About six years ago I was compelled, by reason of...

Peter B. Biggins

About six years ago I was compelled, by reason of nervous breakdown, to give up my legal studies and law office work, to both of which I was devoted. I was advised by the physician whom I consulted (one of the best in Edinburgh, Scotland) to try constant change of scene, which I did. This went on for about a year, when—no improvement being manifest in my condition—I was advised to try outdoor work. This advice was followed, and I spent my evenings in the pursuit of my favorite studies. The best in literature were my constant companions, my reading being deep and thoughtful rather than extensive; my favorite authors then occupying the place in my regard which the greatest of all books, the Bible and Science and Health, now hold.

My efforts at this time were rewarded in a degree, but as it seemed I would not be able to undertake office work again, I decided, about four years ago, to go to Canada. I did so, and engaged in farm work, quietly pursuing my studies in the very limited time at my disposal. Three winters ago, after a summer of hard work and the strenuous work of the threshing season, I went to stay with a friend who since early boyhood had been my bosom companion, remaining there the greater part of the winter, and in February, 1907, went down to Winnipeg to begin work in a law office. I found, however, I had not yet overcome my fears, and thought it wise not to go on with this work when I felt that eventually I would have to give it up.

One day I met a friend from my native town in one of the city banks, where he was employed. After this we met frequently, and together attended an orthodox church, where I heard what seemed to me the best sermons I had ever listened to. In one of these sermons the preacher dealt mainly with Christian Science, and while he had much to say in favor of it, he somewhat illogically did not extend his eulogy to its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy. A few days after hearing this particular sermon, I came across a copy of the Christian Science Sentinel in the free library of the city, and it struck me as being the purest, clearest, and most helpful literature I had ever read. Later on I became acquainted with the Journal, and these I literally devoured, although I sedulously tried not to let any one see what I was reading. I felt sure that I had found the truth, but I wanted to prove what I could of it in a quiet way before saying anything about it.

Noticing the frequent references to the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, I proceeded on a voyage of discovery through the most of the bookstores in the city; but the assistants in the various stores could not provide what I wanted. I returned to the library, to get the address of the Christian Science reading-room, and immediately went there. The words of the attendant impressed me very much, and I could see that she had something she was quite sure about. I procured a copy of Science and Health, and that same day returned West to a situation which had been offered me. On the train I opened the text-book of Christian Science for the first time, and I shall never forget the light and the harmony that flooded my consciousness. The stanza from "The Lost Chord" which our Leader quotes on page 18 of her Message to The Mother Church in June, 1900, exactly expresses how I felt:—

It flooded the crimson twilight
Like the close of an angel's psalm,
And it lay on my fevered spirit
With a touch of infinite calm.

I lived more in a few hours than I had done during half my lifetime—nay, during the whole of it, because the reading of this book gave me an inspiration I never had before. Every hymn, psalm, or piece of poetry that I had ever learned or heard seemed to come back to memory. I could not help thinking, "Truly it is good to be here," but I have since found that after we thus behold the glories in the mount of revelation we have to come down into the valley and prove up; "for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."

I continued to study Science and Health as well as I could, and the lady in Winnipeg sent me a Quarterly and numerous periodicals and helpful letters. She wrote me of a lecture which was to be delivered in Virden, and my friend (before mentioned) and I drove in and heard it. I may here say that he embraced Science as soon as it was presented to him, and thus we are bound by a stronger tie than ever. In fact, we are now living in the same house, working in the same office, and seeking daily to know more of the same God. The next day after the Christian Science lecture, we met the resident Scientists. In a short time I came to Virden to stay. My physical condition at the time I took up Christian Science was very low, and my weight greatly reduced. I had three weeks' treatment, and within the next seven months I gained wonderfully. Living in the atmosphere of clear scientific thought, my initial steps were carefully watched, and I realize gratefully how much I owe to this fortunate beginning.

At a recent business meeting of the local church I was appointed Second Reader, and rejoice in being able thus to express the gratitude I feel. About six months ago I obtained a situation as bookkeeper with a legal firm here, and I owe my position and progress in my work entirely to Christian Science. I have not yet read Science and Health from cover to cover, but I find in it—particularly in the chapter on Genesis—the solution to my daily problems. I have just had a substantial increase in my salary, and conditions have been so far changed as to enable me to give more time to a better class of work. I prize all this, not on account of the material increase, but as one of many demonstrations of the unfailing and ever-operative divine Principle that Christian Science has revealed to me, and as proof of the fact that "growth is the eternal mandate of Mind" (Science and Health, p. 520). Only a life of consecration to Truth can repay the debt of gratitude I owe to God, of whose ever-presence I daily become more conscious, and to our dear Leader, through whom Truth has again been revealed.—Peter B. Biggins, Virden, Man.

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