The history of the Journal makes a curious chapter in the exhibition of mental phenomena brought out by the growth of Science in human consciousness. Its first number was issued in April, 1883, by the Discoverer of Christian Science, and was at first a small eight page sheet published only once in two months. In 1885 it took its present form, though of only half the present size.
A little more than two years ago Mrs. Eddy withdrew from the editorship, but maintained a nominal censorship of its contents, the purpose of which was oftener defeated than gained, in the constant struggle of mortal thought to defeat or to circumvent Truth.
Less than one year ago a struggle of this sort culminated, whose impulse, hope, and purpose were to wreck not only the Journal but to arrest the progress— as an organized movement— of Christian Science.
The rumors of this struggle have reached Scientists everywhere. Its history shows the supposed forces of mortal mind, its ambitions and jealousies, brought into play to oppose the Truth and Love of Science, and its termination added another to the record of the defeats of error.
This is not the place, nor has the moment quite come, for entering into more of detail. With all this by-play, and despite the malicious attacks aimed at it, the Journal has-steadily increased in circulation and influence, and maintained the position accorded to it from the start—owing to the recognized authority of its founder—as the accredited periodical of Christian Science.
She withdrew from direct editorial conduct because of the constantly increasing demands on her time. Her constant instructions were to keep her name, as far as possible, out of its columns. From the beginning of her work, twenty-three years ago, she has, with a delicate sensitiveness, shrunk from the public gaze, and her injunction to those whom she healed, as well as to those she taught, has oftenest been, "Go thy way and tell no man."
Her wishes as to the use of her name in the Journal, especially as to the form and manner of its use, were constantly thwarted, through impossibility of compliance, complicated often with negligence, or bad taste, sometimes with malice; and the cry of "personality" has often been raised when her sole effort was to gain complete retirement from public view and comment. Often, while unseemly strife was going on over the vestments of Truth, its meek and loving apostle has been prostrate before God, imploring for the pardon and enlightenment of her maligners and persecutors.
When the present editor entered on his work he received the same charge as his predecessors, and on the appearance of the February Journal was reproached as they had been, and at first accepted the rebuke. But on reflection he answered, "The use of your name in a manner to violate the principles of good taste has been avoided, but frequent reference to you or to Science and Health cannot be avoided in a 'journal devoted to Christian Science,' because all we have of the Science is through this book and from you."
That there may be a clear understanding between the Journal and its readers, the statement is now made that Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy has entirely withdrawn from responsibility and control in the conduct of the Journal. She will in future only furnish articles for its columns, and advise on points of Science submitted for her decision. When the Discoverer and beloved Teacher of Christian Science speaks through the Journal, she will always have in it, as she has in the hearts of her students, the place of honor, but this does not imply, and should not be taken to mean, her control or responsibility outside of the columns that are under her signature.
