Recently I was asked, "What impressed you most about Christian Science when you were a newcomer to it?"

The earliest thing I remember about Christian Science is the Bible verse I saw inscribed on the wall of a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, at the first Christian Science service I ever attended. It was the loving call of Christ Jesus, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." ^{Matt. 11:28;}

I was a young girl at the time. I had attended the Sunday School of another denomination since nursery days, and was familiar with the Bible and its story of the life and work of Christ Jesus. I had no desire to change my church. I didn't even want to be in the church I was attending that day. But I was there to please my mother—to keep a promise I had made her to attend a Christian Science church service.

Previous to my birth, my mother had undergone three abdominal operations. More recently she had again been told by medical doctors that an operation was necessary to relieve severe suffering from kidney stones. But she chose instead to begin studying the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. Through reading and studying this book she was completely healed of her suffering. As a result she turned away from the use of material medicines. She wanted me, too, to learn of this healing Truth that is fulfilling Jesus' assurance: "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ^{John 8:31, 32;}

I can remember some of the things that were problems to me at the time. I felt burdened. And in spite of my resentment at feeling pressured to attend the service, the loving invitation in that Biblical quotation on the wall touched me. It kept my thought receptive until I could hear more. What I heard read from the desk that day made me decide to stay, and I too became a convinced student of Christian Science.

To me, this epitomizes what the newcomer to Christian Science feels. At first he may not understand all he hears or reads, but he can feel that the loving invitation extended to him offers solution to whatever problem needs solving in his experience. He can feel the love and help at hand. The conviction that God's love and help are always with us is the blessing Christian Science holds out to the newcomer.

Christian Science speaks individually to all. Many come to it seeking physical healing, as did my mother. Many just come, as I did. But if they are receptive to it, all receive the spiritual understanding they seek. Each individual receives what he opens his thought to accept; it could come at a lecture or church service, or through reading the authorized literature, but most of all it comes through study of the Bible in connection with Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. It may not be the same facet of spiritual truth that comes to his neighbor. But it will be the right answer for him. Through the light Christian Science throws on the Bible, the Christ, Truth, speaks individually to us, revealing help and healing.

It seems to me that this is the primary lesson learned by the newcomer to Christian Science: that God is with him and he is God's child. Here is the starting point of his continuing progress in the discovery of the omnipresence and power of Life, Truth, and Love—the kingdom of heaven at hand.

Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health: "Our Master taught no mere theory, doctrine, or belief. It was the divine Principle of all real being which he taught and practised. His proof of Christianity was no form or system of religion and worship, but Christian Science, working out the harmony of Life and Love." ^{Science and Health, p. 26.}