I did not investigate Christian Science for the physical healing; I had passed through great tribulation, and was hungering and thirsting for a more spiritual religion. I had been a member of an orthodox church since childhood, and clung to its teaching as my only comfort; but I often remarked that the sermons, although so good, did not seem to satisfy me, yet I always prayed for God to give me wisdom and understanding. My prayers were answered when a Christian Science Journal found its way into our home. I had never been prejudiced against any religion, so I gladly read the book to see what was the Christian Science belief. I had not read far when I saw that if what I read could be proved, then this was the practical religion for which I had been looking.
It was not long before I purchased a copy of Science and Health, and while reading and seeking the truth taught in it, my eyes were healed of astigmatism of long standing. I could not see to read Science and Health with my glasses, so had to remove them, and I have never used them since,— over six years ago,— although a noted oculist who had examined my eyes said I could never use them without glasses. I did not realize at the time that my eyes were being healed, but now I know it was done through the truth taught in our text-book. The truth of this teaching having been proved in many other ways, I was not long in severing my church connections, and although at the time it seemed to be a trial to come out from those I dearly loved, I knew, as Paul said, I must press forward, "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." My great desire was to have my family of four little children brought up in this understanding that God is Love.
I have been a member of the Mother Church over three years, and I must say that I joined mainly from a sense of duty, although I was told it was a great privilege to be a member, and such it has certainly proved to be. In critical cases in my family fear seemed to take possession of me, and I had depended on others to do my Science work. On the day that I united with the Mother Church I was at home battling with a severe case of blood-poisoning, which had prostrated one of the members of the family. Those upon whom I had depended for help were out of the city, and I felt that the time had come for me to do my own work. I thought at last that I would have to call for help, but before doing so I opened Science and Health, and sat by the bedside reading, when suddenly a great light dawned upon my understanding, and I became conscious of the spiritual creation. The child looked up and said he was well and wanted to be dressed, and he was, for he was healed. Then I realized that it was the day and hour of the communion service in the Mother Church, and that I had received the blessing as a member. This experience strengthened me so much that I have been enabled, through understanding and prayer, to reflect the light and thus help my own family and others out of the bondage of sickness and sin.
