My attention was first seriously called to Christian Science through the clear statement made by a friend, who was called upon quite unexpectedly to give a reason for the faith that was in him. Beyond knowing that this friend was a Christian Scientist, I had not heard him speak of it before, so that his clear exposition of such a subject, coming from a business man, impressed me greatly. Especially was I struck by the fearless, though not irreverent, way in which he spoke of Jesus, a name it is not usually considered good form to mention except in churches or at religious gatherings. He seemed to speak of him as one who, while free from mere sanctimoniousness, had spoken with unquestionable authority, because he had proved what he taught and had said that his followers must do likewise. The candor and common sense of what I have learned of this wonderful truth contrasted so strongly with my accustomed opinion of what religion is, that my interest was awakened, and as soon as possible I procured a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and commenced to study it. This was about three and a half years ago. I was then and am now engaged in a business which requires my attention during the greater part of the day. Nearly all my spare time, however, was devoted to hospital work, and in addition to being on the directorate of the largest hospital in London I had also almost the entire management of a small country hospital.
The beauty and simplicity of Christian Science began at once to gain a firm hold on me, and evidences of the healing nature of its arguments were speedily manifested, whilst from the intellectual standpoint the invincible nature of its logic was entirely satisfying, though at first somewhat bewildering. In a short time a friend's appeal to my hospital experience, for help in a case where medical skill had failed to bring any relief, brought matters to a crisis. Was I prepared to take a stand for this new teaching? For the guidance which I then received I cannot now be too grateful. With a growing conviction of the certainty of the truth of Christian Science, I cast medical theories to the winds and urged my friend to take Christian Science treatment. The advice was accepted, though somewhat reluctantly at first, partly because it was so unexpected; but it was justified by results, for within three weeks the disease, which for many months had defied medical skill, yielded to the treatment and the patient was completely healed. I do not think my attitude towards Christian Science would have been greatly shaken, even if for any reason the result had been otherwise, as I was already beginning to experience great help from its spiritual teaching and could not let it go until I had its full blessing or had found its "break-down" point.
There was still the hospital question to be faced, and although my earliest impulse was to draw apart from that work without any hesitation, I did not do so. I now gratefully recognize that in this, as in many other ways since, I had the guidance of the voice saying, "This is the way." When the time ultimately arrived for me to sever my connection with the hospital work, I was, by the help of Christian Science, able to do so quite naturally. In the case of the smaller institution I explained the reason for my withdrawal, and I received a letter from the board of directors expressing their appreciation of my action in the matter—a result which would not have been possible had the earlier and more selfish impulses been followed. It was not without some feelings of regret that work in which I had taken so much interest was abandoned, but since I have seen what the real meaning of the word "charity" is, and how it is practised by those who devote their lives to the practice of Christian Science, it has come to me quite clearly that this is one of the things which gives me greatest cause for gratitude to-day. It is also clear to me now that Christian Science is not at war with hospitals or with any organization designed to relieve the sufferings of mankind, and that no Christian Scientist would view with satisfaction the closing of any given hospital for reasons other than that the need for it had ceased to be felt. Had I realized this fact more clearly, I might have been able to send my testimony sooner, as I have had good reasons before now to express my gratitude; but it has been a case of "first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
