The Precious Volume by Mary Baker Eddy

Name: The Precious Volume
Author: Mary Baker Eddy

This work serves as a foundational text for a spiritual healing practice, articulating the principles of a divine Science that emphasizes the power of the Mind in healing. The author recounts the initial skepticism faced upon its release in 1875, highlighting the journey from obscurity to recognition as the text gained traction and underwent numerous editions. The narrative includes a personal account of the challenges encountered during the publication process, particularly regarding the inclusion of a chapter on Animal Magnetism, which the author initially hesitated to include. This chapter ultimately became essential, revealing insights into mental malpractice and the necessity of addressing such issues within the framework of spiritual healing. The text asserts that understanding the letter of the work is insufficient; one must also grasp its spiritual significance to effectively practice the principles of Christian Science. The author emphasizes the transformative impact of the book, noting instances where readers experienced healing simply by engaging with its content. As demand for the work grew, the author faced copyright infringement issues, leading to legal action to protect the intellectual property. This underscores the text's significance and the author's commitment to safeguarding the teachings within. Overall, the work encapsulates a journey of revelation, struggle, and the establishment of a new paradigm in understanding healing through spiritual means.

By Mary Baker Eddy · First published 1894 · Genre: Religious Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Self-Help · 578 words

First lines

The first edition of my most important work, Science and Health, containing the complete statement of Christian Science, -- the term employed by me to express the divine, or spiritual, Science of Mind-healing, was published in 1875.

When it was first printed, the critics took pleasure in saying, "This book is indeed wholly original, but it will never be read."

The first edition numbered one thousand copies. In September, 1891, it had reached sixty-two editions.

Those who formerly sneered at it, as foolish and eccentric, now declare Bishop Berkeley, David Hume, Ralph Waldo Emerson, or certain German philosophers, to have been the originators of the Science of Mind-healing as therein stated.

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The Precious Volume is listed on Textopian as an essay by Mary Baker Eddy, dated 1894 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Mary Baker Eddy
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Religious Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Self-Help, Spirituality, Biography
Length: 578 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Religious Non-Fiction — The book presents the principles of Christian Science, focusing on spiritual healing and the interpretation of divine laws.
Philosophy — It discusses philosophical concepts related to mind, healing, and the nature of reality, drawing on historical philosophers.
Self-Help — The text aims to provide guidance for personal healing and spiritual growth through understanding Christian Science.
Spirituality — It explores spiritual themes and the relationship between the divine and human experience.