Lot 1615

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Description:

MARY BAKER EDDY
(1821 - 1910) American founder of the Christian Science Church which emphasizes the spiritual and metaphysical influence of Christianity to heal and cure sickness. Rare and controversial inscription on the verso of her personal calling card imprinted: "Mrs. Mary B. G. Eddy", in full: "Thanks and love. A happy New Year for thee and thine. Mother". Near fine. In response to ongoing criticism by Samuel L. Clemens, Eddy wrote: "It is a fact, well understood, that I begged the students who first gave me the endearing appellative 'mother' not to name me thus. But that word spread like wildfire. I still must think the name is not applicable to me..." Clemens responded: "...she still thinks the name not applicable to her ... and that she begged to have it suppressed. Her memory is at fault here. If she will take her By-laws and refer to Section 1 of Article XXII, written in her own hand -- she will find that she has reserved that title to herself...and she threatens with excommunication any sister Scientist who shall call herself by it...in that museum called 'Our Mother's Room', in her Church in Boston...She could abolish that institution with a word, if she wanted to...". The actual by-law referred to by Clemens read: "The Title of Mother. In the year 1895 loyal Christian Scientists had given the author of their text-book, the founder of Christian Science, the individual, the endearing term of Mother, Therefore, If a student of Christian Science shall apply this title, either to herself or to others, ... it shall be regarded by the Church as an indication of disrespect for their Pastor Emeritus (Mrs. Eddy), and unfitness to be a member of the Mother-Church....". The by-law was changed in the 1930s. Thus the inscription on this calling card directly contradicts Eddy's statements made to Clemens and the press.

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July 9, 2015 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

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