Mary Baker Eddy proved the practicality of Christian Science by healing, and she taught others how to heal. Her book Science and Health presents the complete statement of this Science and its practical application.
As the Church that she founded grew, she was inspired and impelled, under the same divine guidance that moved her to write Science and Health, to provide the Manual of The Mother Church. She has written: "The Rules and By-laws in the Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrim. They were not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as one person might impose on another. They were impelled by a power not one's own, were written at different dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang from necessity, the logic of events,—from the immediate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause; hence their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future generations might not accomplish."Miscellaneous Writings, p. 148 Along with the Bible and Science and Health, the Manual is a treasure beyond price to the student of Christian Science.
The Master, Christ Jesus, left no written provisions for the carrying on of the church he had founded. This he apparently entrusted to his early followers. And it cannot be denied that they proceeded in remarkable ways. But just as human opinions and influences eventually cast varying hues upon his original teachings, so too did such influences greatly affect the forward motion of his church.
