On April 14, 1883, the Journal of Christian Science, as this periodical was originally called, made its initial modest appearance. Mary Baker Eddy was its founder and first editor, indeed its chief contributor for the first few numbers. In an early Journal Mrs. Eddy wrote (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 262), "Dear readers, our Journal is designed to bring health and happiness to all households wherein it is permitted to enter, and to confer increased power to be good and to do good." What a benediction for the new magazine was this! Certainly the desire of the heart of every editor who has followed our inspired Leader has been to hold aloft her ideal and send forth this monthly messenger laden with blessings which only a correct statement of Christian Science can bring.
One dictionary definition of "magazine" is "a storehouse of information on any subject." Is not this true of every issue of The Christian Science Journal, which Mrs. Eddy has rightly designated the "official organ of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, U.S.A."? The contributed articles, poems, and editorials are compositions wherein are set forth in parable, helpful illustration, and statement the teachings of Christian Science. Then rightfully follows the fruitage of this Christly teaching, in the form of testimonies of healing which are sent in by Christian Scientists from the four corners of the earth.
There is little need for fictional literature in Christian Science. Many will recall Lord Byron's words,
