MALINDA ELLIOTT CRAMER

AUTHOR

IMPERSONAL TEACHING - DIVINE SCIENCE

These author's pages are dedicated to the impersonal work of author and teacher Malinda Elliott Cramer (June 12, 1844 - August 2, 1906), founder of Divine Science, healer, and significant figure in the early New Thought movement.

Malinda E. Cramer was born in Greensboro, Indiana. Hoping to alleviate a lingering health problem (tuberculosis), she moved to San Francisco, California in 1872, where she met Charles Lake Cramer, a photographer; they were married that same year. Despite the move, her health problems continued to plague her.

In 1885, after "an hour of sincere meditation and prayerful searching," she experienced what she described as a divine revelation and "a realization of the unity of Life and a flash of its Truth that flashed through her mind." She reported that she recovered from her health problems over the next two years.

In 1887 she began practicing faith healing herself. In October 1888 she inaugurated the monthly magazine Harmony. In May 1888 she and her husband opened what later became the Home College of Divine Science. She did not coin the term "Divine Science," but it had been used earlier by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, and also by Wilberforce Juvenal Colville, who published a book of that name that same year. In 1892 she founded the International Divine Science Association, the predecessor of the International Alliance for New Thought, to bring together various centers of New Thought. In 1893 she helped open a second Divine Science College in Oakland and made several trips across the country.

He speaks about his recovery and the beginnings of Divine Science as follows:

Early one morning in the beginning of the year 1885, during an hour of earnest meditation and prayerful seeking, the writer asked if there was any way, means or power, by which she could be healed.

This question was asked with faith, believing that it would be answered, and with willingness to cheerfully abide by the decision, whatever it might be (many physicians having pronounced her case incurable); the answer immediately came in the inmost perception and understanding, that if she recovered, it would be by the power of Infinite Spirit. She had then been under medical advice and treatment for more than twenty years, and had lost all hope of obtaining relief from medicine, or from material remedies.

Therefore, when from the Infinite One the message was received, which was the intuitive response to her question, she turned all thought and attention to Infinite Spirit for assistance-for health, knowledge and power, and for all that of which she then believed herself to be in need. This was the first time during her earthly experience that she had given up belief in, and ceased seeking relief from, external remedies-ceased to expect health and happiness from effects. Therefore it was the first time she had sought God, and Him only, with singleness of purpose, expecting to realize that which was being sought.

Great was the faith before God, for the thought was, that if she could be healed by the power of Infinite Spirit, she must seek Spirit as the means of health ; and to the silent, soundless Presence, in which all live, and move, and have their being, she said that if she could be thus healed , it must be through a knowledge of the truth, which alone frees, and if worthy to know the truth, in simple, fervid faith, she would endeavor to serve truth by adjusting all her ways and conditions to it.

At that time she was almost startled by her thought of promise, for she realized to whom the promise was made. Day after day to the best of her ability, as she practiced in thought, word arid deed, the truth perceived, she began to realize and positively know the presence, goodness, wholeness, and perfectness of the One in which all live. Prior to this practice, the presence of God had been to her a vague belief.

Cognition and demonstration of first and final truth have gone hand in hand from the time of this, her first perception from the Spirit of Truth, which was a gleam of light that animated hope of final recovery.

Therefore, conscious unity with God, perfect health, and a knowledge of the detail of science, resulted from faithfulness in practice. Science, or Truth, and the Christ method of healing as taught in HOME COLLEGE, of which these lessons are representative, has been intuitively perceived, analyzed, systematized, and practically demonstrated by the author.

When the decision was willingly made to impart to others the truth perceived, immediately Divine understanding made clear the truth that all reasoning must be from the plane of Infinite Spirit-all analysis must be from the stand-point of Principle-God must be the subject and cause of all conclusions, if they be those of truth.

