I joined an orthodox church when very young, mainly because I loved the people who attended and wanted always to be near them. Changes began to come in the home, and the family moved to a distant city. Receiving there a business education, I obeyed parental authority and went to work in offices. I had heard of Christian Science, but only vaguely. Since force was exercised continually in the home, love and affection were lacking; but this condition and also homesickness have been overcome through the study and application of Christian Science.
One day news was brought to our home of a healing of spinal meningitis and tuberculosis that had taken place in a neighbor's family through Christian Science. Later I saw the person who had been healed; she had married after the healing and was very happy in her new home. I asked my mother if there was a book written on the subject of healing, and she informed me that there was such a book, and that if I would pay half the price, she would procure a copy for me. I did this, and soon the precious volume, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, came into my possession. This was kept secret from the family, for the price would have been considered prohibitive.
It was the most difficult book I had ever tried to read, and becoming despondent one day I cried, "O God, please give me this light; others are being greatly benefited by reading this book, why cannot I?" Suddenly I was aware of a warm light on the page. I had been given light, that was all I needed; the little book had become a companion! I have been healed of hypochondria, dyspepsia, poor eyesight, insomnia, seasonal grippe, and constipation with all its attendant ills. With the laying off of "the old man," I have experienced a spiritual awakening, and this joy "none can take away" (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 139). I have had the privilege of serving as librarian and also of teaching a Sunday School class.
