The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-11-16
LIFE OF MRS, EDDY
Rev. c. Tomlinson on the
Christian Scientist.
Story Of the WonGrous Vision in R.spons, 10 her
Prayer for Help When she WIS thought
10 be Dying.


evening of October 10th, Rev.
Irving C. Tomlinson, of Concord. N. H..
lectured on Christian Science and it's
founder at symphony Hall. The magnifi-
cent auditorium was crowded to over
flowing. He said in part:
THE holy purpose of this religion is
clearly stated in those words which the
Master quoted from the Prophet Isaiah,
as the announcement of his mission, THE
Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, be-
cause He hath Amounted me to preach
the gospel to the poor. He hath sent
me to heal the broken hearted, to preach
deliverance TO the captives and recov-
cry of sight to the blind, and to set at
liberty them that are bruised.
mo doubt it's unparalleled development
has occasioned the oft-repeated question,
What are the reasons for the marvellous
growth of Christian Science?'
Those who are most conversapt with
this movement know that what is most
conspicuous in the cause and its growth
is the wisdom, foresight, untiring devo-
ton and lofty Christian character of its
Leader. The opportunities afforded me
for full and adequate estimate of the
leader of this great movement have been
favorable. During the past four years
my residence has been in Concord. N.
H., the home of Mrs. Eddy, and for more
than three months at one time l was q
member of her household. The New
Hampshire histories contain a review OF
Mrs. Eddy and her ancestors. From these
accurate historical works one may CLEAN
much of interest concerning her and her
family. She was born in Bow, near
Concord. N. H.; she comes from sturdy
Scotch and English ancestry. Captain
John Lovewell, the famous Indian fighter,
whose valor in the field destroyed the
power of the savages and made it posi-
bic for the early settlers of northern
New England to peacefully establish
themselves, was her ancestor. Her great
grandfather was Captain Joseph Baker,
who settled in Pembroke about 1740.
CAPTAIN Baker was one of the foremost
men of his section. He received his
commission from King George as captain
of the Colonial Foot Company. He was
a member of the Third Provincial Con-
gress Of New. Hampshire and active in
helping the Province to take its stand for
the new Republic. His three sons, one
of whom was Mrs. Eddy's grandfather,
were all soldiers of the Revolution. In
tellectually her family has always stood
high. Mrs. Eddys brother, Albert Baker,
was a graduate of Dartmouth College.
He was an honored member of the New
Hampshire bar, an eminent debater, and
a brilliant orator. He was thrice elected
to the legislature of his native State and
was rapidly attaining foremost posi-
tion in those legislative halls, when he
died at the early age of 81. In the old
church of Pembroke, three of her ances-
tors We're it's honored deacons. Hell
mothers father was Deacon Nathaniel
Ambrose. and through his generosity and
labors there was furnished the North
Congregational church, which was known
as Deacon Ambrose's church The his
torian also tells us that so largely was
the Baker family interested in founding
the Methodist church of that town, that
with propriety it might have been called
the Baker meeting house. Thus both
sides of her family were founders of local
churches Mrs. Eddy's parents were de-
vout members of the Congregational
church, and her father was superintend-
cnt of the Sunday school. Her mother
was a woman of rare Christian virtue
and the atmosphere of the house was
devoutly religious. Mrs. Eddy is richi.
endowed by nature and by grace for hel
work She possesses quick comprehen-
sion a remarkably retentiVe memory
deep spiritual insight, an unquenchablt
love for man and tirelcss energy. HcI
native gifts were supplemented by spe-
Cial tutors and by careful training IN the
schools and academies of New Hamp'
shire She was thoroughly taught by the
we'll known grammarian, Prof Dyer ii
Sanborn and received careful attention
from her distinguished brother Albert
She had a we'll established reputation fol
literary ability, before her discovery o
Christian Science In childhood she
fought in rhythm, and versification flowed
from her pen as readily as the torrent:
from the mountain brook. Her prose ant
poetic compositions were eagerly read
and some of her writings, published in {
book of poems ten years before her dis
covery OF Christian Science, are nov
found in our public libraries. Her writ
ings we're much sought by some of thu
leading magazines of the country and sh'
declined an editorial position offered b.
MT. AlESEI CdSc, euIlOl VI lhC CNo = "
lows magazine. at an annual salary @
three thousand dollars.
Mrs. Eddy, from earliest childhood
was deeply interested in the subject o
religion She was early baptized int
the church. and became an ardent mem
Der. As a child she listened eagerly Z
discussions on religion between her faith
er and the visiting clergymen who FIRE
quented their hospitable home. When ar
flicted with fever, her mother turne'
her daughters thoughts to God in prayer
Relief came through her earnest peti
items. and from that moment to the pres
ent hour the thought of God and Hi
helpfulness to man has constantly abide
with her.
I'm 1856 Mrs. Eddy received an inJur
from a severe fall upon the ice curbin
which was pronounced beyond all earthl
help. In her dying hour, as she supposed
she turned her thoughts wholly to tn
divine helper wondrous illuminate
Gawncd upon her expectaat vision. an
she arose restored to health and strength
She proved the discovery to be God give
bv healing the lame and the blind an
by raising the dying. Having found TN
means whereby Christ Jesus and his dis
ciples wrought their bencficent work. sh
Il