In the story of the Galilean, it is narrated that on one occasion he healed ten lepers, of whom only one returned to bear testimony to his power to heal. Imitating this grateful man I would offer my evidence as to the truth and efficacy of Christian Science, which to-day reiterates the teachings, and reproduces the works of Christ. Like others nurtured and educated in the atmosphere of the orthodox church of our times, I was long prejudiced against everything that seemed to be a departure from hoary dogmas and traditions. If I read anything that bore upon such heresies, it was usually what had been expressly prepared to show how to avoid believing them. And yet, despite the fact that I studiously avoided whatever had the appearance of being at variance with the standard doctrines of the church, there were times when I felt the difficulties in the way of many of the traditional views, was dissatisfied, and ultimately became an open unbeliever. Often, when making a candid study of the life and utterances of the Great Teacher, it was borne in upon me, that there must be diviner possibilities for man than those held forth in the theologies and philosophies of the world. I yearned for something, but I knew not for what. When I first learned of Mrs. Eddy, I was so indifferent that I had not even curiosity to try to ascertain who she was, or what she taught. I was simply led to think of her as the leader of a fad movement, that might attract those who had a penchant for the new and novel, and which would have its day and then cease to be. After a time, when a friend placed within my reach a copy of Science and Health, I casually glanced over pages here and there, and sought out passages to criticise unfavorably. Later, however, when I was situated where I was associated with those who were of this faith, and was impressed by their testimony, and especially by their pure and happy lives; and when I discovered that the teachings had won the favor of intelligent and conservative men of business and able jurists with whom I had come in contact, and for whose judgment I had great respect, I concluded that I would be fair, and would make an honest investigation, to learn whether there were not something in Christian Science which I had not, but which I needed. I then began to read and to investigate. Here a great and pleasing surprise was experienced, in that almost everything that I took up to peruse, and nearly everybody with whom I conversed, somehow brought to my attention some phase of Science thought. It was as if I had been blind, and now, that in my right purpose my eyes were open, I could readily see lessons in truth wherever I looked. I felt as one who, after having groped in deep gloom, finds himself at last walking in the light.
I claim not to have found the explanation for all in Science that is hard to understand. In matters of such profound import as those with which Christian Science has to do, there must necessarily be much that can be apprehended only after long and thorough study and reflection. Herein, as in so many things in life, the reasonable part is to hold fast and to act in harmony with the known, and to go forward, ever seeking the hidings of the unknown. We may "now" see as in a glass darkly, but there is a "then" in which we shall know. When the imprisoned and, possibly, perplexed and discouraged John sent that question to him whom he himself, in an hour of inspiration, had prophesied was the promised Messiah. "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?" this was the convincing answer that the great Leader and Exemplar returned. "Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." After this manner does Science deal with her questioning disciples.
Christian Science is progressive, but herein progress has been made by going back—back of theologians, back of church fathers, back to Christ. It is the religion that he taught, established, and practised. That which has been termed supernatural was only natural to him; and the same is true of all who truly learn of, and follow him, as he repeatedly declared should be the case. Reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" with faith, interpreted as spiritual understanding, I have discerned God, and the things of God, in a new light, and with a reasonableness and beauty such as I never had, when I tried to understand the Bible with the helps of theologians. Before I found the truth and help of Science, I had drifted and become engulfed in a sea of errors, dark, hideous, and miserable.
