[Sidenote: A Devout Churchwoman]
In searching for corroborative evidence of the possibility of
Emancipation, I was fortunate in meeting a lady whose acquaintance with
the several religions and metaphysics is exceptional; and whose clear
intelligence regarding the value of menticulture, makes her a rare
critic in questions of this kind. From her I received the most valued
encouragement. She is a devout church-woman, but has studied along the
several lines of psychology in search of additional light and strength.
She had read my simple presentation of the theory of germ cure, and
found in it a ray of hope, the effect of which she described as
follows: "The sensation that was produced in me by the suggestion, I
cannot describe. It was as if a great flood of light had burst upon me,
and I saw the possibility of an immediate realization of my spiritual
ideal; and I have prayed to God constantly, that it may not leave me.
There have been unusual occasions for worry and annoyance since then. I
have just moved to a new city; into a new house; and my husband and I
are beginning life anew in an untried field. All of my past
associations are broken up, and new sympathies among strangers are to
be formed. My husband's health has been poor, and mine has been
wretched, so that we have been compelled to seek climates more
favorable, at the expense of financial considerations; yet, the cloud
that hung over our prospects has been miraculously dispelled, and my
days and nights are soothed with a calm contentment and happiness which
I have never known before. My religion seems more precious to me than
ever. It seems as if one _simple little ingredient_ that it lacked has
been found; and that now it is perfect. I have always been possessed of
a desire to accomplish one act in life which should be conspicuous for
its usefulness to some one; and if I can ever succeed in giving to one
person the light and comfort that this revelation has given to me, I
shall feel that my ambition has been attained."
[Sidenote: Simple Little Ingredient]
Her discovery of a _simple little ingredient_, in the theory of germ
cure, led to a new appreciation of the idea of simplicity in connection
with it, which has been amplified in the succeeding chapter.