About fifteen years ago I first heard of Christian Science. I had been a member of the Church of England all my life, and was very devoted to my church; and I still love all that is true in it. But there came a time when its teachings did not fully satisfy me, and I began to look about for something which would teach me more about God and man. I investigated hypnotism and spiritualism, but found in them no satisfaction. Then two cases of healing through Christian Science—one moral, the other physical—came to my notice; and this induced me to attend a Christian Science testimony meeting in the town where I lived. Several very earnest testimonies were given, which convinced me that I had at last found just what I wanted; so I borrowed a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy that night. I at once gained much help from studying it, and also from the kindness and encouragement which I received from the Christian Scientists with whom I became acquainted at that time; and I have found in Christian Science absolute satisfaction, and a happiness which I know can never be taken from me.
I was then suffering from constant pain in my knee joints, which had become stiff and swollen through rheumatism of many years' standing; but when I saw that this condition was only a belief, which did not come from divine Mind, it vanished. I was also a sufferer from indigestion and bilious attacks. The indigestion was cured as I learned that it was not the food that was harming me, but my fear of it, and that in reality there was nothing to fear; that God never created any food that could cause suffering, for truth is man's food. The bilious attacks were overcome by acknowledging the perfect, harmonious action of the divine Mind, which governs man.
I have also been protected from gas poisoning from a stove in my bedroom, which had been left partially turned on all night. I woke in the night feeling very ill, but not realizing the cause. On turning to divine Mind for help, however, the thought instantly came to me that there is nothing poisonous in the kingdom of heaven, for everything that God made is good. I dwelt on this thought till the sense of sickness left me, after which I fell asleep. When the maid came to call me the next morning, she exclaimed, "Your room is full of gas; I wonder you are alive!" Not only was I alive, but unharmed; and I think I have never felt a greater sense of gratitude than at that moment, for it was such a wonderful proof to me of the presence of that Love which never sleeps and of the angels, or "God's thoughts" (Science and Health, p. 581), protecting me. I had proved true the words: "He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