Since her awakening to the consciousness of truth, her work has been to systematize the science of Infinite Spirit, to teach it in both written and oral lessons, to demonstrate it by healing and by imparting the knowledge to others, thus enabling them to demonstrate the same power and truth in healing by the same means, proving the omnipresence of the Spirit of Truth.

In the silent, soundless, and formless Presence, the Giver of all good the science, including the detail, has been by her perceived and realized. Therefore her work has been and is that of teaching humanity, and pointing the way by which all may turn, seek and find, that God, the source of all power, wisdom, and goodness, is no respecter of person, pointing the way by which all "may look to the Lord and Live." "So, if any one of you be deficient in wisdom, let him ask from God, who imparts liberally to all, and does not censure, and it will be given to him.'' We teach that God, the Father, sustains the same relation to each and all. "If ye continue in my words, then are ye my disciples indeed.'' ''And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true, for I know whence I came, and whither I go. (John, 8:14.)

He who knows what Truth is, speaks of the One Eternal Self-Existing Source and Cause as constituting all that is real and permanent, and of conditions that have passed away as temporary beliefs and opinions.

It was early one morning in the year 1885, during an hour of earnest meditation and prayerful seeking, that I asked myself the following questions; they were asked with faith, believing they would be answered, and with a willingness to abide the decision whatever it might be: "Is there any way out of these conditions; is there any Power in the vast Universe that can heal me?" An immediate and all-convincing reply came.

The reply was not an audible voice, nor was it an inaudible voice in the sense that it could not be understandingly heard; it was not as one person speaking to another; it was, instead, an intuitive response from the depths of Being, which embodied its very nature. The realization pervaded the body thoroughly throughout, illumining and vivifying its every atom with newness of Life and strength. Instantly Omnipresent Spirit was realized and everything was transformed into Spirit.

What I had heard of Spirit, with the hearing of the ear, from early childhood became an actual reality, a conscious living presence. From the depths of this knowledge of the conscious presence of Spirit, or God as all,

I felt and knew to a certainty that "If I ever got well it would be by the power of Holy Spirit." I quickly arose from my chair, and walked the floor, saying: " IF, if, if I ever get well it will be by the power of Spirit. Then there is one way out of these conditions; I must seek that way, the Truth of the presence of Spirit."

At that time I had been under medical treatment the greater part of twenty-three years out of twenty-five of invalidism. During that period I had received the best of medical advice, which I endeavored to obey implicitly. For the first time I had given up hope of obtaining relief from medicine or through any material means and was determined to do the best I could without it. My good husband and several friends who were anxious for my recovery were urging me to see another physician, a specialist. My case had baffled the best physicians both in the East and in California; twelve had pronounced me incurable.

The verdict of physicians, as well as of the best magnetic healers, electricians and the majority of my friends, was, " She is incurable." Out of the kindness of their hearts, my friends urged me to see the specialist, saying: "It will do no harm, if it does no good." Being unwilling to experiment further with medical treatment I found myself opposing their suggestions, but finally concluded to consult two physicians about the matter whom I had come to regard as personal friends; one of them had treated me five years and the other two. I was somewhat surprised when they both advised me to conform to the wishes of my friends, for, said they: "Judging according to symptoms you have need of the services of a specialist."

With this advice I grew more positive within myself, which at the time surprised me. My answer was: "I thought you were my friends. I will see no other physician." One morning, shortly after this experience, my husband anxiously inquired what I intended doing in the matter, to which I replied (not understanding the full import of my words):

"Get well, of course; but I will not see another physician." After he had gone to business I thought, "Why did I speak in that positive and determined manner?" I had never before spoken so decidedly in opposition to his suggestion. So I went to my room to contemplate the nature of my conduct and to criticise if I found it merited criticism; but, to my surprise I grew all the more determined to abide by my decision not to see another physician. It was during this contemplation that I asked myself the above questions concerning my healing and received the all-convincing response of realization.

