Forward steps in religion

As we read Mary Baker Eddy's Message for 1900, it is helpful to know the back story.  Here is a link to a wonderful article by Ingrid Peschke in the Newburyport Daily News -

http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x1387872398/Christian-Science-founder-Mary-Baker-Eddy-featured-in-library-display

Ingrid tells us that Eddy’s ideas as an author, pastor, teacher and healer charted the path for current thought on consciousness and health today. And in more ways than one, they still lead the way.

Back in 1900, Eddy herself wrote about forward steps (p. 4:11 - 19):  Today people are surprised at the new and forward steps in religion, which indicate a renaissance greater than in the mediaeval period; but ought not this to be an agreeable surprise, inasmuch as these are progressive signs of the times?

It should seem rational that the only perfect religion is divine Science, Christianity as taught by our great Master; that which leaves the beaten path of human doctrines and is the truth of God, and of man and the universe.

And on page 5: 10, she logically builds her case, always referring the reader back to the Bible as her reference point: Applied to Deity, Father and Mother are synonymous terms; they signify one God.  Father, Son, and Holy Ghost mean God, man, and divine Science.  God is self-existent, the essence and source of the two latter...This being the divine Science of divine Love, it would enable man to escape from idolatry of every kind, to obey the First Commandment of the Decalogue: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me;" and the command of Christ: "Love thy neighbor as thyself."  On this rock Christian Science is built.  It may be the rock which the builders reject for a season; but it is the Science of God and His universe, and it will become the head of the corner, the foundation of all systems of religion.

J. Swannell