In March, 1929, my mother asked me to bring her two books from the public library. The titles she gave me were somewhat vague, but I was able to obtain the right books: they were the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy" by Sibyl Wilbur. She suggested that while she was reading one I should read the other, but I said I was resting my eyes after years of study and had neither desire for nor interest in print of any sort. Less than a week later I was divinely led to take up this Science. I received by mail certain information that took me utterly by surprise, and that shocked and grieved me beyond measure. My standard of morality and idealism had received a cruel blow. The matter was one I could not divulge; therefore the situation was still more trying for me to bear. In this mental state of agitation I paced up and down, finding no consolation. Then, seeing a book on the table, I picked it up, hoping to find relief in reading. It was Science and Health. I opened it at random and read a paragraph. The little I read was so original, so assuring, and so suitable to the occasion that I sat down to ponder it. My contemplation unconsciously applied the Science in demonstration, and I knew then and there that this wonderful book was to be my salvation. That glimpse of Truth alone had effectually calmed me and prepared me to face the unpleasant situation a few days later with kindness, tolerance, and charity, instead of with anger, harshness, and cruelty, as would otherwise have been the case. This was clear proof to me that Science and Health came to me at a most needed time in my life, to guide and save me. From that hour I took up the study of the book seriously. Before I had read far I knew I had found a priceless treasure. I had no difficulty in seeing that the reasoning in Science and Health was beyond dispute. I was ready, and I accepted with thankfulness the great tidings of joy.
When it was observed that I had seriously taken the book to my heart, all sorts of arguments were put forth to belittle the teachings and to induce me to slacken my hold on it; but I held on the tighter, saying, "How can I deny facts when they stare me in the face?" After finishing the borrowed book, I longed to possess one of my own. At that time I had eyes and ears for nothing but Science and Health, but in course of time I bought Mrs. Eddy's entire works, as well as "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy" by Sibyl Wilbur. These books I have read over and over again, and can never dispense with reading them. Each reading of the Wilbur book spurs me on to fresh endeavors.
Up to a few years ago I had been trying to find a true religion; the Bible only served me as an aid to study in the solution of the grammatical intricacies of various languages. I had read it in English, French, German, Latin, Arabic, Persian, and Urdu; yet with all this getting of wisdom I did not "get understanding." I tried other teachings, and carefully read the Koran, the sacred book of the Moslems, but found therein nothing to satisfy my hunger after the real. In like manner I gave up searching in the Bahai or Babi literature. Sufism, of which Persian literature in the main is composed, did not enlighten me or offer me any satisfaction. I can truly say that Science and Health supplied my need, in that it is in very truth the "key" to the Scriptures. The Bible is no longer a sealed book to me, and I delight in reading it now. I can candidly say, "Whereas I was blind, now I see."
