My first acquaintance with Christian Science was made while reading some chapters of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, to which I was persuaded partly by the advice of a friend and partly by my own curiosity to know something of this new subject. This reading was purely from the intellectual standpoint and was practically fruitless of results, for though I felt there was much of truth in this book, I did not gain from it any definite or correct idea of the Principle of Christian Science. From that time the subject was virtually put out of my thought, until about two years later, when I was persuaded to try Christian Science for physical ailments.
I was suffering at this time from stomach and bowel trouble, with constantly recurring attacks of biliousness, some of which were severe enough to cause a serious condition in the throat. These troubles, though more aggravated at that time, were those with which I had to contend for a number of years. Most of the time I was my own physician, and various remedies were resorted to with great frequency; to put it briefly, I was constantly ailing and as constantly dosing. The few treatments I received at this initial experience with Christian Science were successful, and from that time, over six years ago, I have used no material remedy, yet during no period of my life have I been in better health. There was another result from the treatments I received, which to me seemed very remarkable. Feeling impelled to take off the glasses I had worn for fifteen years, I did so, and have had no use for them since. So far as I know, my sight is now normal.
The simple narration of the healing of specific bodily imperfections can in no sense measure the benefits which Christian Science has given to me. It has brought more peace of mind, greater happiness, increased prosperity, a higher sense of morality, a truer appreciation of what love means, and an earnest desire to fulfil the true aim of life,—to gain an understanding of God. Although my way toward a better understanding of Christian Science has been beset by many questions and doubts, and by suggestions of antagonism to the channel through which this revelation has come, these have given place to a profound gratitude for the blessings which the truth, as exemplified in Christian Science, has brought to me, together with deep appreciation of the greatness of the work done by our Leader in giving to mankind "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."— Chicago, Ill.
