I desire to tell how much I am indebted to Mrs. Eddy's wonderful publications, without which I should still be groping about in the "outer darkness" of error.
In the early part of last year a Scientist friend kindly lent me "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, which I read and partly re-read at different times. In the end I gave it back, having come to the conclusion that Christian Science was all very well for fanciful people with imaginary diseases, but it was of no use to me. It seemed at that time that "Principle" was an intangible, visionary, illusive, non-entity, a ''something" which I entirely failed to grasp.
A few weeks after I had returned the book, I suffered from an attack of influenza which kept me in bed two days. During this time I never thought of Christian Science or any other phase of religion, because for months I had been trying to reconcile orthodox Christianity with my idea of God and the Bible teachings. My conceptions of what religion ought to be, made this task a continual worry which gradually grew unbearable until, a week before my illness, I threw all worry overboard and found peace in utter unbelief. This would appear a most dangerous proceeding, but it proved to be my salvation, for, having effaced from my mind all contentious errors, it became placid and fitted to receive the impress of Truth. On the afternoon of the day I resumed work, although not thinking of anything in particular, I suddenly realized how God could be the Principle of Life: i.e., it suddenly became clear that Life itself is God. A long vista of possibilities at once opened up before this idea, the contemplation of which made me "exceeding glad." This was, I believe, on Friday. On the Sunday night following, while lying in bed still suffering a little from the cold, I began to think on this "idea," and again quite suddenly realized that Life and Intelligence were not in the body, when, instantaneously, all pain and difficult breathing vanished. To me this was a glorious demonstration of the divine power, and the resultant feeling can only be imagined by those with a similar experience. After this I was very anxious to know if this were really Christian Science, so went and told my friend, the Scientist, all about it. She was delighted and assured me I was on the right track, and explained that God is Love as well as Life. It was a happy evening. I wanted to read more about this wonderful Science. She lent me her book again, and I immediately ordered one for myself. Being naturally healthy, I have had little opportunity to practise on myself. I rejoice, however, in much spiritual progress and would not, were it possible, part with my understanding of Science for untold gold.— Harrogate, Eng.
