My Darling; Our Darling!
Your dear precious letterClick link to view L04088 document in new window came to me through Mrs. Meader and dear teacher, I do not think her much of an invalid and am quite convinced she would like much to studyEditorial Note: In a letter from Mary Baker Eddy to Clara E. Choate, dated March 15, 1882, Eddy had written, “You must not send me invalids for students it hinders our cause to have them put under fire after they study.” and fully intends to do so when you say she is fit for it. Her husbandEditorial Note: George H. Meader is taking a very strong position for you and your truth and is daily exposing Arens & the other demons, and as her Meader is quite influential and a substantial man in community he is doing much for “Christian Science.” And also several others that anxiously await your return and intend becoming Students if you deem them ready.
My last meeting in LawrenceEditorial Note: Lawrence, Massachusetts was a great success to me for the interest is rapidly increasing and the audiences are so large that parlors will not hold them and many went away not being able to get in. There must have been over 120 and I never did better. With head bowed in meekness and a heart full of love I received all their praise and only hope my dear teacher that the seed will grow and that all will be benefited by my humble labors.
In Boston Thursday we seated 80 and more than 40 stood over an hour to listen to me and I did improve this opportunity to inform them who and what you were and being asked about Ar--. I faithfully told what he is etc., and if you had heard me I am sure the tears would flow for the audience were so moved as I portrayed your truth and Edward J. Arens wickedness. Today our audience was very large and it seemed as if I was inspired for I touched so many minds & dear teacher you know what that means better than I. But oh my darling, amid all this good so much of error is going on. I learn that Howard, Rice, Dunshee etc., etc.,., have consented to not recommend or sell your BookEditorial Note: Science and Health or help anyone and refuse all aid to any who do this. Do you now see why I was led not to recognize Dunshee and I never will till they right such wrongs and yet the other day I met Mrs. Fifield & Poor coming from there & they would not look at me or recognize me but I spoke to them and let them know I saw them. There is much more that I know but it is not time for me to speak of it. The few who love me are now growing more faithful and will I hope acknowledge how much I am to them & others and how I am faithful to you the “MastersEditorial Note: Jesus Christ equal” & you teachings understood by us only in part.
I shall ever follow your advice and I do know that God is watching & guarding me even as you did in my hours of trial & tribulation & as you only could but the debt of gratitude will never be paid but I shall with tongue of eloquence & heart of love teach and tell what you and your child (ScienceEditorial Note: Christian Science) is. Mr. Manly was in to the meeting and asked for your address and I gave it to him. Mrs. Woodbury also left a message to the effect that Mrs. [?] Unclear or illegible had treated her very rudely in not taking any notice of the book or her request for an audience.
I dislike to write any thing of error but seemed to feel that it is best you should know something of what is going on (I sold the 20 booksEditorial Note: Copies of Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy. I bought of Smith & have ordered 20 more and have sold some of them). Truth can speak louder than error and error shall not stop it utterances for it will be heard, so even with all the wrong keep up courage and we must conquer or die in the attempt only to live in greater glory. All my Students are at work and I think I shall wait till after your longed for return before I take another class. Alice Sibley was here this morn and sends love. Give love to Dr.Editorial Note: Asa Gilbert Eddy. Eddy did not have a medical degree, but in the nineteenth century, persons practicing various “healing arts” were often called “doctor.” and any others interested in me. I am happy to spend this evening with you and hope you will be as glad to hear from me as I am from you. We will hold a church service here every Sunday at three instead of 11 as heretofore. Every word you write me I devour with love for the writer & hope soon to see her and tell her so.
Shall I make preparations for the evening of the 16 of AprilEditorial Note: Clara E. Choate was planning a reception for Mary Baker Eddy upon her return to the Boston area. or on what night will it suit you the best. I must know this for it would be like a wedding without a bride if you were not here. Am having a new dress for the occasion, very plain tho. Geo. & Warren wish to be remembered.
Ever Your loving Student