I believe it is safe to say that most students of Christian Science agree that its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, had a wonderful way with words. Pondering Mrs. Eddy’s ideas about the Bible and her insights into the spiritual nature of life always brings me joy and comfort.
Recently I had an experience that illuminated just how amazing Mrs. Eddy’s choice of words can be. I came across this statement in her textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “I hope, dear reader, I am leading you into the understanding of your divine rights, your heaven-bestowed harmony,—that, as you read, you see there is no cause (outside of erring, mortal, material sense which is not power) able to make you sick or sinful; and I hope that you are conquering this false sense” (p. 253).
As I thought of Mrs. Eddy writing of her hope that she was leading us into the understanding of our divine rights, I pictured myself being led to a beautiful garden. Then I came to an abrupt realization. She doesn’t say she’s leading us to the understanding; she says into the understanding. Suddenly I saw myself actually in the beautiful garden of understanding. I saw how that one little word, into, was so perfect.
