As early as 1862 she began to
write down and give to friends the results of her Scriptural study, for
the Bible was her sole teacher; but these compositions were crude, - the
first steps of a child in the newly discovered world of Spirit. She also
began to jot down her thoughts on the main subject, but these jottings
were only infantile lispings of Truth. A child drinks in the outward world
through the eyes and rejoices in the draught. He is as sure of the world's
existence as he is of his own; yet he cannot describe the world. He finds
a few words, and with these he stammeringly attempts to convey his
feeling. Later, the tongue voices the more definite thought, though still
imperfectly.
So was it with the author. As a certain poet says of himself, she
"lisped in numbers, for the numbers came." Certain essays
written at that early date are still in circulation among her first
pupils; but they are feeble attempts to state the Principle and practice
of Christian healing, and are not complete nor satisfactory expositions of
Truth. To-day, though rejoicing in some progress, she still finds herself
a willing disciple at the heavenly gate, waiting for the Mind of Christ.
Her first pamphlet on Christian Science was copyrighted in 1870; but it
did not appear in print until 1876, as she had learned that this Science
must be demonstrated by healing, before a work on the subject could be
profitably studied. From 1867 until 1875, copies were, however, in
friendly circulation.
Before writing this work, SCIENCE AND HEALTH, she made copious notes of
Scriptural exposition, which have never been published. This was during
the years 1867 and 1868. These efforts show her comparative ignorance of
the stupendous Life-problem up to that time, and the degrees by which she
came at length to its solution; but she values them as a parent may
treasure the memorials of a child's growth, and she would not have them
changed.
The first edition of SCIENCE AND HEALTH was published in 1875. Various
books on mental healing have since been issued, most of them incorrect in
theory and filled with plagiarisms from SCIENCE AND HEALTH. They regard
the human mind as a healing agent, whereas this mind is not a factor in
the Principle of Christian Science. A few books, however, which are based
on this book, are useful.
The author has not compromised conscience to suit the general drift of
thought, but has bluntly and honestly given the text of Truth. She has
made no effort to embellish, elaborate, or treat in full detail so
infinite a theme. By thousands of well-authenticated cases of healing, she
and her students have proved the worth of her teachings. These cases for
the most part have been abandoned as hopeless by regular medical
attendants. Few invalids will turn to God till all physical supports have
failed, because there is so little faith in His disposition and power to
heal disease.
The divine Principle of healing is proved in the personal experience of
any sincere seeker of Truth. Its purpose is good, and its practice is
safer and more potent than that of any other sanitary method. The unbiased
Christian thought is soonest touched by Truth, and convinced of it. Only
those quarrel with her method who do not understand her meaning, or
discerning the truth, come not to the light lest their works be reproved.
No intellectual proficiency is requisite in the learner, but sound morals
are most desirable.
Mary Baker Eddy
Science
and Health with Key to the Scriptures p.viii-x