Page:The Life of Mary Baker Eddy (Wilbur).djvu/373

Rh The matter that should be published in the Journal.

On marriage, divorce, or family affairs of any kind.

On the choice of pastors for churches.

On difficulties if there should be any between students of Christian Science.

On who shall be admitted as members or dropped from the membership of Christian Science churches.

On disease, or the treatment of the sick.

But I shall love all mankind and work for their welfare.

Each and every one of these disclaimers of absolutism were sincere; they were avowals of a steadfast purpose to refuse to ascend a dictator’s throne. If it had for a time seemed wise for her to direct and guide the affairs of the church and association, experience had shown her in no unmistakable way the misconstruction which wilful human perversion may place upon such direction. The rebellious students of that year had announced as one of their grievances the opinion that Mrs. Eddy was too arbitrary in the conduct of the Christian Scientist Association. Such a statement she received as a premonitory signal. It was a mailed hand threatening Love’s dominion. Between those who would set her up and those who would drag her down, the founder of Christian Science stood serene in the consciousness of spiritual insight. She would not desert her post or be driven from it until she had led her students into the ways of self-direction.

But withdrawal was not desertion, and with-