The last physician employed, who treated me about two years, said: "The only hope I have of your recovery is based in your remarkable patience and willingness to endure pain and suffering." Quite different this, from the opinion of one of the best and most prominent magnetic healers and physicians who, after having treated me several weeks, wrote: "I would have hope of your recovery if you were not so patiently enduring your conditions, and so submissive to your sufferings; you are altogether too resigned."

During the entire twenty-three years of medical treatment I was either taking medicine or applying some external method of cure, fully imbued with the belief that something must be done to recover health. I thought constant doing essential to overcome conditions to which I supposed myself to be subject, the most of which were believed to be inherited. During that entire period there was no realizing sense of bodily ease, mental rest, or spiritual satisfaction.

While under treatment in New York, the physician advised California climate as my only hope of relief, which, of course, necessitated a long journey in search of health, which I now know was always with me. I returned from New York to my home in Indiana, where I remained a few months, then came to California.

Those who believe they are subject to conditions and environments and believe in the efficacy of climate as a means of cure, will be some what surprised to learn that I lived in the breezy and balmy climate of San

Francisco fifteen years before experiencing any real and lasting benefit. When I did experience health it was not attributable to the climate, but rather because I had learned that neither locality nor climate is the cause of health, but that which makes whole is One, is whole in all climates and in every locality.

The answer to my earnest inquiry, as to whether there was any power that could heal me, was an all-absorbing realization of a presence and power not before realized. This presence was more than personal, it was omnipresence; it was more than any visible object before me; it was real and permanent.

It was so vivifying and illumining I knew that I was one with it. I realized it to be my life; the very being, knowledge, health and power that I am. It was as a "Consuming fire," in that all things became It and were this One Presence manifested.

Simultaneously with finding myself in God, I experienced the in-drawing of all things, i. e., that all are in the embrace of one eternal Good. As I looked out over creation, I beheld a"New heaven and a new earth, old things had passed away."

That hour was the beginning of my realization of the oneness of Life, a gleam of its truth flashed across my mental vision at that time which I now understand to be the at-one-ment of the whole, Creator, creative action and creation. From that moment I have not questioned concerning "The Way," nor have I known or taught any Spiritual authority but self-evident Truth.

Prior to this experience, the presence and omnipresence of God had been but a vague belief; it was with me, as it is with many others, a mere hope, or Truth unrealized. If anyone had asked me if I believed that absolute

good was everywhere present, that the Infinite Life was manifest perfectly within all living, in that there is one God and Father of All, who is in all, and through all, and above all, my answer would have been, "I do not. I have no realizing sense of it." This is the test of realization or non-realization.

At that time I had no thought of healing and teaching others, or doing any of the work in which I am now engaged.

This realizing sense of things was to me, going unto God. I then knew I must think and speak from His standpoint, would I abide in Him and demonstrate that Good is all in all. I was certainly changed, mentally, in the twinkling of an eye, and each succeeding day I was able to say, understandingly, "God hath begotten me;" I am here to testify of the Truth of Being.

In most convincing and satisfactory ways have I realized and enjoyed the freedom of Truth.

I certainly know that I have everything to be thankful for. Through living the Truth, I have cast mountains of seeming difficulty into the sea of oblivion. With the first realization of the omnipresence of Supreme Being, I made my first promise, which was essentially this: that if I could be healed through a knowledge of Truth—which to know makes free—I would, with singleness of purpose, endeavor to proclaim the Truth to the best of my ability.

I was ready to affirm that as much Truth as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel. I was conscious that the One to whom this promise was made was expressed in all living. When the full import of the promise dawned upon me, it was some what startling, but I said, "Truth will present

its own simple method of expression,"and it has done so in the teachings of Divine Science. The Truth of being whole now, was so much more than

the hope of becoming whole, that it destroyed all disposition to say, "Lo here, or lo there;" for the kingdom of heaven was found to be within, and was very apparent. The actualization of the presence of one living and true God rent the veil of separateness and made Truth visible.

