About forty-five years ago I found myself in a state of great spiritual hunger, although I had been a member of a Protestant church since I was twelve years of age. I listened to radio programs on religious subjects and attended a number of churches in my search for a knowable God. Two different people who observed my distress recommended Christian Science, though neither of them was a student of Christian Science.

As I became more and more troubled, I prayed for release. At that time I knew nothing of Christian Science Reading Rooms and had never heard of Mary Baker Eddy. I finally went to the public library, where the librarian pointed to a long shelf of books on this subject.

I noticed that interspersed among other books were several copies of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. I stood before the shelf reasoning thus: "Science means true knowledge. I am seeking health, and I really need a key to the Scriptures." I had taught Sunday-School in my early church experience but had put my Bible away, thinking I would never understand it. I took a copy of Science and Health to a table and read the Preface and the chapter, "Prayer." I have since described this experience as my feeling as though a heavy dark cloak was falling off me. The spiritual light which came at that moment continues to brighten.

In 1931, the same year, I joined The Mother Church, a branch church, and had class instruction. When I applied for class instruction, I naively remarked to the Christian Science teacher, "I don't intend to become a practitioner," to which she replied, with a wave of the hand, "You don't know what you'll be." Almost immediately I began to serve my branch church on committees and taught Sunday School, and since then have served as Second Reader and as a member of the executive board. Several years after having class instruction I entered into the healing work.

I believe that my experience serves to confirm Mrs. Eddy's statement in Science and Health (p. 570): "Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink."

About a year after my introduction to Christian Science, a son was born to us. Bringing up this child proved to be a veritable schoolroom for applying what I was learning. There were many testing times, but with occasional help from practitioners and my own work each problem was solved, accompanied with spiritual growth.

I have experienced many healings through radical reliance on God, among which were healings of influenza and bronchial pneumonia. However, I believe my severest testing time was five years ago. The tempter was saying, "You've passed the threescore-and-ten, have sacrificed much, and a better climate would be desirable. Your husband is retired, your only son and family live on the West Coast. You shouldn't have to work so hard," and so forth. We moved thousands of miles away. In retrospect I can see the fallacy of all these suggestions which, added up, amount to an argument for ease in matter. The result was that I became completely disoriented, and there were distressing symptoms of a nervous breakdown, although no medical diagnosis was sought. After several months, with the help of a consecrated practitioner, I was able to return to my former field of endeavor. I have completely recovered, and my days are filled with useful activity. I have found greater happiness than ever before.

In summing all this up I am reminded of Jonah in the Bible, who listened to the tempter and had to retrace his steps. I know what it means to be in the whale's belly and how divine Love can rescue one from his own undoing. I see, too, that instead of viewing this experience as a mistake, I can regard it as a period of great spiritual growth. Mrs. Eddy has indeed given us a key to the Scriptures. I am also grateful for friends and fellow workers, as well as for my dear husband, who was so patient and tender throughout this experience. He has given me faithful support in my endeavors throughout many years.

(Mrs.) Daisy D. Nigman
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I am happy to say I have been a witness to the healings of which my wife speaks, and many others, too, We have been married over fifty years.

Earl T. Nigman