Christian Science has done more than any other system of religion for womankind. Christianity, as founded on the teaching of Christ Jesus, opened wide the kingdom of heaven, the reign of spiritual harmony, not to men alone, but to women as well. The truth the Master taught is applicable to the needs of all humanity. Through his spiritual understanding he healed all manner of disease and sin, and those he healed were the men, women, and children of his day.
Numbered among the friends of the Master were many women who listened to his inspired words with intense eagerness and receptivity, keenly appreciative of their spiritual meaning. It was they who out of their love of his purity and graciousness, gladly ministered to him. And was not Mary the mother of Jesus? Who can think of her who, through her inspired perception of the fatherhood of God, gave birth to him—the promised Messiah—without feelings of profound gratitude and veneration? As Mrs. Eddy says (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 70), "No person can take the individual place of the Virgin Mary."
Throughout the centuries since the early days of Christianity women have played their part nobly in supporting its activities, but very often in subsidiary positions. In the so-called orthodox churches men have occupied the chief offices, while women have served, often with great acceptance, however, in less prominent positions. With their loving-kindness, gentleness, compassion, patience, fidelity, and gift for unselfed service, women have ministered to the needs of suffering humanity with a solicitude and diligence often beyond praise. Of a virtuous woman it is written in Proverbs (31:26), "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