At this point the question that naturally arises is, "Were you instantly healed?" The answer to this is: I at once saw the unreality of the conditions of disease and was free from the belief that they had any power, or could control for either good or ill. Thus the ax was struck at the root of the tree, and the old conditions passed away as fast as I disowned the old habits of belief.

When my friends heard that I was recovering health, they called to ascertain what remedy it was that was benefiting me. They found me, as they expressed it, "Looking like a new person," and asked: "Is it possible you are getting well? Is it true that you can sit up all day? Can you go

upstairs alone ?" etc. This enabled me to see with what strength of conviction they held me as being incurable.

This determined me to free myself from their beliefs, and I saw that the only way to accomplish this was to free them from their false beliefs about me. So when any of my acquaintances inquired about my health, I told them that I was quite well.

I discovered that to enjoy health it was necessary to break up the habit of inquiring about feelings of ease or disease. Putting this discovery into practice enabled me to realize freedom from the beliefs of others. It was not long until my friends asked me to give them treatment, and as I believe that I should do unto others as I would that they should do unto me, and as I wanted to appear in their sight as being whole, I was glad to treat and hold them in the consciousness of being whole.

Among my first patients were three cases of healing that stand out more clearly in memory than others. My first patient was a young lady friend, whom the doctors had pronounced as having quick consumption. Her friends were contemplating taking her to another physician for a special examination of the lungs. The day before the examination was to take place, she called to see if it were true that I was getting well, and I persuaded her to come to me every day for a week, before going to the

doctor, which she did; and before the expiration of that time she realized perfect healing, and has been free from that condition ever since, and is a well woman today.

My next patient was one who had been an invalid for seventeen years. She was thoroughly healed; and from that time has demonstrated the freedom of Truth in perfect health for herself and family.

After the healing of this case, the wife of a physician who had attended her for several years, asked me how I came to heal her. She said: "How did you do it? What did you call her disease? What was the matter with her? My husband believed her to be incurable." To which I replied: "Truth made her whole, and I neither saw nor named disease."

The third case was one that had suffered extreme pain, at times, for more than five years, and had tried the remedies of the best physicians. She was faithful in coming to me every day for three weeks; at the expiration of that time she suddenly realized relief.

I then decided to set apart one afternoon each week for free treatment and invited all to come who would. The number that generally came was from fifteen to twenty. After experiencing good results from the treatment, they requested me to instruct them in my method of healing.

My effort to comply was the beginning of my teaching. I found myself ready and willing to do whatever was requested. I felt just as though previous preparation had been made.

During the hours devoted to silent meditation and affirmation of the good, I realized that the mental change taking place was the mental act of passing from the personal to the universal; and at one time, while making absolute statements of Life, I saw the fallacy of the popular belief that there is a "lower self and a higher self."

I knew that Cause and Effect were forever united; that the Creator includes creation within Himself. With this realization, the belief of separation of Spirit and body passed away. I saw that holiness consisted in oneness; that in Truth, Spirit and body are in a state of at-one-ment. When there was no longer a belief of two selves, and no body of falsehood to deny, my health sprang forth speedily, and I soon realized freedom of body, and could say, "A body thou hast fitted me."

One day, after having treated seventeen cases with a marked degree of success, I experienced spiritual wholeness beyond all former conceptions: I realized the passing from and blending of the individual into the Universal Spirit of consciousness. In thought, I paused, to ask myself: "Am I drifting from my family and friends?" But intuitively I knew, that where I am in Being there dwell my family and friends. "That where I am, there ye may be also." Truth never separates family or friends. It embraces each member of the family or community; there can be no truth in the belief that separates families in their feelings or interests. All seeming separation is but a negative condition, a non-acceptance of Truth.

