A Book I'm Grateful For

CRISTINA PAULI TRENTINI

In the life of every Christian Scientist there is a book of special importance. It was published a century ago, in 1875, and is still carefully and lovingly read. It is the object of daily and deep study. Although needed for a long time, it came only when human thought was best prepared to receive it. It is proof of God's love for His children. It is the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy.

Today many people are familiar with this book and their lives have been changed—in some cases, from the first time they read it. The book came to them in a variety of ways—to some, perhaps, as a wedding present, to others as an expression of friendship during a time of need. For some perhaps it was at first merely an object of curiosity. The ways in which they have found it have been varied, but the blessings it has brought to their lives have been without end. It is fulfilling for them the assurance of Christ Jesus: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."^{Matt. 5:6;}

How can a book bless? Science and Health not only blesses but is itself a blessing. It reveals the many treasures hidden in the Bible. Mrs. Eddy says of her writings on Christian Science, "I was a scribe under orders."^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 311;} This book gives the spiritual significance of the many stories in the Bible, which might otherwise be thought of as merely a people's history. But in its spiritual meaning, explained by Science and Health, the Bible becomes a source of inspiration for all, because they see in its pages how God, divine Spirit, protects, guards, and guides His children. Above all, Science and Health shows us what our true nature is—the nature of man created in the image and likeness of God, perfect Being, who creates only perfection.