Finally little Edward seemingly succumbed to an attack, while we were holding a meeting in the parlour. To all appearance he was gone, but we knew it was animal magnetism, and treating him for it he revived. We wrestled till daybreak and though there was little seeming improvement, we realised that "God's will is done" and felt that the baby was healed.
During the ten days that followed, the wiles of the evil one appeared, but they were overcome. Mrs. N—— telegraphed Dr. Foster Eddy for help, and felt that help came. The telegraph operator here, not knowing the influence of mortal mind, divulged the telegram, and this made the battle harder. Again we telegraphed for help and again the cry went out "They've sent for help." At least six times little Edward seemed to have passed. We recognised it as another temptation, took up animal magnetism and each time he rallied. Finally about 5:30 A.M. of Friday, Jan. 25th, he passed on. I took him on my lap. Mrs. N—— and I realised it must be the last temptation, hence the greatest. We had no fear and did not admit he had passed on for several hours. We kept reading the promises "according to thy faith," etc., and did not call an undertaker until evening. When Mrs. N——'s little Philip passed on a few months ago her faith alone should have raised him. But this time her faith was coupled with understanding and did not waver for a moment. Why this termination? I wish we could have some light on the subject.
We recognised no disease, and as first symptoms would appear beliefs of paralysis, spasms, fever, etc.—we would realise the allness of God, and they would disappear. It was a clear case of ignorant and malicious magnetism. Why was it not mastered?
We are told that some church members have been praying that "God would take the child" in order that the parents might see the error of their way, and return—not to God, but—to the M. E. followers. Now comes an unprecedented history. Saturday morning a great tumult arose. The M. E. minister gathered a crowd around him on the street and denounced this pernicious doctrine, till the people were infuriated, and threatened mob law. A meeting was called at the public hall. The conservative element succeeded, notwithstanding the excitement, in getting a respectful committee appointed, and an order was served on myself and another Scientist to meet this committee at the Court House at 4 P.M. Mrs. N—— accompanied us and on the way we met the coroner, sheriff, jury and two "Medicine men" who came to demand an inquest. All returned with us to the house. The questions and the manner of the M.D.'s were insulting in the extreme. Our answers were mostly from the Bible.
All admitted the unblemished reputation of Mr. and Mrs. N——, that Mrs. N—— was a faithful, loving mother; but they could not tolerate such a religious conviction. Then we all went to the Court House and a
