In Ephesians (2:8) Paul writes, "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." It was by God's grace that Christian Science was presented to me through the journal and Christian Science Sentinel when I had reached my mental and physical extremity. At the time, I knew nothing about Science, but when I read the testimonies of healing, which seemed so sincere and truthful, I realized that at last I had found the religion I had been seeking. All the religions which I had investigated previously had always left me dissatisfied and discouraged.
As I continued to read these two periodicals, I was filled with a great sense of joy and was healed instantaneously of several chronic ills, such as dyspepsia, which had developed into stomach ulcers, rheumatism in the joints, bilious attacks, constipation, arteriosclerosis, and extreme nervousness. I began reading the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly and attended the services. I found the letter beautiful, but I saw that it would be especially necessary to absorb the spirit. So I persevered, for I knew that I had found the pearl of great price. On page 454 of Science and Health our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, says, "The understanding, even in a degree, of the divine All-power destroys fear, and plants the feet in the true path,—the path which leads to the house built without hands 'eternal in the heavens.'"
This truth was proved to me when I was quite young in Christian Science. I had spent the summer with some friends in the country and had offered to remain and close the house for the winter. One day when it was very cold, I had to be away in the morning, and in the evening as I entered the hall, I felt chilled to the bone. Not having yet learned to apply these words of our Leader (ibid., p. 324), "Be watchful, sober, and vigilant," I made some hot drinks and covered myself with all the woolen clothing I could find. I made a large fire in the fireplace, but could not get warm and felt sharp pains in my lungs. Mortal mind said, "You have pneumonia."
