrs. Eddy had a different idea. According to one account, she filled a basket with peaches sent to her from California, and asked that it be given to the child with her love. The girl was so overcome at this kindness that she burst into tears and ceased her annoying activity (see Margaret Macdonald reminiscence, p. 11, October 24, 1930; The Mary Baker Eddy Library, © The Mary Baker Eddy Collection). This was more than human affection; it was divine Love in action, resulting in healing. 

 Over and over again, the Bible stresses the importance of loving one’s neighbor. Echoing what had been taught for centuries and speaking for all time, Jesus reiterated, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). Taking that further, he also proved that when acts of kindness stem from God, divine Love, healing is a natural result.