0.0 – Christian Science – 16 Books by Mary Baker Eddy – Bk 6 – Retrospection and Introspection – Chpt 19 – College Closed

                                      COLLEGE CLOSED 

 1	    The apprehension of what has been, and must be, the
  	final outcome of material organization, which wars
 3	with Love's spiritual compact, caused me to dread the
  	unprecedented popularity of my College. Students from
  	all over our continent, and from Europe, were flooding
 6	the school. At this time there were over three hundred
  	applications from persons desiring to enter the College,
  	and applicants were rapidly increasing. Example had
 9	shown the dangers arising from being placed on earthly
  	pinnacles, and Christian Science shuns whatever involves
  	material means for the promotion of spiritual ends. 
12	    In view of all this, a meeting was called of the Board
  	of Directors of my College, who, being informed of
  	my intentions, unanimously voted that the school be
15	discontinued. 
  	    A Primary class student, richly imbued with the spirit
  	of Christ, is a better healer  and teacher than a Normal
18	class student who partakes less of God's love. After hav-
  	ing received instructions in a Primary class from me, or
  	a loyal student, and afterwards studied thoroughly Science
21	and Health, a student can enter upon the gospel work of
  	teaching Christian Science, and so fulfil the command of
  	Christ. But before entering this field of labor he must
24	have studied the latest editions of my works, be a good
  	Bible scholar and a consecrated Christian. 
 
  
  Retrospection and Introspection --- College Closed                     48


 1	    The Massachusetts Metaphysical College drew its
  	breath from me, but I was yearning for retirement. The
 3	question was, Who else could sustain this institute, under
  	all that was aimed at its vital purpose, the establishment
  	of genuine Christian Science healing? My conscientious
 6	scruples about diplomas, the recent experience of the
  	church fresh in my thoughts, and the growing conviction
  	that every one should build on his own foundation, sub-
 9	ject to the one builder and maker, God, — all these con-
  	siderations moved me to close my flourishing school, and
  	the following resolutions were passed: —  

12	At a special meeting of the Board of the Metaphysical
  	College Corporation, Oct. 29, 1889, the following are some
  	of the resolutions which were presented and passed
15	unanimously: —  

  	WHEREAS, The Massachusetts Metaphysical College,
  	chartered in January, 1881, for medical purposes, to give
18	instruction in scientific methods of mental healing on a purely
  	practical basis, to impart a thorough understanding of meta-
  	physics, to restore health, hope, and harmony to man, — has
21	fulfilled its high and noble destiny, and sent to all parts of our
  	country, and into foreign lands, students instructed in Chris-
  	tian Science Mind-healing, to meet the demand of the age for
24	something higher than physic or drugging; and 

  	WHEREAS, The material organization was, in the beginning
  	in this institution, like the baptism of Jesus, of which he said,
27	"Suffer it to be so now," though the teaching was a purely
  	spiritual and scientific impartation of Truth, whose Christly
  	spirit has led to higher ways, means, and understanding, — the
30	President, the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy, at the height of pros-
 
  
  Retrospection and Introspection --- College Closed                     49


 1	perity in the institution, which yields a large income, is willing
  	to sacrifice all for the advancement of the world in Truth and
 3	Love; and 

  	WHEREAS, Other institutions for instruction in Christian
  	Science, which are working out their periods of organization,
 6	will doubtless follow the example of the Alma Mater after
  	having accomplished the worthy purpose for which they were
  	organized, and the hour has come wherein the great need is
 9	for more of the spirit instead of the letter, and Science and
  	Health is adapted to work this result; and 

  	WHEREAS, The fundamental principle for growth in Chris-
12	tian Science is spiritual formation first, last, and always, while
  	in human growth material organization is first; and 

  	WHEREAS, Mortals must learn to lose their estimate
15	of the powers that are not ordained of God, and attain
  	the bliss of loving unselfishly, working patiently, and con-
  	quering all that is unlike Christ and the example he gave;
18	therefore 

  	Resolved, That we thank the State for its charter, which is
  	the only one ever granted to a legal college for teaching the
21	Science of Mind-healing; that we thank the public for its
  	liberal patronage. And everlasting gratitude is due to the
  	President, for her great and noble work, which we believe
24	will prove a healing for the nations, and bring all men to a
  	knowledge of the true God, uniting them in one common
  	brotherhood. 
27	After due deliberation and earnest discussion it was unani-
  	mously voted:  That as all debts of the corporation have been
  	paid, it is deemed best to dissolve this corporation, and the
30	same is hereby dissolved. 
  	                                                          C. A. FRYE, Clerk 

 
  
  Retrospection and Introspection --- College Closed                     50


 1	    When God impelled me to set a price on my instruction
  	in Christian Science Mind-healing, I could think of no
 3	financial equivalent for an impartation of a knowledge of
  	that divine power which heals; but I was led to name three
  	hundred dollars as the price for each pupil in one course
 6	of lessons at my College, — a startling sum for tuition
  	lasting barely three weeks. This amount greatly troubled
  	me. I shrank from asking it, but was finally led, by a
 9	strange providence, to accept this fee. 
  	    God has since shown me, in multitudinous ways, the
  	wisdom of this decision; and I beg disinterested people
12	to ask my loyal students if they consider three hundred
  	dollars any real equivalent for my instruction during
  	twelve half-days, or even in half as many lessons. Never-
15	theless, my list of indigent charity scholars is very large,
  	and I have had as many as seventeen in one class. 
  	    Loyal students speak with delight of their pupilage,
18	and of what it has done for them, and for others through
  	them. By loyalty in students I mean this, — allegiance
  	to God, subordination of the human to the divine, stead-
21	fast justice, and strict adherence to divine Truth and
  	Love. 
  	    I see clearly that students in Christian Science should,
24	at present, continue to organize churches, schools, and
  	associations for the furtherance and unfolding of Truth,
  	and that my necessity is not necessarily theirs; but it was
27	the Father's opportunity for furnishing a new rule of order
  	in divine Science, and the blessings which arose therefrom. 
  	Students are not environed with such obstacles as were
30	encountered in the beginning of pioneer work. 
 
  
  Retrospection and Introspection --- College Closed                     51


 1	    In December, 1889, I gave a lot of land in Boston to my
  	student, Mr. Ira O. Knapp of Roslindale, — valued in
 3	1892 at about twenty thousand dollars, and rising in value,
  	 — to be appropriated for the erection, and building on
  	the premises thereby conveyed, of a church edifice to be
 6	used as a temple for Christian Science worship.SHOW ALL