The query, "What influence does the study of Christian Science exert upon college life? has so often been asked that the writer desires to give some of her own experiences in the hope that others may find therein the answer. It was only through Christian Science that she was able to go to college, because of seemingly entire lack of financial resources. Day by day, however, the demands have been supplied, proving the statement on page 494 of our textbook, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."
During the first weeks of college the student found sure comfort and relief from homesickness in Mrs. Eddy's interpretation of the twenty-third psalm as found in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 578), "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [Love] for ever." At that time the realization came that the consciousness of Love is the only true home. Then came the difficulties of becoming accustomed to college methods; but the one Mind, God, untangled every snarl and made the path straight. During examination periods the student tried to realize that she as God's idea was a reflection of infinite intelligence every moment, and she proved that, as John tells us, "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment."
Perhaps the most troublesome problem of all was that caused by the requirement of the study of physics, biology, and physiology. At first the student could see absolutely nothing but error in the subjects, and as for physiology, she could not even remember the facts given, after working on them. Finally, however, after earnest prayer and scientific reasoning, the way to apply the truth to the study of physics was revealed. The truth with reference to biology was also clearly seen, and the student could realize the nothingness of all that is material in it. The difficulty with physiology was overcome, too, by Mrs. Eddy's statement on page 195 in Science and Health, that "observation, invention, study, and original thought are expansive and should promote the growth of mortal mind out of itself, out of all that is mortal." The realization came that this was just what Christian Science was doing for the student,—educating "mortal mind out of itself," by teaching it the unreality of its own beliefs. Great indeed was the gratitude of the writer when the examinations in these subjects were successfully passed.
