Page:The Life of Mary Baker G. Eddy.djvu/250

208 story of its origin and development will be told in the next chapter.

The book, Science and Health, has, since 1875, been through nearly five hundred editions. It has been revised and edited many times since the original version appeared, and there have been important additions to the doctrine from time to time; but the first edition contained, in the main, the body of the Christian Science faith as it is to-day. The first three editions of Science and Health were marred by bitter personal references to those whom Mrs. Glover considered her enemies. These denunciations were summed up in a chapter called "Demonology," which was published in the third edition (see chapter xii). Mrs. Glover was persuaded by Rev. James H. Wiggin, her literary adviser, to omit this chapter from later editions, on the ground that it was libellous. The "Key to the Scriptures" was added to the book in 1884. It consisted originally of a "Glossary," in which certain words in the Bible were given new meanings through Mrs. Glover's spiritual interpretation. For example, "death" is said to mean "an illusion"; "Mother," should read "God"; evening is "mistiness of mortal thought"; "bridegroom" is "spiritual understanding," etc. This glossary was for the use of her students in reading the Bible. The most conspicuous addition to the doctrine is contained in the chapter called "Apocalypse," which was first printed in 1886. In this chapter Mrs. Eddy adopts a belief similar to the belief the Shakers entertain of their founder, Ann Lee, namely, that she is the woman referred to in the Apocalypse, and represents the "feminine principle of Deity."