While living in Boston, many years ago, I first heard of mental healing. My interest was aroused, for I had been a semiinvalid for three years, and I was anxious to find relief from my misery. A regular physician had been treating me during this time, but my physical condition was worse in some ways than before I began. Soon after this, a friend was healed by Christian Science of a complication of diseases, a healing which seemed impossible to human sense. This friend talked to me of Science, and explained the difference between Christian Science and so-called "mind-cure." At this time I had no religion, was inclined to agnosticism, and thought that the only objection to this new system was the name Christian. I, however, consulted a practitioner and began treatment. Improvement was marked at first, for I lost a chronic backache at once. After three weeks' treatment I suffered terribly for twenty-four hours, from a painful reaction, but was much better the next day, and from this time continued to improve, until I was perfectly well. My healing was slow (I was under treatment five or six months), but it was permanent, for I have never had any return of the physical trouble.
The spiritual regeneration which took place in my consciousness was most wonderful to me. My idea of God, and man's relation to Him, underwent a radical change, and Jesus appeared to my awakened thought as the "Son of God" indeed, clothed with the majesty and power of the impersonal Christ. This new view of God and man enabled me to pass through severe domestic unhappiness, to assume the responsibility of my three children, their support and education, successfully. I was able to keep before me continually the saying of Jesus, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I have proved in my own experience the truth of Mrs. Eddy's statement, "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 307). I have seen many diseases and discords melt away, when this truth has been applied, for others as well as myself; and I rejoice in some progress in the "straight and narrow way" which leads to the realization of Life eternal.
And what shall I say of our beloved Leader, who has opened up to us the glorious possibility of living according to the Golden Rule? Words cannot express my gratitude to her, but I feel that it is a privilege to live at this time, with such a Christly example before me.
