My attention was first drawn to Christian Science through the healing of a friend, and a copy of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, was immediately purchased; but it was not until a few years later that I became sufficiently interested to take up the study of this Science. At that time there was the greatest longing for spiritual things which I had ever experienced, and I had always been religiously inclined. After having spent several profitable years in an active business career, my health failed me, and I retired from business and decided to enter the ministry as soon as my health would permit, a thing I had long wanted to do. My constant prayer was that God would, in His great goodness, give me the Holy Ghost; for the New Testament describes it as wonderfully uplifting those receptive to it, and to me this stood out as the greatest thing to be desired. I was not able to tell from reading the Bible just how God was going to give me the Holy Ghost, but I felt certain that He would, and after a short time my prayer was answered. While visiting in another city I was prompted to attend a Wednesday evening testimony meeting at one of the Christian Science churches. It was then it became evident to me that this religion must be the truth. For nearly a year thereafter I stayed on a farm in New England and did little else than carefully and earnestly study the Bible and Science and Health.
In the Bible the term "Holy Ghost" is used ninety times, and in all of Mrs. Eddy's writings it is used twenty-five times, including a definition on page 588 of Science and Health, as follows: "Holy Ghost. Divine Science; the development of eternal Life, Truth, and Love." That this definition is scientific and correct, my experience proved to my entire satisfaction, in clarified and exalted spiritual sense and by restoring me to perfect health, also by other healings, such as the overcoming of nettle stings, a large water blister covering the palm of one hand, and colds. I was profoundly happy. The Holy Ghost had come to me, to be utilized to the fullest extent. All expectations of becoming a clergyman were supplanted by a desire to know more of this demonstrable religion, and I have ever since been endeavoring to understand and live the truth as taught in Christian Science more and more each day.
Other ailments for the healing of which I am grateful to Christian Science include bowel trouble, hay fever, and paralysis. All desire for tobacco has also left me, and a deep cut from a razor was instantaneously healed without leaving a scar. Christian Science has made me much more loving, forbearing, and considerate toward others, and has taught me how to understand and love God. It has been a protection from heat and fatigue, from accidents, and from jealousy and malice.
