Christian Science was brought to me by friends who came to live in our home at a time of sorrow and depression, when I found myself dependent upon my own resources for the maintenance of my child and myself. They were Christian Scientists, and I was impressed with the logic and beauty of the teachings they presented; but I wanted to know more fully to what extent these related to the Bible. I had been brought up in an orthodox minister's home, where a strong Biblical faith was taught and lived by my parents. So I was not satisfied simply to read Mrs. Eddy's works.
After speaking with a Christian Science practitioner, I procured a copy of the Christian Science quarterly and began the regular study of the Lesson-Sermons. As I progressed with this study of the Bible, I realized that here was a teaching more logical and practical than any I had ever known. While inharmonious physical conditions were not among my problems at the time, I soon became conscious of minor discordant conditions to which I could apply the doctrine, in so far as I understood it, and put it to the test. Later, more serious conditions presented themselves, until, over a period of nineteen years, and depending entirely upon Christian Science, I have been healed of many difficulties, including sprained ankles and a badly bruised foot and ankle. I was thrown from the top of a stepladder, which separated, catching my foot between the steps as I landed full length on my back. That healing seemed so slow that my family urged me to have an X ray taken to find the trouble. I refused, knowing that "mortal mind sees what it believes as certainly as it believes what it sees," as Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 86)and that it is divine Mind which heals. In five weeks I was able to go to Sunday school to take charge of my class, and to church services.
I have been healed of rheumatism, acute symptoms of gall-bladder trouble, shingles which almost encircled my waist, and bronchial troubles. Also, through learning that sight is a mental faculty and is not in matter, I have been spared resorting to the use of glasses. While I am very grateful for all these physical healings, brought about with the help of various practitioners in addition to my own work, I am deeply grateful for the understanding I have gained of the true God and man's relation to Him. This has improved my disposition in my contacts with my fellow men, for I realize that "Love is reflected in love"(ibid., p. 17)
