In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 227): "Christian Science raises the standard of liberty and cries: 'Follow me! Escape from the bondage of sickness, sin, and death!' Jesus marked out the way. Citizens of the world, accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free! This is your divine right."
Almost half a century ago I accepted this invitation. The first step in following, I felt, was to enroll my children in a Christian Science Sunday School, yet at that time there was no Christian Science church organization in Tokyo, Japan. As if in fulfillment of the words of Isaiah (65:24): "Before they call, I will answer," a consecrated Christian Scientist, who had come from the United States and was living in Japan, agreed to teach the children. A class was formed with about ten pupils. Additional pupils came later. It proved to be a wonderful experience. The class was not only a joy to the children but a marvel to us mothers, for we were yet strangers to Christian Science. I am very grateful for the total dedication of this loyal Christian Scientist.
To teach Christ, Truth, as given in Christian Science, in a non-Christian country where belief in gods many and minds many prevailed, was not an easy or quick work. In Japan, there were still many time-honored and restrictive customs, such as a rigid family system, ceremonial practices, and limitation on women. It required infinite patience with an unswerving adherence to divine Principle, Love, to present Christian Science. The children were taught the pure letter of Christian Science and how to practice it in their daily living. This established them firmly on the rock, Christ, Truth, as the future years showed. Today many of the pupils of these early years, including my children, are now active, devoted workers in His vineyard.
