⇉ Handshift:Eldridge J. SmithVol. 3. NumberAs Written:No
1 & 2 – Sent
E.J.S.
I hail thee as the Sent of God. with great joy I greet thee. as "a lone watcher on the Tower"Editorial Note: This quotation is from the first line of a poem titled “The Watcher on the Tower” by Charles Mackay (1814-1889). for 33 years in the darkness of the old age. waiting for the first gleams of the light of the morning of the new Crowning age. of the resurrection of Life in the human body, with such an experience, why should I not greet thee with great joy?
I was educated as a minister of the gospel in the Congregational Church in which I practiced three years, with bright prospects of success. when at the age of 30 I was called to take an independent stand, similar to Profs Swing of ChicagoEditorial Note: Chicago, Illinois, in which I have been held for 33 years. To this call I sacrificed my all of worldly influence & reputation. with means of livelihood, waiting for God's time to heraldAs Written:herrald the "Everlasting Gospel" as seen by John with the Angel "flying swiftly though the midst of heaven"Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, .
Now, in God’s order, I feel like proposing myself to you as one of your students of your next class. providing you will accept of me as a Charity Student, as I shall barely be able to meet my expenses of travelling & while in BostonEditorial Note: Boston, Massachusetts. Will you please to regard me as a minister of the gospel to which class you have proposed to give instruction free.
I have read your work Science & HealthEditorial Note: Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy with great delight having been prepared by my experience to receive As Written: recieve the Concentrated truths therein Continued At the class of my theological studiesAs Written:studdies. I had what my physician. on examination of my lungs, pronounced the consumptionEditorial Note: tuberculosis. There was every indication of it. so that my friends all thought I must die. In this crisis I was led to reject the Doctor’s drugs. having no idea that I should die, & according to my belief or faith. my health was restored. Later I had a hernia of 25 years standing. Not quite one year ago I was brought nearly to the point of strangulationEditorial Note: The word “strangulation” here refers to a “strangulated hernia,” which is a hernia that has developed to the point of cutting off blood supply to the intestines and abdominal tissues, and is considered to be extremely dangerous.. but was spared still longer for God's use. From this time it began to heal, & now I pronounce myself As Written: my self well of this maladyAs Written:malidy. Considering the above, with my deep spiritual experience. I was prepared to receive As Written: recieve your published thoughts, & yet as it is God's order I need a course of instruction from you.
Will you please give me an early reply that I may make the necessary arrangements as to means, etc. to be on hand at the opening of your next class.