In the two orthodox churches of which in times past I have been a member, I rejoice to say that I have seen much of the Christ-spirit, much broadening and uplifting of thought, and not one of these Christian people ever tried to discourage me during my search for truth. After losing faith in medicine and hygiene, when these had failed to meet our needs, I began to look for something more practical. For years I had searched for the truth; had studied the Bible and read many books, had given up much of the old and accepted much of the new, but was not yet ready to "launch out into the deep." Crumbs of truth had rewarded my search, but they were too meager to satisfy. I knew that I must have something more real, so I became an earnest student of Mrs. Eddy's great work, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
One day while reading it I was impressed that the writer spoke with authority,—as one who had been on the mount of vision. Many troublesome ailments have become mere dreams of the past. Some disappeared quickly, others waited to be destroyed through more understanding and consecration. The whole outlook has changed for the better. To some extent I have found the ideal life for which I longed from childhood, and thought has been so uplifted that God is now seen to be near always. I used to say that I could do the works which Jesus did if I only had his faith. I tried to gain faith, and gladly listened to sermons on that topic; but they were disappointing. They neither showed me the way nor gave me the inspiration I needed. I could not trust the promises of the Master and be healed, and I did not see that others around me fared any better. In proportion, however, as I gained an understanding of Truth as revealed through Mrs. Eddy, faith came naturally. Now I stand in awe before the simplicity of Christian Science, which teaches us simply to turn from the material to the spiritual. I might have done that in a moment of time, if I had been willing to give up self.
At each step I realize more fully how pure must have been the life-purpose of the one who was found worthy to see and teach in this age the truth about God and man; and I am grateful for the privilege of being one of the increasing number of workers in this grand Cause. Since divine Love has bestowed upon us the gift of Christian Science, surely all things will be freely given us, and joyfully may we trust, love, and serve "our Father which art in heaven."— Cushing, Okla.
