I did not come to Christian Science for physical healing, but was drawn to it by seeing that those of my friends who had turned to it seemed to have found what I had long sought, namely, a satisfying religion. Early in life I became a member of a church, and for years lived conscientiously by its teachings. I studied the Bible a great deal and always wondered at its many beautiful promises, which I was taught were for a future world, though I felt a great need of them in this one. Then there came into my life trouble and sorrow which humanly speaking were incurable and unbearable. I could not pray to the God who I believed had thus afflicted me, but still clung to the thought that if I faithfully did the best I knew how I should come out all right. At this time "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy was given me to read. I read it through, and thought it very beautiful in theory but impossible to practise.
For six years after this I struggled on, but at the end of that time I was no better off. Meanwhile a sister came into Science and was restored from a state of constant suffering to perfect health. My own experience, together with my sister's greatly improved life, convinced me that Christian Science was not a mere theory. I longed to study it, but a sense of lack kept me from buying the textbook, and pride prevented me from accepting it as a gift.
It was in the fall of 1909 that I took up the study in earnest. I could say with the psalmist, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." I was ready to lay aside pride and anything else if I might find a satisfying understanding of my relation to God. I found in Christian Science what I sought, and countless blessings of which I had never thought. I have not had the privilege of church attendance, nor any instruction except the study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, "Miscellaneous Writings," and our periodicals. These, together with the Bible and the Quarterly Bible Lessons, have been ray daily study for the last five years.
