Christian Science was first presented to me in 1914 by an associate in the office where I was employed. At first I was not at all interested in it, but soon this friend offered me some of the periodicals, which I began to read. It was through this reading that my eyes were opened to the fact that this was the religion for which I had been searching for many years. I had formerly been a member of an orthodox church, and had earnestly tried to apply my religion in a practical way, but had seemed unable to do so. When Christian Science came to me it was indeed an answer to prayer. I began almost immediately to attend the church services and the lectures. I also purchased a copy of Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, and subscribed for the periodicals published by The Christian Science Publishing Society. I discarded all medicines, and during the intervening years I have not used material remedies in any form, and have been in excellent health, having experienced only brief periods of illness. These difficulties were quickly and often instantaneously healed through the application of the teachings of Christian Science. Among these healing were those of severe colds, quinsy, ptomaine poisoning, a severe nervous attack, extreme fatigue, headaches, and other difficulties.
I am particularly grateful for the help I am daily receiving in overcoming undesirable traits of character, such as sensitiveness, intolerance, prejudice, and an egotistical sense of extreme likes and dislikes. It is helping me to see my neighbor's true selfhood as God's child, hence spiritual. It is also of invaluable assistance to me in my daily work.
I have found wonderful inspiration in Mrs. Eddy's statement (Science and Health, p. 495): "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought." I have been able many times to overcome illness and inharmony through the application of this statement. I have also been able to overcome extreme fear by realizing the truth of Isaiah's prophecy, "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." Many such statements in the Bible had always seemed beautiful to me from a literary standpoint, but not until I began the study of Christian Science did I believe them to be applicable to present-day conditions.
