Many times before taking up the study of Christian Science, I wished for a basis, a right starting-point, in trying to work out my various problems, yet I never really believed that such a thing existed. I accepted the teaching of the church in which I held membership, so far as it went, but I was not taught anything about the Holy Spirit; or if so, it was to the effect that the Holy Spirit was manifested only for a certain time, place, and people, and that I was not of them. The Bible read differently, however, and I decided to do a little investigating. Many things seemed to present themselves for my consideration at that time, and before long I had read various books setting forth the teachings of different cults, and then a volume by a clergyman which was a great inspiration to me, and made me more anxious to know about the Holy Spirit, which he claimed should heal all our diseases.
I had need of such a physician, for a disease had apparently fastened itself upon me and I could not let it go, nor could any one help me to be free from it. Different physicians called it by various names, but all agreed that it was tubercular, and that it affected my entire system, especially the bowels. Many weeks at a time I lay in bed without even a pillow, and was allowed to take only liquid food.
This went on for two years, when my doctors said that there was no help for me. I then happened to take up a Kansas City paper, saw a Christian Science reading-room mentioned, and wrote immediately for help. That was the beginning of the end, although I was not healed quickly. I was quite sure I had no creed save Christ, but I had it proven to me that I had a creed and not much of the Christ, Truth. I found a working basis, however, in Mrs. Eddy's teaching that God is All, the only creator, and man is His image and likeness. I found that scientific Christianity is the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, or the Holy Spirit, and that God, the only cause and creator, is not the author of disease.
