For nearly two years I have been enjoying with Christian Scientists the blessings which Jesus brought to humanity, and which are again given to seekers after Truth in this age through the teaching of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy.
Before becoming interested in Christian Science, I had been for many years an earnest worker in an orthodox church. My work was chiefly in the Sunday School. In this work it was necessary for me to "search the Scriptures," and I believe I was diligent in doing so.
During the last four years of this work I gradually became more and more miserable in health, one disease after another claiming me for its victim. I saw other earnest Christian teachers dropping out of the ranks because of illness, and repeatedly the thought came to me, "Why are we thus laid aside with weakness and suffering, when we are honestly endeavoring to do the will of God? Are we doing His will, or are we mistaken in our understanding of God's will?" Often I read in my dear old Bible such passages as this: "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee." When reading such passages and meditating upon them, I felt convinced that we did not rightly understand God's Word. Many times I prayed longingly, "Oh God, open my understanding that I may understand the Scriptures." With David I could truly say, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God;" and yet, when a friend urged me to investigate Christian Science, I absolutely refused to do so, and thus I retarded the answer to my own prayers.
