In the summer of 1892 I was instantaneously healed of an organic trouble and of nervous prostration by a conversation with one of Mrs. Eddy's loyal students.
The good tidings that "life is in Mind and not in matter," and that "God is Mind," was the quickening power. No life in matter, meant there was no sensation there, this rebuked the sick body, and the joy, and ease, and strength that came ushered me into a new existence. The belief of eternal punishment had darkened my life, and the fear that some loved one might be lost had robbed me of heaven; to learn that God was unchanging Love reassured me and filled me with joy beyond expression.
I did not realize what a babe I was in this infinite understanding, and had a belief that I had suddenly become fullgrown in knowledge. Like most young Scientists, I was exhilarated with this "new wine," and made many mistakes and unwise speeches. I thought everybody could be cured as quickly as I had been, and set about to "take the kingdom of heaven by force." Principle requires understanding to be demonstrated, so of course this "zeal without knowledge" had its rebukes,—but this did not quell my abiding joy. When I read for the first time, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," material things seemed rolled together as a scroll—the plan of salvation became clear—the "sweet secret of the narrow way" was revealed, and with this new, unspeakable joy in my life, I was satisfied that Christian Science was not only prophecy, but its fulfilment; it is not dreaming, but doing; it is something to be made practical, to be lived; it is Good to be made manifest on the flesh.
