It is now about fourteen years since I first heard of Christian Science. A friend who had been healed of a painful malady told me about it, and I was very much interested, asked many questions, and learned all I could about it. I was in good health at that time and needed no physical healing, but I wanted the spiritual understanding that brought peace and happiness to so many. I thought it a wonderful religion, though I had never seen a copy of Science and Health. My friend did not possess one, but I determined that I would procure a copy at the first opportunity and read it.
A year or so after I first heard of Christian Science, my sister's son was healed of inflammatory rheumatism by absent treatment, and a copy of Science and Health was sent to my sister. I borrowed the book and read it, but I could not understand it. I was a very busy woman, had a large family and much to attend to, and little time for study, so I decided to wait until I had more leisure to study Christian Science.
About this time my mother, who lived with me. took absent treatment for a chronic trouble of more than twenty years' standing, and was healed. After her healing she made me a present of a copy of Science and Health, also a year's subscription to The Christian Science Journal. I read the many testimonies of people who had been healed and of the peace, happiness, and spiritual uplifting that came to them afterward. That was what I longed and prayed for; but I understand now that I did not pray aright. I wanted the blessings but I was not willing to give up everything for Christ. I attended Christian Science services occasionally, but usually was too tired to go to church.
