My attention was first called to Christian Science in 1905, at which time I attended my first Wednesday evening testimony meeting. The only testimony of that evening which I recall was of the healing of cancer, given in a simple, sincere manner which left no doubt as to its truthfulness. Being quite young and very self-satisfied with my thinking, I did not look into the subject at that time, although a relative had been wonderfully helped through treatment; however, a tiny seed had been planted which was later to spring forth and bud. I moved to Los Angeles soon afterward, and a neighbor lent me a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, which I read in part; but the soil of my consciousness had not been sufficiently prepared to receive its teachings.
When, a few years later, I was compelled to give up all that seemed most dear to me, the resultant grief and disappointment brought on a serious condition of the heart. On my return to this city, the all-seeing eye of infinite divine Love, apprehending my every need, directed me to locate next door to a student of Christian Science, whose earnestness and intelligence so impressed me that I felt encouraged to look into the subject more deeply. The beautiful definition of God, given on page 587 of Science and Health, gave me a sense of peace I had never known before. When I had finished reading the textbook, I was healed of a condition of the eyes which had been diagnosed by a specialist as double astigmatism, and for which I had worn glasses constantly for three years, suffering severe pain much of the time. The help of a practitioner was sought for the more serious ailment, and the healing was very slow, due in part to my fear of giving up a certain medicine; and until I did give it up and had placed full reliance on the omnipotence of God, I could make no further progress in spiritual understanding.
At a time when the end seemed near, a dear, faithful practitioner was called to my home, and spoke to the fear which seemed to overshadow me, "as one having authority," quieting my turbulent thought. Normal action was restored in about two hours, enabling me to walk into the kitchen for a glass of milk. Members of the family asked why I did not let them wait upon me; but I could only smile my happiness, for I felt that surely the Lord was in the place. At that moment all belief in the necessity for any material remedy was completely shattered, and a great hungering and thirsting after righteousness took possession of me, so that for months I did little else than study the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings. The Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, and Monitor were subscribed for, and through these precious channels of love and light I was wonderfully blessed. Truth, thus revealed, stood out as a beacon light, guiding into the haven of Love, dispelling much of the mist of sensitiveness, selfishness, and jealousy. Then love, charitableness, and compassion gained the ascendancy in thought, and through this purifying process I was healed of chronic headaches, periodical attacks of tonsillitis, and a slight hernia.
