The Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, was lent to me by a friend who is not a Christian Scientist, but who thought it might do me good if I could accept its teachings. I read it through eagerly with the hope that I might be freed from the many troubles that seemed too much for me, both mental and physical. Previous to this, osteopathic and medical doctors had done all they could to help me, but without avail. I had also been wearing glasses because of astigmatism, eyestrain, and severe headaches. The night I finished the textbook I thought I was no better. Little did I realize my thoughts were already being changed to more scientific thinking. I had given up the use of pills and tonics, and had also laid aside glasses which I had worn for many years; but, not understanding Christian Science, I did not realize that this was the beginning of my healing.
When Christian Science was at last taken up seriously, in February, 1925, it found me in a condition that the doctor termed and extreme case of nerves and run-down condition. I longed to be free from the severe headaches, backaches, constipation, and other ills from which I suffered daily. A great sense of fear at times overwhelmed me; I could not talk to anyone, and I longed for something, I knew not what. I can never express my gratitude for the wonderful sense of peace that came to me after going to a Christian Science practitioner for help. I then realized that error had kept me from this truth long enough, and I could not study our textbook sufficiently to satisfy the longing for more of the good that was being unfolded to me. I had always loved the New Testament and often pondered Jesus' words and works with a great longing, wondering why he could not be with us today, when many were in need of him. The Bible was being revealed to me! I began to realize that Christ is here now, because the Christ, the true idea of God, could never die.
Night after night I used to pray that I might awaken to find I had been having only a bad dream, and when I told the practitioner this she said, "And that is just what you are doing, awakening to find that these mortal beliefs are a dream, and that you are free!" My healings have been slow, but I have steadily made progress, and I can never cease to be grateful for the lessons that have come and are constantly coming to me through Christian Science.
