Being very much interested in Christian Science, and not seeing my way very clearly to any decided step in regard to it, I have been advised to write to you to inquire what arrangements I could make. For a number of years I have been organist in a Church, and have taught music, supporting myself and two children, While I am deeply interested in the science, I am obliged to, consider very carefully all risks, since my family depend solely upon me- There is only a chance of my being able to study, and it is such a very slender chance, that perhaps I am hardly warranted in addressing you on the matter. Still if I have some basis to go on, I could plan more intelligently. At present I cannot by any possibility assume any additional burden, as I am barely equal to the days as they come, without a provision for anything beyond – Music is, at the best, a precarious support – But there is just a shadowy prospect of being able to take a little risk, within a month, Frankly it is but a ghost of a chance, but if it should prove more, I would like to be prepared. I have read your booksEditorial Note: Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and shall never be satisfied till I study, but have too much depending, to abandon for an uncertainty, what is at least a barrier – a present barrier – against the wolf. – Before another year my daughter will probably be sent East somewhere to study vocal music. Her musical expenses are defrayed by a friend, to be repaid sometime in the future. If I could be in BostonEditorial Note: Boston, Massachusetts she would of course go there.
Will you have the kindness to tell me what my expenses would be for a course with you, and what I might hope to do if I proved a successful student. Would there be any chance for me in Boston?
If you wish references, Mrs, Day who is practicing here, told me to use her name- She is a pupil of someoneAs Written:some one in ChicagoEditorial Note: Chicago, Illinois, I think a Mrs, Noyse – and she expects to join your class in Apr. – I could give you many names of Freeport people who are my friends but not friends of Christian science. Mrs. Lathrop, and Miss Long, both know me, but I would prefer not making known my step in this matter at present, if not necessary, lest it might affect my regular work, and I "sit down between two stools."—