In talking with a friend recently I remarked, "If Christian Science offered no help at all in time of sickness, it would still be the greatest blessing in the world in teaching one how to live," and my own experience has been proof of the statement. Although raised in a denominational church I gave up even church attendance at the earliest opportunity. It seemed to me that the church member got nothing from his efforts and seemed to have even more trouble than the rest of the world, to which he was taught to be resigned but was offered no means of escape. Though I felt the Bible contained some vital truths, I knew not how to find them and so ended by considering it interesting literature, and the teachings of Jesus as beautiful but entirely beyond the power of any one to emulate. As a result I turned to the study of mathematics and physical science as the only subjects that to me seemed logical, or governed by law. I often wondered over the fact that if one wished to design a machine or calculate the path of a projectile there were certain definite laws to follow, but if one desired to overcome anger or conquer fear there were no rules to guide him and few persons could offer even an opinion as to the method to pursue.
It was in this state of mind that I found Christian Science, and its logic appealed to me from the beginning. Perhaps nothing struck me more forcibly than the statement on page 3 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where Mrs. Eddy says, "Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem?" In fact the whole chapter entitled "Prayer" struck me as the first reasonable and logical teaching I had seen under the name of religion. Continued study more than fulfilled all the promise which this foretaste gave. I had considered that if there was a God, He was at best unknowable, but I found that Christian Science was doing exactly what Paul did for the Athenians, declaring a comprehensible teaching about God. I reveled in Mrs. Eddy's use of that appropriate and expressive term, Principle. The Bible became a new book to me, full of the most profound truths. Jesus' teachings were made clear, and best of all it was shown that they could be actually lived.
Christian Science is surely the Science or true knowledge of living and although I am thankful for many physical healings, I am more thankful for an entirely changed outlook on life, for the overcoming in a large measure of pride, envy, moodiness, discouragement, and fear in so many directions. What a blessing to have a teaching that is demonstrably true and which gives the right solution to every problem of one's experience.—
