THERE is a by-law in the Manual of The Mother Church, the importance of which cannot be too highly regarded by students of Christian Science. It is Section 3 of Article XXI, which reads: "The literature sold or exhibited in the reading-rooms of Christian Science churches shall consist only of 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' by Mary Baker Eddy, and other writings by this author; also the literature published or sold by The Christian Science Publishing Society."
Because of this by-law some well-meaning people regard Christian Scientists as being very illiberal. They say, Why do you not handle the works of other writers than Mrs. Eddy on the subject of Christian Science? Why are you not broad-minded enough to read both sides of the question? In explanation of the attitude of Christian Scientists toward this subject, let it be understood at the outset that the truth is not two-sided, and that all there is to Christian Science is the presentation and demonstration of scientific truth. Because Christian Science is the revelation of Truth to this age, and has won its way into the affections and lives of unnumbered thousands of the world's best people as the revealed and demonstrated word of God, it is but natural that the human mind should attempt to counterfeit and misrepresent its claims.
Commentaries on the Bible, based upon a materialistic concept of man and the universe, have fallen far short of simplifying the plain and practical truths of either the Old or the New Testament, otherwise the art of Christian healing would have been revived long before Christian Science made its appearance. It required demonstration to simplify and make practically available to humanity the wonderful words and works of the great Teacher of divine metaphysics, so that Science and Health enjoys in this age the unique distinction of having unlocked the hidden meaning of the sacred Word, thereby conferring upon mankind a demonstrable or working understanding of Bible truth. Occupying, as it does, a position claimed for no other book in the realm of literature, is it at all strange or in the least degree narrow or unchristian for the author of this remarkable work to do everything within her power to safeguard it from the unlawful invasions of the human intellect in its attempts to adulterate and nullify its spiritual teachings?
