The Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, was placed in my hands with the comment that many had been healed while reading it. I have no recollection of having heard of Christian Science or Christian Scientists previous to this. The book was of such pleasing appearance that I readily consented to read it. From the beginning I thought that it was very interesting and practical, and while reading and studying it I was healed of headaches which were supposed to be hereditary, severe backaches which had troubled me ever since I was a child, frequent colds, and a bowel complaint.
Previous to reading Science and Health I was thrown in the company of people who had no religious beliefs, who opposed what they thought the Bible taught, and who naturally read literature which coincided with their own views. It was therefore no difficult matter for me to think that a man who believed in the Bible or in religion was weak-minded, and I felt in a happy mood when I heard an argument which supported this erroneous position; but after reading Science and Health through, it was evident that I must study the Bible. I read a great deal of it without gaining any understanding, but I persisted. I also read the Lesson-Sermons and other literature issued by The Christian Science Publishing Society, and I now rejoice to say that I can read the Bible for hours and understand much of its teachings, a blessing for which I am indeed very grateful.
I came into Christian Science in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. We lived over a mile from the central part of this city, and it was customary for all who lived in our neighborhood to carry pistols, as the way to the city was through railroad yards and it was considered unsafe to go through them unarmed. I tried to make myself believe that I was not afraid, but I kept my pistol where it was easily reached and felt that every man who passed me was an enemy. I watched him like a hawk, and kept a safe distance between us until he disappeared in the darkness. Through the study of Christian Science, however, I gained such a sweet assurance of the ability of God to protect me that I discarded the pistol entirely, and after the first few trips fear left me to a great extent. It decreased proportionately as my confidence in God's love and protecting power increased. It was certainly a great relief to get rid of the fear of killing a man, even though it were for self-protection. Many times afterward I made the trip at night with no more fear than in the daytime.
