It is with a deep sense of gratitude for Christian Science that I gladly take this opportunity to state what it has done for me. Although I had been interested in Christian Science for years, I believed it to be of human origin, and that it was only one more sect added to the great number already existing. I was, however, unsatisfied by the religious instructions given by the different churches which I had attended—and they were not few. I was hungry for Truth, and went from place to place seeking God; but I found Him not, until one day one of my dearest friends, who had often spoken to me of Christian Science, talked to me earnestly and clearly on the subject which was so dear to her, and which she had proved for herself to be true.
At that time I was suffering from several so-called chronic ailments; but I felt I could not take up Christian Science mainly for physical healing. I wanted a religion that was divine. I little thought it would be Christian Science; but when my friend made clear to me that Christian Science not only heals the sick but also reforms the sinner, I knew that I had found the Christ, Truth. I said very little about it, but kept it in my heart, and went away rejoicing.
Meanwhile I began to study the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. I cannot express in words what the first two chapters of that book meant to me. I saw that Science and Health was not of human origin, but was an inspiration from God to the pure and receptive consciousness of the writer of it. Every line of the book was satisfying, and met the heart's need. It also brought great light on what I had learned in the Bible, but had not understood in a logical and practical way. The reading went on very slowly, because of bad health. I suffered from insomnia, and therefore began to read at night; but I was healed of this trouble after two nights' reading. I was almost sorry that the healing came so soon, the book was so very interesting; but I realized that God was able to open the way for me and give me right opportunities for reading.
