MRS EDDY'S METHODS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9136, 11 July 1908, Page 4

MRS EDDY'S METHODS.

Remarkable statements about the auto'Tacy exercised by the leader of the Christian Scientists (Mrs Eddy), j over Christian Scientists are made in \ "McClure's Magazine." Mrs Eddy ha 3 adopted the modest title of "Pastor Emeritus" of the Mother Church, but she is really as autocratic as the Czar. Next in authority to her is a Board of Directors, cho&en by herself. She can dismiss any member summarily, and the vacancy can be filled only with her.approval. The members are pledge \ to secrecy. Until 1398 any Christian Scientist could give lectures on his faith, but Mrs Eddy withdrew (his privilege and appointed a Boanl of Lecturership, assigning each member to a certain district, the idea apparently being that itinerant lecturers would not build up a strong personal following. Branch churches have self-go-vernment in name only. Their services are prescribed, their readers may be removed at Mrs Eddy's pleasure, the B ; ble and Mrs Eddy's books must be read without comment, and Mrs Eddy's hymns sung, none but the authorised lectures and lecturers are permitted, and lectures must contain references o Mrs Eddy's life. Precautions against possible rivals are elaborate. Preaching was stopptd Lecauss certain pastors had gained influence by their addresses, and it was ordained that there were to be no more preachers, but only readers who should recite passages from t< e Bible and Mrs Eddy's "Science and Health" without explanations. Finally, Mrs M. EJdy has a general power of ex-communicating any member of the Church.