I hasten to deliver to you my discovery as I looked into your case last eve so that you be not deceived ― so far as you can perceive my explanation.
I found the disease not nearly as formidable as some others cured in my class, at other times, but this I discovered, the constitution of your mind is such that to change it radically as I must to heal you the hosts of beliefs regarding material conditions affecting you would yield not without a severe struggle; and to heal you, all this weight of mind that now casts its weight in the scale of matter, laws material, etc., must be weakendEditorial Note: weakened, and destroyed in its faith and dependence; and when I do this, before I can educate you from this sudden change to infancy ― back to manhood ie to the mature understanding that Spirit is stronger than matter and controls it, you would be prostrated, weak as a babe almost. By one of those mysteries of Science I saw all this after the company had left and I had one hour alone.
Now I will lay before you a choice; to come into the classEditorial Note: McLauthlin was in Eddy’s June 1876 class. simply to learn the principle of Metaphysical healing and not expect to be healed while you are studying, but to make your way gradually afterwards, understanding every point you reach — or to relinquish the attempt at this time; for I am sure it will not be profitable for you in the midst of severe chemicalsEditorial Note: This refers to “chemicalization,” which for Eddy meant a fermentation-like temporary worsening of symptoms while the healing is taking place. or changes of base to attempt to study and learn the infinite there is to this subject. In case you come to learn how to heal your self and I avoid the conflict of a sudden change made in you, I shall take off one hundred dollarsEditorial Note: $100 in 1876 is the equivalent of $2191.03 in 2014. in my price and expect you not to lean on me after you study, but if you need the weight of mind educated to trust in Soul and not sense on your side to poise the balance for you, then you must go to one of the elder students, Dr. Spofford for instance, whom I intend to have assist in this way.