The Preface to the French translation of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy informs us that in September, 1914, a committee in Paris began the French translation of Science and Health. About the same time I was guided in a way that was to lead me in 1917 to see that Christian Science is the way of salvation and regeneration.
In August, 1914, like many another, I found myself faced with a dilemma: on the one hand to conduct myself as a Christian and observe the requirements of the Scriptures, and on the other hand to fulfill my duty towards my country as a soldier. The contradictory teachings of an orthodox religion had disappointed me very much, and I could not accept its dogma of original sin and condemnation. Furthermore I was considered by my family, as well as by doctors, to be condemned to suffer from tuberculosis, which had already caused several deaths in our family. In this painful extremity I decided to rely exclusively on God for guidance, asking Him to light a way that I might follow. I wished especially to observe the sixth commandment of the Decalogue (EX. 20:13), "Thou shalt not kill."
"Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds," Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 1). In 1917, while at the front, I received some pamphlets and articles on Christian Science, as well as a copy of Science and Health, which I studied with much interest. I realized that this Science was the new way to which I had prayed to be guided.
