I have no special testimony to give of physical healing through Christian Science, but the slight understanding I have of this truth causes me to be glad that I was persuaded to study the subject. It has shown me how to take an interest in the teachings of the Bible, and it has also had the effect of making me contented, whereas I was formerly rather a grumbler.
Before coming into Christian Science the Bible had been for years a closed book to me. I used sometimes to read it long ago, but more as a sort of duty than for any other reason. I never could understand it and used to think that we were not meant to understand it. Some years ago I lost my worldly possessions in a shipwreck, and the last thing I thought of replacing was the Bible. I had not read it for years, so of what use was it to me? In fact, the idea of getting another one never entered my head, and I was without one until February, 1901, when I was serving in India and was given a Bible by a friend, who is a Christian Scientist.
About eight months previously I had heard about Christian Science, and, being interested, I bought a copy of Science and Health and read it. Time after time I put the book down and determined to have nothing more to do with it; but somehow I always found myself reading a little more of it, though still without understanding. Soon after arriving in India I took up the study of Science and Health more seriously, reading it in connection with the Bible and with the help of my Christian Science friend, who was always ready to answer any number of questions and to explain away any seeming difficulty, I gradually gained some understanding of what Christian Science really is. The Bible then began to have some meaning, and I have read it every day, not as a duty but because I honestly like reading it, and find it very interesting and instructive.
