My interest in Christian Science began about the time I learned to read fairly well. An older brother, a university man, did not see well enough to read, and I read Science and Health to him, expecting nothing but his satisfaction. I gleaned and accepted the simple, self-evident truths this volume contains. The faultless language and pure logic of our Leader's work helpfully influenced my education, I am sure.
Upon entering the university, I discovered that Christian Scientists held their meetings in our library, and I went voluntarily to my first service. At this session a great sense of peace and tranquillity, which I had not experienced before, and which I shall never forget, enveloped me. Then began the active study of the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly and regular attendance at services. While I was a student in the university, I obtained a position as a schoolteacher. Soon after I had begun regular attendance at Christian Science services, I was offered a better teaching position, and was thus enabled to enroll for class instruction in Christian Science.
My father had not looked with favor on my interest in this Science, and he tried to prevent my going away from home for the class instruction, finally forcing me to a choice between my home and my church. When the board of education, which had granted me a leave of absence, found out about my father's attitude, they not only canceled my leave of absence, but demanded my immediate resignation from their teaching staff. This left me with no reference for another position. My Christian Science teacher pointed out that this was my opportunity to prove whether or not I knew anything about God. When I saw that the apparent calamity was indeed an opportunity, I went earnestly to work to apply the truths which I had learned. The result was that I obtained a better position than the one which I had lost, and each semester new opportunities for expanded activity were added. In a very short time the breach with my father was completely healed.