The principal thought that I held while treating the seventeen cases was the Infinitude, Omnipresence and Spiritual Allness of God; that God is Spirit—hence, all that is, is Spirit; that the Holy Spirit comprised the whole, whose law is Love. I affirmed that the perfect demonstrations of God were before me and that His Love reigned everywhere in all living.

Upon retiring that evening, I was blessed with a realization that was more than a mere mental conception. It was a knowledge of being Omnipresent Mind.

As soon as I laid my head upon the pillow I consciously withdrew from the body and looked upon it lying on the bed, and realized it to be a thought within My Mind. I then said inquiringly: 'Where am I, and what am I?

Simultaneous with this question, I saw a white, ethereal form, vapory and cloud like. This form enveloped the body lying on the bed and pervaded it through and through. They were both perfectly transparent. My realization was beyond all question that all form was a thought in my Mind. Then, with increased earnestness, I thought, "Where am I, and what am I?

In answer to my question there was a center of light, something like unto a six-pointed star, pure and clear as diamond light; its center as calm and as transparent as pure crystal. This center was radiating the light of Life—the pure intelligence or consciousness of the one Self-existing Omnipresence.

It was an inseparable individualized center of the One Presence. Again, I knew to a certainty that it was a thought in my Mind. I intuitively knew its connection with the body and with Omnipresent Mind. Then I said with even more emphasis: "Who am I, and what am I? Simultaneous with the asking of this question the third time, was completed the realization unto full consciousness of Being. I was that Omnipresence which lies back of all form; the Divine Mind which contains within Itself the things that are seen; the Mind not seen, but which Itself is Consciousness. I was not only conscious, but was consciousness Itself. The consciousness that I realized myself to be was absolute stillness and illimitable Light.

As soon as I thought of the immensity of Omnipresence and of my being it, form appeared within me, and I pervaded it. Then I knew that God never thought without producing form; that the universe of form was within Omnipresent Being. Then the whole of visibility was transparent and I embraced, pervaded and lived all. I had out passed all forms, and was the Source and Cause of them.

This consciousness of Being was the actualization of the Truth of the Allness of God, which I had with earnest conviction claimed for the patients I had treated during the day. In this realization I experienced the true relation existing between Cause and effect.

I swathe Unity and at-one-ment existing in the Mind Infinite, its action and the result of action.

As my attention was again directed to the body lying on the bed, and I opened my eyes on the world of form, my experience was that the state of Being is the most blissful peace imaginable; my feelings were harmonious beyond compare. Do you wonder that I know and teach the Unity of Life, and the Divinity of all Living?

You will not wonder at my earnestness in preaching this gospel of Supreme-Being and freedom alike for all, and at my determination to do all in my power to forward its cause and extend it throughout the world, that all may be brought to a knowledge of the Truth of Being and of Brotherhood.

This Consciousness of Being has been the one and only basis for all the work in which I am now engaged, or have been instrumental in inaugurating.

EDITOR -JÁN MASTER

Malinda E. Cramer shows us the way to full healing by turning to the true Source of HEALTH, which will truly restore that health. IT IS THE TRUTH THAT LIBERATES BY SHOWING THAT AS UNCONSCIOUS CHILDREN WE HAVE SEARCHED IN VAIN FOR THE SOURCE OF HEALTH WHERE IT IS NOT, OUTSIDE IN THE MATERIAL MANIFESTATION.

THE TRUTH IS THAT THE SOURCE OF HEALTH IS IN THE SPIRIT IN US AND NOT IN THE MATERIAL MANIFESTATION THAT IS ITS REFLECTION. IT'S LIKE WANTING THE REFLECTION OF YOUR FACE IN THE MIRROR TO SMILE AND THE TRUTH IS THAT THE FACE IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR HAS TO SMILE.

These lessons are intended to be studied and applied; which means health, happiness and illumination, with the consciousness of Spirit. To be healed, means a spiritual or normal condition. It means ease instead of dis-ease, love, not fear, charity in place of unkindness, faith, not doubt, truth, not error, knowledge, instead of opinion, happiness, in place of sorrow, harmony, not discord ; that is, understanding takes the place of mental darkness.

