On page 390 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes: "It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony." Earnest effort to understand God brought me freedom from a fatal disease, a degrading habit, and a mental illness as detailed in the following paragraphs.
My case was diagnosed by medical specialists as tuberculosis, and they predicted that I had approximately a year to live. My two sons were preschool age at that time, and I wanted them to know somehow that God would help them when I was gone. The answer to this prayer came as if spoken aloud: "Give the children Christian Science, a rock to stand on." Through the most unexpected source a copy of the Journal was given to me. A Christian Science practitioner's name was selected from its listings. The next day after an encouraging visit with her, she directed me to a Christian Science Reading Room, where I got a copy of the textbook, Science and Health.
I did not at that time ask the practitioner for any further help. However, I spent every morning reading the textbook and explaining the unfolding truths to the children as I read. We were learning to understand God as our ever-present Father-Mother, who is both able and willing to protect and save His children from all ills. We completed the first reading of this great book in two weeks. I had not visited any doctors or taken any medicine since beginning to read Science and Health.
