MRS. EDDY'S ILLNESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13324, 2 November 1906, Page 5

MRS. EDDY'S ILLNESS.

TOTTERING AND ALMOST INARTICULATE. By Telegraph.—Press Atsociation.—Copyright New York. October 31. Eleven' reporters had an interview yesterday with Mrs. Eddy, the leader of the Christian Scientists. They describe her as tottering and almost inarticulate. She told them that she does not consult a physician, but relies only on God. Sydney, November 1. The head of the Christian Science Church in Sydney, in reply to inquiries regarding the New York World's statements as to Mrs. Eddy's illness, has received from the manager of the Christian Science Publication Committee in Boston the following cable:—"Story false; no cancer, or other disease. Mistress Eddy is well, and drives daily; no impersonator."

Mrs. Eddy founded the Christian Science Church in 1367. She claims that her discovery of the " science of mind healing" was a Divine revelation, though not in a mystical or supernatural sense. In February, 1866, she suffered an internal injury, and she claimed that her recovery was " in perfect scientific accord with Divine law." Iti view of her reported illness, the following passages from "Science and Health," a book written by herself, are of interest: "The verity of mind shows conclusively how it is that matter seeineth to be but is not. Divine science rising above physical theories excludes matter, resolves itself into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas. Christian science sustains with immortal proof the impossibility of any material sense, and defines those so-called senses as mortal beliefs." Her doctrine is that disease and pain are merely "mortal beliefs," sensations without reality: in fact, that the body has no real existence outside of the mind. The membership of the church has spread enormously in recent years in America, and even in England and the colonies. It is important, therefore, that the soundness of Mrs. Eddy's teaching should lie tested in her own experience.