Several years ago, when Christian Science was first brought to my attention through a friend, I found myself strongly antagonistic, especially toward Mrs. Eddy, although I knew nothing of this religion, in fact had never seen a copy of Science and Health or any of the Christian Science literature, and knew no one who had been healed. I was an ardent worker in another church, although not fully satisfied with its teachings, for oftentimes a great longing to understand spiritual things would take possession of me. When I would ask "What is truth?" I would be told kindly that we could not hope to understand it until we got to heaven: but now I know that heaven is within our own thinking.
Shortly after first hearing of Christian Science I found myself in an entirely new environment. As a matter of course I went to the church of my denomination and made an effort to take up the old line of work, but soon found my interest lessening until I had no desire to go, for it all seemed so barren. Then began a more restless period in my experience than I had ever known. I seemed to be cut off from the past, but with nothing that took the place of old things. The prejudice toward Christian Science continued for two years or more, and then at last there was a faint desire to know something of it, so I bought a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. After doing this I grew afraid of becoming a Christian Scientist and would pray God to deliver and save me from a teaching which I feared might be of the devil.
The answer to this prayer came, but not in the way I supposed. I soon found myself face to face with an experience which brought me to the very gate of death. The physicians did all they knew how to do, but said there was little chance of my recovery. The nurse would tell me several times a day that the end was likely to come at any moment, as the heart action was most critical; that in fact for several days she had kept me alive by the use of strong stimulants. I then turned unreservedly to Christian Science and cried out for help. It came quickly, and in a few weeks I was entirely healed; but much more to me than the physical healing was the removal of all the old doubts and fears and misgivings in regard to Christian Science.
