I think it is three or four years since I first heard Christian Science mentioned. It was being discussed in a drawing-room, and some one turned to me and said, laughing, "Did you ever hear such nonsense in your life?" I am always glad now when I remember my reply, which was, "It may be nonsense, but think what it means to the people who believe it. I would give all I possess to be able to believe a thing like that, but I never could, as I am a very unbelieving person." About two years ago I heard it mentioned occasionally, but never thought much about it until I was asked to look into it by a friend, who believed that her people would let her try it if I recommended it, as they considered me a very sensible woman. I was very reluctant to do this, and it was not until I was asked a second time that I tried to find out what I could about it.
The first person I asked was my doctor, whom I honored and respected as both doctor and friend. His reply astonished me, as he said, laughingly, "Oh, don't take up with Christian Science or you will never want me any more." I began reading anything I could find about it, and was much struck by the admission that had to be made as to its practical value, even by articles meant to be antagonistic to it. I also began to see that the point which seemed to be looked on as so impossible of belief, viz, the unreality of matter, was one the truth of which was already conceded by the leaders of thought in the scientific world. Then I found that Christian Science was a religion, and before I got Science and Health, I was longing to believe its teachings, for I felt it was the truth.
I was able to prove this for myself within a week or two after getting this book, and I shall never forget my feelings when I found that at last I could believe the Bible, and that both my reason and my heart could be satisfied. While I was still looking into Christian Science, I heard many untrue things said about its Discoverer, but although I then knew no Christian Scientists, I felt that these things could not be true, for "by their fruits ye shall know them," and even its enemies acknowledged that Christian Science healed the sick, and gave peace, happiness, and trust in God. Now I find it difficult, or rather, impossible, to express my gratitude to Mrs. Eddy, my love and reverence for her, because of all she has done and suffered for the world.
Almost as soon as I got a copy of Science and Health, and saw for myself how true and beautiful its teaching was, some one advised me only to read the book, and on no account to attend the services. I found that the person who told me this had never been to a service, so I thought I would go and see for myself, but I remember I had a great fear that perhaps what I was told might be true. I went to church, and found the service so beautiful that I forgot about my fears, and did not remember till the end that I had had them. I told my friend that Mrs. Eddy's name had only been mentioned as the author of the textbook. She replied, "Well, I don't see why they need mention it at all." I, however, saw very clearly why her name is given in full. If I go to buy a special article, I like to know that I am getting the real thing, and I look at the trade-mark, which is the maker's safeguard and guarantee. In the same way, when I go to church for Christian Science I like to know that I have gone where I shall get pure Christian Science and not a mixture of human opinions. It therefore seems to me that the name of our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, is our guarantee.
Soon after I came into Christian Science I was told things about so-called Christian Scientists which seemed puzzling, even to me, but on inquiry I found, and was able to prove to others, that the persons mentioned had no connection with Christian Science in any way, although they called themselves Christian Scientists. I also seemed to see very clearly from the first that, as I remember reading in one of our publications, "there are no failures in Christian Science," any more than there are failures in the basic law of arithmetic when one fails to work out problems which are too difficult for a beginner. Christian Science is the rock upon which, if a man build, no floods can overwhelm him. I can for the first time in my life say with truth, "I know that my redeemer liveth," and I can also for the first time give a reason for the faith that is in me.
For twenty years I had never been strong, although I refused to be called an invalid. My heart was weak, and I didn't get up to breakfast for twenty years, save on very special occasions. I had to have two hours' rest every afternoon, and I took a certain amount of stimulants by the doctor's order I was also troubled with insomnia, but from the day that I slaw the truth in Christian Science, and proved it for myself (I had no treatment), I have been perfectly strong and well. I have been down to breakfast every day, have needed no more afternoon rests, beef-tea, or stimulants. I can run up a long flight of stairs without any inconvenience, and sleep like a child. I used to suffer very much from intense nervous headaches, and some years ago went through a celebrated rest-cure for this and general weakness. I remember being very much disappointed to find that, although my general health was certainly improved, the headaches still remained. I supposed I should always have the headaches, but they left me within the first two or three months after accepting" Christian Science. My youngest boy, who was very delicate, has been perfectly well and strong since within a week after our knowing of Christian Science, and can help himself in any little troubles that arise. He finds our new understanding of our heavenly Father a great help to him in his daily life at home and at school; indeed, the understanding of the truth which children seem to have, often reminds of the text, "Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." Besides my physical healing I have been helped most wonderfully through a time of trouble, which in the old thought would have prostrated me, and I find more and more how true it is that our God is "a very present help in trouble." — Edinburgh, Scotland.
