The statement made by the pastor of the church of which I was a member, "Christian Science is neither Christian nor scientific." remained unchallenged in my thinking until I witnessed the moral reformation of an acquaintance. A man of brilliant intellect and rare culture, he became the abject slave of the drink habit which he had acquired in boyhood. Years before, he had been healed of a critical illness by Christian Science, so when all else failed him, he asked for treatment.

Again and again he fell by the wayside. It was after one of these experiences, when, like the prodigal son, "he came to himself" (Luke 15:17), but was still unable to read, that he brought a little book to me, asking if I would read it to him. That was my introduction to "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The words meant nothing to me; it was no wonder that he begged me, "Read slower, slower; I can't get it." When he was returning to his home in an adjacent city a few weeks later, he said to me: "I think I have had my last drink. See if I am not right." He was completely freed from that curse, and in deep gratitude for his healing he soon became active in the local Church of Christ, Scientist, and later held many responsible positions in the organization.

What could there be in Christian Science which was not in the Bible, and which we did not already have in my church? This was the question that pursued me, until I finally began reading the textbook to find the answer. I soon learned that it was all in the Bible, but that the key had been missing. Oh, the wonder and joy of finding that the promises we had loved so long were really true and could be proved here and now!

My first testing time soon came. I was awakened at midnight by a peculiar cough from our child. My husband was away and I was alone, with no telephone. There were no Scientists in the town. On previous occasions of this kind, a hot bath and an internal remedy had been instantly given, but my little glimpse of Truth held me back from doing this. yet there was the paralyzing fear that visualized the fatal results of delay. All that I could remember was the Lord's Prayer, which I repeated over and over again, almost frantically at first, then more calmly as the assurance of God's infinite love came to me. I saw that He would not permit harm to come to our little daughter just because I had trusted His Word. After one more slight cough the baby slept quietly and awakened rosy and well the next morning, permanently healed, as it later proved. But hour after hour I prayed on, until the last lingering fear of a possible return was swept away in a flood of gratitude for God's "unspeakable gift" as revealed to us by our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, and later made plain by his consecrated disciple, our Leader, Mrs. Eddy.

On page 449 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "A grain of Christian Science does wonders for mortals, so omnipotent is Truth," wisely adding what all must learn, "but more of Christian Science must be gained in order to continue in well doing." I had only "a grain," but it was adequate to meet my great need, proving that God's presence and power are instantly available to meet any situation, no matter how critical it may seem to be. Many similar experiences during those early years have been bright, guiding stars when the way has seemed dark. Only those who have studied alone can fully realize the joy that was ours when the way opened for us to locate in San Francisco, where we had the priceless privileges of church attendance, lectures, Reading Rooms, and Sunday School for the children.

The busy years brought ever-increasing gratitude for the multiplied proofs of the power of Christian Science to meet problems of every kind, one of which was a most unjust legal action which threatened to sweep away all our material possessions. During the long hours of suspense and anxiety at the trial, a reference given us by the practitioner, whose clear, unfaltering understanding of God's law of justice brought the victory, was especially reassuring (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany by Mrs. Eddy. p. 232). "The right way wins the right of way, even the way of Truth and Love whereby all our debts are paid, mankind blessed, and God glorified."

Membership in The Mother Church, joyous activity in a branch church, and class instruction have all been treasured stepping stones on the upward way.

When, after long, happy years of companionship, the pattern of this human lift was suddenly changed, I sounded the depths of the comfort that only Christian Science can give. Instead of the anguish and bitter loneliness that would otherwise have engulfed me in despair, there was the calm, sweet certainty of Life that is God, untouched, untouchable, changeless, deathless; of Love that knows no separation, that enfolds us all in His infinite tenderness. A deeper, holier gratitude longs to find continual expression in humble, loving service.—(Mrs.) Ettabelle Bullard, Berkeley, California.