Article April 12, 1941 Issue

Bible Lessons in "Miscellaneous Writings" by Mary Baker Eddy

ALBERT F. GILMORE

The Christian Science Journal

The student of the New Testament is deeply impressed both with the Master's knowledge of the Scriptures and with his supreme faith in their messages. John records Jesus as saying, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39). In this latter statement Jesus evidently refers to the various prophecies in the Old Testament which foretell the coming of the Messiah to restore the ancient glory of Israel. Like the Master, Mrs. Eddy found the source of her revelation in the Holy Scriptures. Accordingly, she early provided for the introduction of Scriptural readings and exegeses in the services of her church.

The plan of the church services which was first adopted by the Church of Christ, Scientist, included a sermon by Mrs. Eddy. So important in Mrs. Eddy's estimation, however, was knowledge of the Holy Scriptures that after a few years the personal sermon at the services was given up and a Bible Lesson was substituted. In the church records the first mention of these Lessons appeared on October 22, 1883. The record states that the original plan of service, including a sermon, was abandoned as it was "thought more practical to have Bible Lessons." In this decision Mrs. Eddy was following the steps of Jesus himself, who went about preaching in the synagogues, elucidating passages read from the Scriptures. The Bible Lessons which appear in "Miscellaneous Writings" were originally presented by our Leader from the church platform or pulpit.

Soon after the Journal of Christian Science was founded, a plan was adopted for publishing these Bible Lessons in the Journal, the better to ensure a wide distribution of the enlightening exegeses of some of Mrs. Eddy's favorite texts. The Lesson with a text from John's Gospel, which was given first place in "Miscellaneous Writings," was first published in the Journal of August 2. 1884. The first publication of the Bible Lessons in the Journal, however, was in the issue of October 6, 1883, and the text was, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

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