Article January 21, 1905 Issue

An Experience

MINNE E. ERWIN

Our Christian Science periodicals come to us so richly laden with offerings from the deep experiences of those who love and live the truth, that we read them with grateful hearts,—grateful that we are permitted to know of their victories,—of the demonstrations of the power of Truth and Love, and we are strengthened and helped by them, often gaining courage for some encounter with the enemy which would overthrow our sense of Truth.

For this reason I venture to give an experience which came to me in the early years of my life in Christian Science, with the hope that some timid ones who long to do right, and yet who do not clearly see the path of duty, and so wait in uncertianty and suffering, may be helped and encouraged to trust, while they stand with staff in hand ready to take the step as soon as it is shown them.

This experience occurred about fifteen years ago. For two years I had been studying with great interest our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. I had also had class teaching, and at this time was able to help myself and others. In the city where I then resided a little band of Christian Scientists were about to organize a church, and as my heart was with them in the work, I longed to be one of the number. I was still connected with my old church which, until I knew of Christian Science, had seemed to me a manifestation of my highest sense of good; but with the understanding of God that I had gained through the study of Christian Science, I was no longer satisfied with its teaching, and longed to be free to follow my new conviction of right. I was a teacher in the Sunday School, but unable longer to teach the children as I had formerly done, and knowing that I would not be allowed to teach them the truths of Christian Science, I saw that I must very soon break this tie. At this time I lived in my father's home. He was pastor of one of the orthodix churches in the city, a man of sterling qualities and wide influence. During years of sorrow that had seemed to cloud my life, he had shown me the utmost tenderness and love, which I deeply appreciated. For sixty years he had served the church and loved it ardently. and I felt that it could not but be to him a crushing grief to see his children step out from its communiion. His thought toward Christian Science was very kind, so I did not wish to antagonize him; and while I was fully decided as to my duty, and that I should do what seemed to me right, how to do it wisely and well was the question that puzzled me.

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