Mary Baker Eddy, in her great love for mankind, has given to the world her inspired writings, which clearly and completely expound Christian Science. The Discoverer and Founder of this Science has proved her right to be known as a seer; and her writings, based upon the Scriptures, are authoritative. A mere reading of her writings is not sufficient to reveal all the truth she has set forth. Continuous study is necessary; and no student has progressed beyond the point where, by studious application, he may continue to learn from Mrs. Eddy's printed words and to advance in the demonstration of what he learns.
With her writings calling for continuous study, in connection with the Bible, the questions might reasonably arise, What is the necessity for our periodicals? and what specific need of the student do they supply? A superficial glance at the questions might bring the decision that, in view of Mrs. Eddy's thorough exposition and its unquestioned authoritativeness, more time might better be devoted to her books and less to the contributions of her followers. The argument might run, Are not the Bible and our Leader's writings the sources to which we must go for the truth about God and man? And if these inspired volumes contain this truth, why look elsewhere for spiritual enlightenment?
These questions, like all others, are answered in our Leader's writings. Thus, when speaking of herself as its author, Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (Pref., p. x) that she"has made no effort to embellish, elaborate, or treat in full detail so infinite a theme." Does not this simple statement indicate that one purpose of our periodicals is to show the application of her revelation in further detail? Mrs. Eddy's writings are fundamental and complete. Other writers may not add to the truth which she has revealed, but the extent to which her teachings may be applied is limitless. Therefore, the unfoldment of thought which may be expressed in our periodicals is boundless.
