In 1892 a friend, though not a Christian Scientist, handed me a copy of Science and Health, and asked me if I would not like to read it. I gladly accepted the volume, and expressed my thanks for the opportunity it gave me to look into Christian Science, which I had for some time desired to do. The opening page of the Preface appealed to me, and I read on with joy, continuing to read for hours. At last I exclaimed, "I am finding Truth!" There was much that I could not understand, but the little gleams of light which dawned upon my consciousness were to my famished senses like springs of water to a thirsty soil.
I continued to drink from this fountain of living truth and to my surprise I was healed of a long-standing disease' pronounced incurable by materia medico. Two physicians had become members of our family when I was a young girl,—kind, noble-hearted men,—but they were unable to give me any permanent relief. Very soon after I commenced to read Science and Health, I began to leave off my glasses, which I had worn for fourteen years. I did not give them up entirely, but sometimes was for whole days without them, and could read with little difficulty. At last an accident happened to my glasses, and I have never replaced them. By resting in the thought of spiritual discernment, I have been enabled to do even fine needlework without artificial aid.
Since I commenced the study of Christian Science, more than sixteen years ago, I have never resorted to any other method of healing for myself or family, and I am happy in the assurance that I have been able to help others out of their distresses through the understanding of this great truth. There is no language in which I can duly express my gratitude and love to our heavenly Father for this His last, best gift to man,—the message of Christian Science; and for the messenger, our beloved Leader, who has so nobly lived her life, walking her solitary way amid the darkness of mortal thought, stemming the tide of opposition, envy, jealousy, and malice, and bringing to the world the reign of "the Prince of Peace."
