the writings of Mrs. Eddy that an irresistible conviction is produced, that the author of Christian Science borrowed from the Neoplatonists, with here and there a flavor from Spinoza.
Interest in these parallels is sustained and heightened to the last page of the book. A few parallel passages, here and there, might not excite comment, but when all the essential body of the system of Christian Science, covering the whole range of cosmology, psychology, theology and philosophy, is traceable to these Grecian philosophers, as Dr. Stafford shows, there is but one conclusion possible.
The very delightful style of Dr. Stafford makes the book attractive from the beginning to the end; and the exceeding generosity of the author toward the founder and the advocates of the cult whose sources he traces, challenges the good will of the reader from page to page.
Dr. Stafford discloses the true nature of Christian Science in such a lucid manner, as to make his work desirable to those who care to know about the system whether friendly or opposed to the teachings of its author.
Few men who are capable of such intricate research could have sustained the good spirit and impartial fairness which are everywhere manifest. If Christian Science should live to need a history, or dying, want posthumous genealogy, or if one would now understand its true nature, let this book be commended.
The author has given to the book the title: “The Origin of Christian Science”—“A Key to the Writings of Mary Baker G. Eddy.” The title, with the subscription, is itself explanatory of the plan of the treatment. Parallel passages are produced and quoted, with citations made in footnotes to the authors from which they come. And these are compared with the writings of Mrs. Eddy on
