At the beginning of the great war. I was physically ill and was undergoing a seemingly worrying experience generally: my income was reduced owing to war conditions, and it seemed necessary for me to call on my physician. He was very patient and urged me to take a holiday, which I promptly declined, saying, "If you are a doctor, why don't you give me some medicine and cure me?" He very honestly said it was not medicine I needed so much as a complete change, and that I would have a nervous breakdown if I did not get away. Although I was very irritable and wanted to be left alone, and felt that every tiny bit of food taken caused me pain I went to visit some friends in another city. In the course of a conversation the question was asked. What is Christian Science? and my friend aroused my interest by saying she believed there was a reading room in that city and proposed that I go there and read and find out for myself. I thought that it was merely another "ism," but somehow I had a longing to find out. I summoned up sufficient courage to visit the Christian Science reading room, only hoping no one would address me. I searched through a few pamphlets and then asked the lady in charge to give me the A B C book on Christian Science. With no comment, for which I was very thankful, she handed me "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I read on as long as I could, and I knew I had found the truth. I can never explain the sacredness of it all as it appeared to me. I felt I did not want to talk about it to my friends and in answer to questions I just said, "It is the truth." I returned feeling that I wanted my lunch, and I partook of a hearty one. As usual my friends looked to see it I were suffering pain, but I laughingly said I could eat more. I knew fresh light had come, and I wondered if it would last, but did not voice this aloud. My friend remarked, "Oh, is that a bit of Christian Science?" but I felt I could nut bear her to joke: in I had not time to think of the healing, although I knew I was well, and from that time I have been free from pain. All mental depression has vanished, together with a serious liver complaint. I borrowed a copy of Science and Health and greedily drank in its contents, and soon purchased one, also the Quarterly.
The librarian mentioned the Wednesday evening testimony meeting and I went to this service. May I never forget the sacred uplifting I received both at the Sunday service and the Wednesday evening meeting. I felt so well I declared I ought to return home at once but my friends urged me to go to the hills for my holiday as previously arranged. This I did and took my books, and there on the glorious hills I studied hours daily and was at once able to demonstrate the truth. I returned home in perfect health and was able to help others very quickly. There was very much to learn. As Mrs. Eddy says on page 559 of Science and Health, "It will be indeed sweet at its first taste, when it heals you: but murmur not over Truth, if you find its digestion bitter." Christian Science means everything to me; it does not promise ease in the flesh, but if any one should ask. Is it worth while? I would say, Yes, a thousand times over! The Bible is a new living Book, and we ordinary men and women can obey the command right here and now to heal the sick and can indeed have the same Mind in us "which was also in Christ Jesus." There is nothing too difficult, no problem which cannot be met by divine Love. Lack, and all kinds of discord have been overcome. I have always secretly longed to be of real service in the world, and oh, what a glorious opportunity is given to those who are conscientiously following their Leafier, Mrs. Eddy, who only desires that we follow her in so far as she follows Christ.
I cannot speak too highly of all of the literature, which comes so regularly with its message of Truth. I. too am very grateful to Mrs. Eddy for so living that she was enabled to impart or to share with all her understanding of God. Although I live in a cathedral city. Christian Science has found its way here and has come to stay. We meet in a private house for our services, and the healing work is steadily going on. When reading through the testimonies I always look for some from people who might happen to live near here, but I gladly send mine instead of waiting for others first.— Hereford, England.
