From the most ancient times singing has been recognized as a manifestation of joy. In its religious form it plays an incomparable role. The hymn is a manifestation of praise to God, of jubilant gratitude. It stirs the heart with its beauty.
But more than this, as one finds in Christian Science, hymns can bring a vision of the divine harmony. They can regenerate and heal. Being of such value in our lives, they can never be relegated to an unimportant level.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, recognizing with spiritual discernment the role hymns fulfill, gave them a prominent place in her Church. The history of the Christian Science Hymnal goes back to the year 1892, when, only twenty-six years after the discovery of this Science, its first hymnal was compiled. Various changes and revisions were made between that date and the year 1932, when the present hymnal was adopted. It contains seven poems written by Mrs. Eddy. Their titles reveal the spiritual potency of their message: "Love," "Christmas Morn," "Satisfied," "Mother's Evening Prayer," "Christ My Refuge," "Communion Hymn," and "'Feed My Sheep.'"
