Following the example of Christ Jesus and his apostles, Mary Baker Eddy saw Christian healing as vital to humanity's salvation. Not since the third century A.D. had healing been practiced regularly or systematically in the Christian Church. Mrs. Eddy's healing work was foundational to her discovery of Christian Science and the establishment of The First Church of Christ, Scientist. Over the past two years the Church History department of the Clerk's Office has been gathering together accounts of Mrs. Eddy's healing works from her correspondence, her published writings, the writings and reminiscences of others, and biographies. The result is a preeminent record of healing and a compilation that is still growing.
The next issue of the Journal will begin a series of articles focusing on these healings. They start in her childhood and continue through her later years. Hers was a lifetime of healing that spanned almost ninety years.
The purpose of this series is not simply to share accounts of Mrs. Eddy's healings. At a time of considerable awakening in world thought to the possibilities and importance of spiritual, Christian healing, the purpose of this series is rather to make clear the standard she set for the healing practice of Christian Science. The series will also help to fulfill a duty Mrs. Eddy points out in the opening pages of the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "Future ages must declare what the pioneer has accomplished" (p. vii).
