At the age of ten I was spiritually awakened. I shall never forget the great peace that came to me, and from that day to this I have never doubted God in His protecting care over me. He has been "a very present help" in all the sunshine and shadows of my life, but I always supposed God made everything, good, bad, and indifferent, all we see, hear, or think. I had heard of Christian Science many years ago, but never gave it a second thought, as I considered it anything but the true way of advancing in the Christian life, in which I worked faithfully for thirty-five years, always active in the various branches of church and Sunday school work.
My health gave way in my endeavor to keep up with home, business, and church duties. I believed that God was a loving Father, guiding me all the way, but which way I knew not. I visited a friend who had commenced the study of Christian Science for her eyes. To assist her I read the Bible in connection with the Lesson-Sermons, and the truth as taught in Christian Science came into my life from that reading; but I did not realize this until some months later. I had no throat trouble that winter, though I had been subject to it since my earliest recollection. Then, too, some people had injured me very much, as I thought, and I hated them; but I forgot all about the affair.
In the spring I called on a friend whom I had known for some time; but I was not aware that she was a Christian Scientist until she told me her husband had been healed of wearing glasses, and also spoke of some other cures she knew about. She gave me three copies of the Sentinel. I had never heard of this periodical before, so I read the copies with a great deal of interest, and especially the testimonies of healing. I borrowed a copy of Science and Health from the reading-room for two weeks and attended three Wednesday evening meetings. By the first of August the truth dawned on me so clearly that I realized I could have here and now all I had been hoping to attain when I left this earth. I therefore sent in my resignation from the different offices I held in the church and bought a copy of Science and Health. I had worn glasses for three years, and two oculists said I would always have to wear them; but after studying Science and Health six weeks I laid them aside, except for reading and sewing. About six months later I left them off and now do not need them at all.
