In the fall of 1887 I first heard the name of Christian Science. I was asked to sit in the room with a patient while a Scientist talked with her, and while sitting at the feet of the patient and holding her hand, I heard these words, which came to me as light into a dark room, "We are commanded to have but one God, and God is Life, now if there is but one God, there can be but one Life, and the warfare consists in overcoming the false sense of a life and power apart from God." This truth instantly found a place in my consciousness and seemed to dispel the fear and anxiety that had grown up with me from childhood. A few days after this, I was feeling so much better that I discharged the physician under whose care I had been, off and on, for a number of years. I got a copy of Science and Health and began to study and ponder the truth it teaches. I could get at first but small glimpses here and there, but what these glimpses did for me words cannot express. Suffice it to say, they started me on my journey from sense to Soul, and on this journey I have found to be true what our Leader says in "Retrospection and Introspection," page 57, "Whosoever learns the letter of this Book must also gain its spiritual significance in order to demonstrate Christian Science."
I was living at this time twenty miles from Boston and knew of no one within that distance who was interested in this line of thought, but I was happy, and willing to work alone with God; I felt sure there was but one power who governs all, and my proofs were many and beautiful. After a few years I felt the need of greater understanding to meet the arguments of the mortal senses which seemed to come up on every side to obstruct my way, and I then had the privilege of class instruction. I soon found there was much in my consciousness that had to be clearly seen and overcome, and the struggle at times seemed great. Right here I desire to express my sincere gratitude to each one who has helped me in my hour of need. My heart overflows with love to God for His constant care and guidance throughout these many years, and to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, what more can I say than my daily prayer, God bless her, and enable me to understand and live her teaching, and be obedient to each demand of Truth as it comes.— Woburn, Mass.
