The contribution to human welfare made by Mary Baker Eddy through her discovery of Christian Science, is of such far-reaching importance that few, if any, today realize the full extent of its higher implications. None knew as well as did Mrs. Eddy herself what tremendous potentialities are involved in her teachings, and how persistently the false beliefs latent in human thought would resist the progress of Truth's unfolding.
In her exegesis of the book of Revelation, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," under the marginal note "The new Evangel," Mrs. Eddy, commenting upon the Revelator's description of the "mighty angel" whom he saw coming down from heaven having "in his hand a little book open," says (p. 558), "This angel or message which comes from God, clothed with a cloud, prefigures divine Science." The chapter entitled "The Apocalypse," which includes the above reference, interprets the metaphorical language of Revelation in such a way that the modern reader can the more readily grasp its profound significance. In fact, by means of the spiritual illumination which Christian Science brings to the Scriptures, one can see a more hopeful meaning in the apparent confusion of current events, for through what may be termed "the smoke of battle" one perceives a new and better world order evolving.
The word "evangel" literally means "good news," or "glad tidings," and it implies a messenger. Broadly speaking, the term "evangelist" is applicable to anyone who teaches in conformity with the fundamental gospel of Christianity. It is apparent, therefore, that the revelation to this age of the divine Principle by which Christ Jesus healed the sick is the "mighty angel" spoken of by St. John, for it is in fact bearing the fruits of primitive Christianity and is fulfilling the Master's promise, "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."
