Soon after taking my class instruction in 1891, I read in our precious text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker G. Eddy, that the pleasures of sense, as well as the pains, would have to be overcome. I thought, This is queer, I have never had any real pleasure since I was a child (as I was never free from pain), and now that I am free from pain I am just ready to begin to live and enjoy some pleasure, and yet the book says pleasures of sense must also be overcome; it quite disturbed me. I went to my teacher and asked her what we were to get, in the place of pains and pleasures. She replied, "Joys of the soul." I kept repeating this, striving to grasp its meaning; it took me some time to get even a glimmer of light on that subject. My healing brought such unbounded delight that I was sure everybody wanted to know about this glorious news. In my delight. I talked a great deal. This of course gave me work, so that I did not perceive what the "joys of the soul" meant for some time.
From 1893 my consciousness has been unfolding into the "joys of the soul." I can say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that in my flesh, shall I see God," and I do see God daily. With this understanding of Christian Science, I can go into the sick-room, even where seemingly suffering is intense, and with Jesus' words. I can say "Peace, be still!" and the tempest is quieted, the sorrowful are comforted. I will mention an instance which comes to me, as I am writing. During one of my visits at Concord, as I was leaving Christian Science Hall, I was introduced to a lady. I asked her if she were interested in Christian Science. She replied, "Oh, no; I am an Episcopalian." I said, "So was I, and I have found I have lost nothing good which I got from the church, but I have added much to my understanding through Christian Science, so I am able to keep well myself as well as to help others." I only talked a few moments with her, and then left. A few days after I saw her, she came up and thanked me for what I had said. She remarked that those were the first comforting words she had heard since her brother was drowned, two and a half years ago. I had no particular recollection of what I had said, and did not ask her. I knew I had only spoken words of Truth, and they had made her free, so far as she had grasped them. Christian Science has enabled me to change the fear of poverty into rejoicing at having the needs supplied. The tobacco habit has been broken for one who had constantly used it for thirty-five years. Sin in many of its phases, has been overcome as well as sicknesses healed.
The Bible is not now full of mysteries to me; but is a constant unfolding of consistent, beautiful Truth. My whole thought and life is being uplifted and broadened into glorious possibilities for us all, as fast as we are obeying the first commandment; I find that covers the whole ground. I do not get this "Joy" from the sense standpoint, far—from it,—the seemings are often dark and threatening, but we are working our problems from a Principle, therefore we learn to stand fearlessly upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, regardless of the waves dashing over us. Keeping the book ever with us we are able to realize that sense-testimony is not true. Dear, patient, loving Mother words fail to express our deep gratitude for all she has done and is constantly doing for us. Each demonstration made, I am sure, is bringing all closer into the one Mind of Love. As this goes on steadily and faithfully, the great army is forming and the battle can be won. With this assurance ever present with me, I can say I have found the "joys of the soul."
