My introduction to Christian Science was through the periodicals, in particular the Christian Science Sentinel. I was a member of another faith, but my wife and her immediate family had become interested in Christian Science and attended Sunday services and Wednesday evening testimony meetings. I attended my own church, but I read the literature they brought home from their church. At first I was not particularly impressed, but as I continued to read the articles and testimonies, the light of understanding began to shine and grew brighter as I continued to study. I soon found myself attending the Christian Science church. Now I am a member of The Mother Church and also a branch church.
About eight years ago the filling in a large molar, which had been filled in 1923, became loose and finally came out. I considered having the tooth extracted; it felt very uncomfortable in my mouth. Then the thought came very strongly: "Why, I am studying Christian Science. Isn't God the supreme healer?" I knew that an understanding of Truth could remove the old tooth and replace it with a new one.
I worked with the Lord's Prayer and certain psalms, including Psalm 100, which tells us (verses 3 and 5): "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us. ... The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." From Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy I worked with the definition of "believing" found on page 582. It begins, "Firmness and constancy; not a faltering nor a blind faith, but the perception of spiritual Truth." And in connection with this definition, Hymn No. 205 in the Christian Science Hymnal became my prayer. Its first verse reads,
