I feel that I should witness to what Christian Science has done for my enlightenment and salvation. During nearly forty years I was a pastor of churches of one of the larger bodies of professing Christians. From early childhood I had been taught the fundamentals of current theology, and had regarded them as Scriptural. Though professedly a teacher of Truth, as I then was, I now realize that I understood only a modicum of Truth, and was to a large extent a blind leader of the blind. I first heard of Mary Baker Eddy and the religion of Christian Science in 1869, while residing in Lynn. From what I then heard regarding Mrs. Eddy and her teaching, I imbibed a prejudice which continued to dominate my thought during all the years of my active ministry, but which I now understand was most unreasoning and unreasonable.
Eight years ago there came a change in my thought-processes. I was led with open mind and heart to ask, What is Christian Science, and what can it do for mankind? In taking up the study of Christian Science, my desire was not to obtain a personal benefit, either physical or mental, but to learn the nature of the teaching and its probable influence on human character and conduct. I read extensively Mrs. Eddy's published works; also much of the authorized literature. The more I read, the clearer and stronger became my conviction, not only that the teaching was good, and if put into practice would result in better manhood and better womanhood, but also that it was in full accord with the teachings of Scripture. I was still somewhat skeptical regarding the "signs following;" but I was soon convinced that they belonged quite as much to this as to any past age, and were actually in evidence now.
I have since experienced many healings, both physical and mental. I have been taken out of a veritable "slough of despond," in which I had been held many years. This healing came with the understanding that God is good, and that good is the All and only. Intestinal influenza was overcome in a few hours by my understanding and persistent declaration of the truth as set forth in the "scientific statement of being" (Science and Health, p. 468). The seeming effect of a severe bite on my arm by a vicious horse, which occasioned much pain, was destroyed instantly by the same means. Hemorrhoids of several years' standing have yielded to the truth of being. As I have gained a larger understanding of Christian Science, it has proved preventive as well as curative. Colds and other minor ills have become less frequent; while many, once of frequent occurrence, have vanished altogether.
