It is impossible for me to keep still any longer. In 1885, when I had not known a well day in five years, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” was placed in my hands by a dear lady who insisted upon my reading it, saying she believed it would heal me. Like many, I was afraid of it,—until I learned what it really was. The friend's words were verified. I was healed by the reading of the book, and for one year continued to read nothing whatever but the Bible and Science and Health. They were my constant study. Through the understanding gained, that God is All, I came to demonstrate with great success, and with but one thought,—for I knew nothing about giving a “treatment;” I wish I knew as little now, for I believe that healing in Christian Science is to be done in a moment. I became anxious to learn more, to study with the teacher, but funds would not allow,—and I thought to substitute a course in Chicago, perhaps. Every time I would speak of it, however, my dear mother would say, “You have Science and Health and the Bible, and God for your teacher—what more do you need? If I could not go to the teacher, I would not go to any one.”
If I had only heeded the blessed counsel of Truth!
I went to Chicago, however, so full of confidence in Christian Science that I supposed every one who had studied with Mrs. Eddy must be right. Unfortunately, I took my course with a spiritualist who had been through [pg 426] two of her classes; discovered my mistake, and went to a mind-cure,—only to find the mistake repeated. Being an earnest seeker for Truth, I tried again to go to the Massachusetts Metaphysical College; but it was uncertain when there would be a class, so I took a course with one of Mrs. Eddy's students in Boston. The darkness now rolled away. Science and Health once more revealed the light to me as of old.
All this time, the mind-curers had me in view, and were sending me reading-matter; but, praise the Lord! Truth is victorious.
My dear brothers and sisters, let us be safely guided by the counsels of our Mother, in Science and Health! I, for one, am astounded that I was so led astray; but I did it all through ignorance,—and the sincere desire to know the truth and to do it, saved me.
Your sister in truth, R. D.
I have been reading Science and Health for one year and a half, and have had some wonderful demonstrations. People here are antagonistic to the Science, and tell me that I am a “fit subject for the asylum.” Physicians threaten me with arrest, also, but I walk straight on, knowing well in whom I trust.
E. I. R., Wauseon, Ohio