Retrospection and Introspection

1	As the pioneer of Christian Science I stood alone in
	this conflict, endeavoring to smite error with the
3	falchion of Truth. The rare bequests of Christian Science
	are costly, and they have won fields of battle from which
	the dainty borrower would have fled. Ceaseless toil, self-
6	renunciation, and love, have cleared its pathway.
	The motive of my earliest labors has never changed.
	It was to relieve the sufferings of humanity by a sanitary
9	system that should include all moral and religious reform.
	It is often asked why Christian Science was revealed to
	me as one intelligence, analyzing, uncovering, and annihi-
12	lating the false testimony of the physical senses. Why was
	this conviction necessary to the right apprehension of the
	invincible and infinite energies of Truth and Love, as con-
15	trasted with the foibles and fables of finite mind and ma-
	terial existence.
	The answer is plain. St. Paul declared that the law
18	was the schoolmaster, to bring him to Christ. Even so
	was I led into the mazes of divine metaphysics through
	the gospel of suffering, the providence of God, and the
21	cross of Christ. No one else can drain the cup which I
	have drunk to the dregs as the Discoverer and teacher of
	Christian Science; neither can its inspiration be gained
24	without tasting this cup.

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Mary Baker Eddy's journey is told in her own words in this distinctive autobiography, available at Christian Science Reading Rooms.