Those who turn unreservedly to Christian Science will enjoy the fulfillment of the promises that it contains. With doubt, prejudice, and hesitation shadowing my attitude toward this revelation of God's Word, my thought wandered as did the children of Israel in the wilderness of materiality. The first copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy that I read, sixteen years ago, left me with an impression that it contained many beautiful sentiments. My concept of Truth, however, was so perverted that it did not seem to me to be practicable for earthly guidance or use.
In 1916, after suffering from what was termed severe throat trouble, I left a hospital at Savannah, Georgia, weak and depressed after having had my throat lanced. I was led to a Christian Science Reading Room, where I bought and read a copy of Science and Health; and in two days I was ready to return to my work. But still I was not ready to see that more than an intellectual indorsement of divine Science was required of me. The "cares of this world ... choke the word," as the Messiah pointed out in his parable of those unprepared for the truth. So a continuous train of chastenings befell me, until I was ready to turn to Christian Science with real yearning. Hitherto I had cherished deluding objections and prejudices. These were put aside; and then there came to my thought a precious realization that in order to study, ponder, and apply this Science, an open mind was necessary.
Shortly after this decision, which came after I had begun to attend regularly a Church of Christ, Scientist, in San Francisco, I was healed of rupture in one treatment. At that time a truss was discarded that I had been wearing eight years as a supposed protection against the cost and pain of a surgical operation.
