I first became interested in Christian Science in 1916, through a friend whose husband was at the war, and who, in spite of this, seemed always happy and cheerful about him. I began to wonder how she could be like that, and after a little time she lent me "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. When I had read it through I felt so much better physically and mentally —for I was unhappy at the time— that I went on studying, and gradually began to apply what little I knew to physical problems, with what seemed to me surprising results.
The first outstanding healing I received was of influenza. During the epidemic at that time I was doing war work in the bank in my home town. With the help of a practitioner I was completely healed of this disease in five days, and was back at work quite well. The rest of the staff were absent for three or four weeks with the same trouble. I was able to do the bank work till the war was over, without missing any other time on account of illness, although I had been told by a specialist when a child that I should never take up an indoor occupation. This and many other so-called laws of materia medica have been proved false since that time, and I am grateful for a better understanding of health as spiritual wholeness and not a physical condition. This has been manifested in continued good health for many years, and the speedy overcoming of threatening symptoms in many instances—often with only the help of our textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy.
I have been freed of fear of infection, of a tendency to take cold, of bad temper, and of many other errors, including a habit of criticism of others, which I am most thankful to say has been replaced by a feeling of love. I am grateful for the physical healings, for they are proofs that Christian Science is indeed the truth that makes free. But I am even more grateful for the spiritual peace and joy that come through the clearer understanding of God which Christian Science gives us in increasing measure.