To be healed, means realized unity with God, the ever-present source of all good. These lessons have been prepared in lecture form and carefully worded, that the idea of the Father be prominent in every sentence ; that you may heal yourselves, and teach and heal others. For all must have a certain amount of mental discipline before they can heal, or understand why truth does heal.

If these lessons be studied, understood and applied, students will be prepared for a College course; so that with the discipline of one course of primary instruction, they may enter the normal class, and there demonstrate understanding, and go forth, bearing the message of the gospel of peace, and healing the sick of false belief.

We know there are earnest seekers in all parts of the world who are thirsting for the truth that is promised to make free-persons who are "heavy laden" with mortal cares and mortal belief - who cannot enter a HOME COLLEGE of Science, or even attend a course of class-teaching in Science and healing.

To these dear sisters and brothers this book of lessons will be a messenger of peace, giving rest, health and happiness.

They will also prove of great value alike to teachers and healers who arc in this field of work. They who know God, the Father, also know truth, the son, both unmanifest and manifest, for the truth is the idea or eternal word implanted within the individual, and the same is inherent in God, which is the idea and possibility of Himself; therefore, Truth is God and God is truth.

EDITOR -JÁN MASTER

Malinda E. Cramer shows us the way to full healing, in a very clear method of real practice.

This great light of Truth, shining from this book, will be appreciated by all who desire true healing and by students of Truth burning for freedom. When these statements of Truth are spoken and expressed clearly with vigor and unwavering faith, the Truth in them liberates from so-called disease, lack, illusion, and evil.

"This book finds perfect paths to all who seek illumination of the path to their Divine Plan, health, success, abundance, freedom, love, fulfillment under Grace, in God's perfect way."

The arrangement of this consecutive course of condensed lessons under the heading of BASIC STATEMENTS and Treatment, is designed to be a simple, practical method which, when understood and practiced, will enable students to realize within themselves and for others, wholeness; which is pure Being, perfect thought and the result of such thought. Wholeness means health, satisfaction and success in general.

Wholeness, includes the all of Life, Intelligence, Truth and Substance, for which all are seeking.

editor -JÁN MASTER

Malinda E. Cramer shows us the path to full healing, BY UNDERSTANDING DIVINE SCIENCE. All lessons gradually lead the student of Truth into the unity of Being.

"This book finds perfect paths to all who seek illumination of the path to their Divine Plan, health, success, abundance, freedom, love, fulfillment under Grace, in God's perfect way."

As the light-house throws its beams to guide the mariner through trackless waters, so upon the world's waste, this book is sent out to warn the wayfarer from time and place, and to guide him into the secure peace and rest of Infinite Love. May this chart of Divine realization of Truth and illumination guide all pilgrims on the path of life into the harbor of Infinite Being.

As the light shining from the light-house warns from danger and lights the way into safe harbor, so the Truth set forth in this book of lessons will be seen to reveal what the true light is " That lighteth every man that cometh into the world;" which makes clear the way to Christ-consciousness.

The purpose of this book is to teach the principle of Unity, which alone makes clear the true relation existing between humanity and God, and the purpose of God manifesting in humanity; to point out the direct and sure way of safety and rest.

May the contents of this book illumine those who study it, with a knowledge of Truth which to know makes free, and enable them to demonstrate health, success and happiness. So will it be. Natural science deals with effects in Nature's realm, and treats of the relation of things to things. Its theory is, that various and general results proceed from particular causes, which causes are themselves results.

The Universal Law of Creation, or Science of Expression, as taught and strictly adhered to in Divine Science and Healing is as essential to a perfect understanding of the detail of Science as is the Statement of Being essential to its perfect solution and demonstration.

EDITOR - JÁN MASTER