One afternoon in March, 1916, while visiting with a friend, conversation turned to Christian Science, and finally she offered me her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, which I gladly accepted, curious to know what was in it yet positive that I did not want it as a religion. My understanding of Christian Science was that it called for a life of prayer, and the only concept I had of prayer was the long audible petition that accomplished so little. I might say right here that I am learning the true concept of prayer and what a beautiful thing it is.
For eighteen years I had been in poor health, but the most severe trouble was with my eyes. I had worn glasses for fifteen years, but my eyes steadily grew worse, until it seemed as though the verdict of many good oculists would be fulfilled and blindness would be my fate by the time I was fifty, if not before. There was one delicate operation that could be performed, but no assurance could be given that it would be successful or even improve conditions. For nearly two years it had been impossible for me to face strong light, even daylight, without specially ground, shaded lenses, and even with these I could not use my eyes steadily for more than ten minutes at a time. My life was miserable because of this trouble, but I never dreamed that God would help me.
After dinner on the day mentioned I made preparations for the night, and then settled down with the textbook. I had read but a few moments when I found that the Bible and a dictionary were needed, so I got them,—and I would like to say that my Bible was in as perfect condition as the day it was given me, seven years previous. To-day it needs to be replaced with a new one, for it has been my daily companion ever since. As I resumed my reading it was twenty minutes past eight. When the door opened later and my husband came in, I wondered what had brought him home so soon, for I did not think he was due for several hours; but as I looked up to greet him, my eyes fell on the clock and it was quarter past twelve. I was enraptured with my find, and gladly recounted a part of what I had learned. We talked for an hour or more and when we prepared to retire I reached up to take my glasses off, and found I did not have them on. They have not been needed since, although I work all day in artificial light.
