I have thought many times I would write a little of our experience for the Journal, thinking it might help some one else; for the experiences of others have been a great help to me. About five and a half years ago I went through a class. My friends were very bitter toward Christian Science; but I had caught a glimpse of the beauty it contained. It was so grand that I felt I could give up everything if I might go and work in the Master's vineyard. Error said, "You can't." That which I most needed came in the language of the Scriptures; "God is no respecter of persons." The way opened for me to receive instruction, and I went out to work the next day after the class closed. While in this field, working among strangers, I received a letter from my friends asking me to return and be as I once was. If I would only do this, how gladly they would welcome me. In reply I asked them to read the twenty-seventh Psalm; especially the tenth verse; "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." This Psalm is a very beautiful one to me. I find we must give up our dear ones, if they will not come with us. We know that in His own way God will bring them in.
When we came to W—— five years ago, Christian Science was represented by a very few loyal students. Much wrong teaching had been done. We have always endeavored to be loyal to the true idea of Christian Science, and because of this we had many battles to fight. At first we had but little work, for we were strangers here. Then too, we had been taught that one dollar a treatment was the customary price if the patient was able to pay it; if not, he was to pay according to his ability. We found some of the Scientists charged but fifty cents a treatment, while others charged nothing. This made it hard for us, as we were the only ones who gave all their time to the work. But we held to the established price, being satisfied it was right. We struggled along knowing that God would provide for us if we remained firm for Truth. The little means we had were almost exhausted, and for several weeks we had but one meal a day, and a light lunch at our room. The time came when we were compelled. to give up even the one substantial meal a day. We managed the best we could, and often went to bed hungry, yet endeavoring to realize that God sustains all his ideas.
In this time of our extremity a friend wrote us saying, if we were in need of anything to let him know. Nothing had been said to him about our circumstances, and for aught he knew we fared as well as he. He was truly "a friend in need," and when we told him how grateful we were, he replied, "It was not I, it was Truth that helped you out."
