I became interested in the study of Christian Science more than thirty-five years ago, when a dear friend gave me a Sentinel. I read it all; but nothing seemed to appeal to me until I came to the last page. There I saw advertised the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The words "Key to the Scriptures" stood out in golden letters to me. I thought, If that is really a "key" to the Scriptures, I want it! I then asked my friend if she knew where I could get this book, and she said that she would lend me a copy.
Before I opened the book, I prayed to God to show me whether it was of God, and asked that I should not be led away from Him. I had not read many pages of the chapter entitled "Prayer" before my prayer was answered. My little son, then eleven years of age, was very much interested, and wanted me to read to him. He had suffered from a hernia since he was two years old. When I read to him from the chapter on Prayer he said, "Why, Mother, with that understanding of how to pray, I believe I can be healed of my hernia." He removed the support which he had worn all those years and ran off to school. I was, however, somewhat fearful that he should go without his support. When he came home. I asked him how he was, and he said, "Why, Mother, I'm all healed." There was no longer any evidence of the hernia.
That was my direct answer from God. Now, whenever I hear people say that our textbook is difficult to understand, I remember that this child understood it clearly enough to heal himself instantaneously. Therefore I know it requires only a childlike understanding.
