When I first thought seriously about Christian Science, it did not seem to me that I needed salvation, nor was I conscious of anything from which I wanted to be saved. Perhaps my self-satisfied mentality at that time was not unlike others who believe it quite right and proper to drink liquors, smoke tobacco, take medicine daily as a preventive for bowel trouble, and wear glasses for a vision believed to be defective. That was the condition with me for more than ten years. I preferred liquor to food, and was so addicted to tobacco that I was loath to surrender the pipe for meals or sleep. I chafed somewhat under the bondage to such habits, because of the sense of unhappiness in the home which they entailed, but was quite unaware of their perniciousness, and the indulgence was found pleasurable.

The awakening from this false sense of things to some slight understanding of being apart from the physical was very gradual. As intimated, I did not seek physical or moral healing in Christian Science, because I was not conscious of such a need until it was revealed to me by the truth as found in the study of the Bible together with the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. What I found by the study of these books, as text and commentary, not only uncovered to my consciousness the error of my mental habits and the sin of indulging false appetites, but absolutely freed me from the bondage of those named, besides other similar physical and moral barnacles which have since disappeared at the command of Truth. I now rejoice in the "glorious liberty of the children of God."

While on an eastern visit a number of years ago, I read Science and Health at the request of a friend, and was more deeply impressed than I was willing to admit, even to myself. While in the midst of this reading a test was presented. In breaking up an old packing-case I stepped on a rusty nail and ran it deep into my foot through the sole of my slipper. I pulled my foot off the nail and looked at the nail but not at the foot. I did not even then remove the slipper, and after a few moments of thought proceeded with my work, while I attempted to apply as best I could that which I had just been reading in the Christian Science text-book. I then forgot about the incident and walked about the city all day. At night I examined the foot for the first time. There was only a small break in the skin, not the slightest soreness, no pain, no swelling, no evidence of the wound having even bled. I kept my own counsel and without fear awaited results. There never were any results except perfect healing. One would think that experience was sufficient to be convincing, but it was only partially so. I was younger in years at that time, and the world seemed gay; consequently I had no time for anything so serious and profound as Christian Science for a regular study.

Fourteen years later, in order solely to convince one who was near and dear to me that she had a false concept of Christian Science teaching, I borrowed and later purchased a copy of the text-book ; and it is right at this point in my experience that something took place which left a deep impression. While the attendant in the reading-room was wrapping up the book I had just purchased, I was touched at the elbow by the lady who had first brought Christian Science to my notice. So dark was my mentality at the time that my sense of chagrin was most keen at having been caught in the very act of buying that book and by this person of all in the wide world, but with tears of joy in her eyes she said something about the seed having been planted in good soil, and I took my departure as quickly as possible, for I was uncomfortable. Now, as thought travels over the interval, my heart is filled with loving gratitude toward her as a faithful servant of God, who so many years ago was enabled to see the "good soil" and proffered me the "cup of cold water" in the name of Christ, Truth.

My growth has at times appeared slow, but my progress has been sure. Conscious always of having found the "pearl of great price," I am striving "to enter in," and to be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within me. It is my daily endeavor to be a transparency for the light of Truth, so that deeds and not mere words may attest the quality and quantity of my gratitude toward God for His gift of love to mankind. Old-time friends say that I seem changed and different. I know that I am changed from that self-satisfied mortal they knew, whose highest ambition was to be known as a so-called "good fellow." Though I have made but a small beginning, Christian Science has become the biggest and best thing in my life, the one thing really worth while. I find that the practical daily value of even a partial understanding that "all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation" (Science and Health, p. 468), transcends in worth everything else attainable. The health, harmony, and happiness coincident with spiritual sense, which Mrs. Eddy defines on page 209 of Science and Health as the "conscious, constant capacity to understand God," is mine in an expanding degree, and must ever find expression in the loving and willing effort to keep His commandments.

White Doesburg, San Francisco, Cal.

The desire for spiritual aid and comfort brought me to Christian Science. I had been taught to believe that the socalled law of heredity was an inexorable law of God, and I believed that one very near and dear to me was a victim of that law. Words cannot express my gratitude for the protecting influence of divine Love in guiding me to Christian Science, where our fetters fall.

How plain it is that the removal of ignorance — knowing the truth — is what makes us free! I was healed of my ignorant fear of a false, man-made law. I wept tears of gratitude for that first glorious glimpse of freedom given me by our beloved Leader on page 63 of Science and Health, where she says : "In Science man is the offspring of Spirit. The beautiful, good, and pure constitute his ancestry." I commenced right then to know no other ancestry and to learn the fatherhood and the motherhood of God. I had self-pity, self-will, and impatience to overcome in my thinking, and much false theology to root out; consequently the full realization of man's perfect freedom seemed to me rather slow in coming. But I can see now how wonderfully we were led through our "Red Sea" and how perfectly God's work is done.

Many physical healings have come as the natural result of uplifted thought, and for these I wish to express my sincere gratitude. I had worn glasses for six years for a very painful condition of the optic nerves, and had been treated by two specialists, both of whom said that the case was very obstinate and that I must always wear the specially ground lenses with which I was provided. I suffered intensely whenever I tried to do without these glasses, but one day I discovered that I had been reading the Lesson-Sermon and other Christian Science literature for four hours without noticing that my glasses were missing. I was amazed, but needless to say delighted, when I realized that my eyes were healed, and I never had any more need for glasses.

Three months before commencing the study of Christian Science I had a severe illness which materia medica named appendicitis and peritonitis, the latter preventing the operation which the doctors said must be performed as soon as I re gained my strength, because the trouble would surely be recurrent. I was never quite free from pain in my side during those three months, and was not strong enough to do all my housework, but I did not complain for fear of being rushed off to the hospital. The pain and weakness left me entirely during the first two weeks of my diligent study of the Bible and Science and Health. Two other troubles of long standing, chronic bowel disorder, and frequent attacks of throat trouble, have been overcome. Six years ago hemorrhoids were healed after four Christian Science treatments. Many other physical ills have been destroyed during my seven years of earnest striving to apply the glorious truth which Jesus said would make us free. But this physical freedom is indeed nothing when compared with the spiritual exaltation which this knowledge of God, and of man as coexistent with the Father, brings into our lives daily.

I am grateful for the healing of an unreasonable prejudice against Mrs. Eddy, for it had to be destroyed before I could go on with any peace of mind in the study of the Science which has brought such incomparable peace and joy into my life. I thank God for the love and gratitude I now bear toward the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, who has given to the world our text-book. Not the least of my blessings is the daily companionship of my husband in the sincere desire to serve the Master. We pray for wisdom and gentleness to follow the command, "If ye love me, keep my commandments," and to let our light shine. I want my life to prove my deep gratitude for this wonderful Christ-teaching which has come to me.

Jean Lawrie Doesburg, San Francisco, Cal.