Perhaps it would be well to tell somewhat of my life previous to coming into Christian Science. When in seeming prosperity, and all the world looked bright and beautiful, our dear little girl, three years of age, passed away. I was raised a Presbyterian, and had been a member of that church some years. When our minister came to comfort us, he said, "You must be reconciled to this, for it is God's will. He has taken her away to make you better, to draw you nearer to Him." My reply was, "He has driven me far from Him." I could not believe his words true, for my human father would not be so unjust.

From that time until Christian Science was presented to me, I was like a ship without a rudder. However, I would often take up my Bible, and read the beautiful promises written there, and say, this is beautiful, there is a God, but I do not know where, and I am sure He knows nothing of me, or I should not be sick all the time, and have so much trouble.

A few years after, came another overwhelming trial, when my husband was stricken down with creeping paralysis, now termed locomotor ataxia, and through his protracted illness and mismanagement of business, all earthly treasures seemed to vanish excepting my only son, a mere lad.

After my husband passed away, my son and I came to St. Louis to live. With a few years of hard struggling my son's health failed, and the doctor said he must have a change of climate, it was the only help for him. He went to Denver, and through the change of climate seemed to regain his health. He remained there one year, when I joined him. While there I had a protracted illness; the doctor called the disease the grip, and added to my other old diseases it seemed to leave me in a very bad condition, particularly my head and eyes. While feeling so ill, my attention was called to Christian Science by two young ladies, who had been healed by it. They were then teaching in the Denver public schools. They invited me to attend the Christian Science church with them. The sernion preached that day was, "I am the resurrection and the life," presenting the resurrection from a Scientific standpoint.

I thought I had never heard anything so beautiful, and it gave me food for thought for many weeks. About this time a friend of my son came from Salt Lake City to Denver on a visit, and seeing me so miserable, said, "Now if you will only go to Salt Lake and bathe in it, you will be cured."

Business called my son to Grand Junction, Col., which is about half way to Salt Lake City. While there I met a Christian Scientist and had a few hours' talk with her, and gained a little more understanding of Christian Science. We remained in Grand Junction a few months, when we moved to Salt Lake City, arriving on Thanksgiving Day. I took to my bed that same day.

The landlady and my son said that I should have a doctor. I said no; that they had given me no permanent relief; but if there were a Christian Scientist there I would like to see her.

The healer came about three o'clock in the afternoon. She asked me if I wanted Christian Science. I replied, "I know very little of Christian Science, but I do know I do not want a doctor." She then asked me if I would like to read Science and Health. I told her I would, but I did not know how long it might be before I could see to read, as my eyes were in such a bad condition. I had been wearing glasses for fifteen years, and for the last year I had been obliged to wear an additional pair when reading or sewing. She said, on leaving, "You will be better in a few days, and I will send you a copy of Science and Health to read." She did so. I saw nothing more of this lady until I met her at church several weeks after.

In a few days after this visit I was able to sit up a little while at a time. Then for the first time I picked up Science and Health, and as it seemed very heavy I supported it upon a pillow. The book opened at the Lord's Prayer and on reading it through I came to the line, "Feed Thou the famished affections;" then came a shower of blinding tears, with the realization that I had at last found what would give me peace and rest. As I read on, while it was but a few lines each day, the Scriptures seemed illumined, and I grew stronger each day; but had no ambition for anything but reading the book. On being questioned by those around me as to what I thought of Christian Science, I replied, "It is the light of the world; a city set upon a hill, which cannot be hid."

My healing was very gradual, and not without many struggles, for many times I was tempted to go to a healer. Then "the still, small voice" would say "God is just as near to you, for 'Lo, I am with you alway;'" then I would take new courage, get my Science and Health, and go on reading. I worked on in this way, allowing Spirit to bear witness. My son seeing the beauty of Christian Science soon became greatly interested, and has been following the teachings of Science and Health, ever since, and has made many beautiful demonstrations not only over physical claims, but also in his business. Nearly two years had elapsed before I made the demonstration over my glasses.