Several years ago I first opened my heart to receive the blessings of Christian Science, and the spirit of the Christ indeed came in to sup with me. Many times I had turned a deaf ear to the call, saying, "I am reverent, but not religious: and I cannot make myself believe in creeds and such things. Christian Science does not appeal to me." But other things did, material things, until the time came when they proved to be but broken reeds; then in fear and despair I began to long for something better and higher than the only life I knew. I found myself envying those who seemed to find comfort in their religion, and to wish that I, too, had something of the kind to fall back upon.
A friend to whom I unburdened my woes suggested Christian Science, although she was not then and is not now a student of it and she kindly got out the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and offered it to me not knowing that she was offering me, the one thing most needed. As it was a gift to her she thought she ought not to give it away. But she said, "You can keep it as long as you like; I can't make anything out of it, but maybe you can." Turning over the pages I read a line here and there, little dreaming that that moment was the great turning point in my whole life. Unconsciously I "opened the door ' when I laid the book down, saying decidedly, "Thanks, no. I won't take your book. If I feel that I can keep it indefinitely probably I may not study it. But if I spend my own hard earned money for one I'll feel that I must study to get my money's worth." For money was conspicuously lacking with me. My friend tried to dissuade me, but I persistently hunted up a reading room and purchased the best edition of Science and Health. All the way home I hugged the book under my right arm, which had for months been useless, due to neuritis. It was in fact like the feeling that a drowning man is said to have when he clutches at a straw—only in this case it proved to be a solid plank.
For weeks I read and pondered its pages, often almost despairing at my inability to understand, but still persisting, because there was nothing else for me. At first it was like Greek to me. But in time I began to see that it could cure sin, although I could not see how it could cure disease, and would not have treatment for a long time. When I did I was relieved through the first treatment of the intense pain in my arm and slept through the entire night, which seemed a wonderful thing. Gradually the stiffened joints and muscles began to relax, and in the course of a year became normal, although I had treatment for only one month.
