Article November 30, 1899 Issue

A Confession

By Alfred Moore

When about twelve years old I became a member of the Congregational Church, which I had attended from my earliest recollections. In a short time I deeply regretted the step I had taken, for realized I did not believe what I professed, and as I did not wish to become a hypocrite it made me very miserable, especially after talking with some of the members as to a means of escape. I was told there was no way except by excommunication for cause. I then determined to leave my home and did so, at about sixteen years of age, much against the wishes of my parents (as I was the youngest boy of ten children). I went as far as possible (from Newark to California), thinking to escape my troubles, which I tried to forget in worldly pleasures.

After about eight years I succeeded in having my name dropped from the church records. I then tried to become an infidel, but I did not succeed, for I always admired the example of Christ, and in looking back now I do not believe there ever was a time that in my inmost heart I did not long to know the Truth and was, in some degree at least, a searcher after it, but it must rest on demonstration, not theory.

When I first heard of Christian Science, eleven years ago, I was very much prejudiced against it, and did not wish to investigate it on account of my former experience. But about one year ago, at the earnest request of a very dear friend and Scientist who had patiently labored with me during all these years, I went to the Mother Church. It was indeed a surprise to me in more ways than I can mention. I had been to church only a very few times since my boyhood, and although I went fully determined not to believe, and classed Christian Science with Spiritualism and thought it a fraud and a scheme to make money, I felt the love-thought that was expressed there more by actions than by words, but I fought it as best I could. However, I was not able to resist my inclination to go again, and up to the present time have been a regular attendant, although I live about eight miles from the Mother Church.

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