Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/743

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Part Taken by Women in American History


ders above any girl in the community," that "she discussed philosophical and religious subjects" with his father which were oftentimes too deep for his comprehension.

In 1843 she was united in marriage with George W. Glover, a contractor and builder of Charleston, N. C. Mr. Glover was at one time a member of the governor's staff, and thus received the title of colonel. He was a man of large affairs. The records of Charleston show that between 1839 and 1844 he transferred thirteen pieces of real estate, while two were transferred to him in that city. Most of his property, however, consisted of slaves, which Mrs. Eddy was unwilling to own, and which she allowed to go free after Colonel Glover's death. During her early widowhood Mrs. Eddy earned some means by her pen. She possessed advanced ideas, and found ready acceptance for her writings with progressive thinkers.

At the early age of twelve she had pronounced religious Opinions, some of which conflicted with those of her father and his co-religionists, notably a disbelief in the doctrine of eternal punishment. She contended that if her brothers and sisters, none of whom had made any public profession of religion, but all of whom were honorable, trustworthy and commendable citizens, were to be debarred from the heavenly estate, she wished to remain outside also. While wrestling over this religious problem she became ill. In her book, "Retrospection and Introspection," she states that on this occasion her mother "bathed" her "burning temples," bade her "lean on God's love, which would give" her "rest, if" she "went to Him in prayer, as" she "was wont to do, seeking His guidance." She further states, "I prayed; and a soft glow of ineffable joy came over me * * * * the 'horrible decree' of predestination—as John Calvin rightly called his own tenet—forever lost its power over me. When the meeting was held for the examination of candidates for membership, I was, of course,