At first I was a casual reader of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and therefore I understood very little of what I read, having no conception of its priceless quality. Also, I resented its correcting influence, a very persistent influence, because I liked my own way, which was not always the way of Christian Science.
The friend who had lent me Science and Health and had talked to me of God's gracious healing power went overseas shortly afterward; and since I knew of no Christian Scientists in the colony, I thought I would leave Science alone. I had been only mildly interested, mostly in an effort to please my friend, but I had been unhappy and aching for a more satisfying way of life for years. However, I found that I literally could not let go of the religion, or rather it would not abandon me. Such was my marvelous fortune.
Before going overseas, my friend had visited me one evening when I felt very miserable with a feverish cold. These colds came periodically and usually lasted weeks. A member of my family who is a trained nurse had earlier in the day advised me to see a doctor; but I had the belief that a cold must run its course, since hitherto that had been my experience. My friend soon left, and I fell asleep and awakened the next morning feeling radiantly well and happy to the amazement of all who had seen me the previous day, and to my own wonderment. I had no idea at that time of the beautiful process of healing that had taken place through my friend's rejection from her own thinking of the suggestion of illness.
