It is difficult for Christian Scientists today to visualize the conditions confronting Mrs. Eddy in 1883, which led her to publish the Journal of Christian Science as an organ in which to answer pertinent questions coming in increasing volume from her students, and as a means of communicating with the Field and the world. Her correspondence had outgrown individual capacity. Many, in fact most of the questions sent her were of general interest, and, as the answers for the most part involved statements in metaphysical terms, it was imperative that they should be scientific and within the mental reach of the questioner.
Regarding this situation, Mrs. Eddy makes a definite statement in the article, "A Timely Issue," which appeared in the first issue of the Journal, in April, 1883, and is reproduced in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 4): "Many questions important to be disposed of come to the College and to the practising students, yet but little time has been devoted to their answer." And she adds, "Much interest is awakened and expressed on the subject of metaphysical healing, but in many minds it is confounded with isms, and even infidelity, so that its religious specialty and the vastness of its worth are not understood."
Words could scarcely convey a stronger conviction as to the imperative need for a vehicle to meet rap idly multiplying demands upon the time and attention of our Leader, to ensure that accurate statements of her teachings and their application to the solution of humanity's problems be placed before the public. Not only were her students to be led along the scientific way, but correction of false impressions regarding Christian metaphysics, so frequently appearing in the press and voiced from the pulpit, was a pressing need. The times were prolific in the production of isms, many of them springing from a very superficial knowledge of Christian Science; many others plainly set forth the methods of hypnotism and mesmerism, which had popular vogue at that period.
