Soon after Mary Baker Eddy discovered Christian Science, she wrote her first and most important book on this subject, "Science and Health."' To this title she later added the words "with Key to the Scriptures." This is the textbook of Christian Science, and it is studied daily by earnest Christian Scientists, especially in conjunction with the Bible when they study the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly.
During Mrs. Eddy's founding of the Church it was necessary for her to write much about the operation of Christian Science in relation to the organization. And so the inspired books of varying lengths were published as the need arose. With the exception of the Manual of The Mother Church, Science and Health, and Poetical Works, they are also published in one volume under the title Prose Works. They constitute a priceless legacy from our Leader to all mankind.
"Miscellaneous Writings" appears first in this volume. It consists in part of Mrs. Eddy's writings published in The Christian Science Journal from 1883 to 1896. Sibyl Wilbur's " The Life of Mary Baker Eddy" states that when "Miscellaneous Writings" was published, Mrs. Eddy asked her students to discontinue teaching for a year. She was certain that the conscientious study of this book was the need of the hour and would spiritualize their thought. In the words of dedication she speaks of the book's practical teachings as indispensable.
