Dear Journal:—I can no longer allow the claims of sense to whisper, "Wait until you are entirely healed before giving thanks through the Journal." Now is the time to acknowledge "Truth and what it has done for us" (S.&H. 371 — 28). In the September, 1896, Journal, is reported the partial recovery of a patient under the claim of so-called locomotor ataxia, said in materia medica to be incurable. But "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."
That my confidence in complete recovery is assured, can be evidenced by what has already been demonstrated. That it may re-assure those who are in doubt, or have fainted by the way, I write that they may take fresh courage. I have been working out of the same claim and all its accompanying terrors, and that in the face of the most bitter trials and opposition. About six years ago a fall was supposed to have gradually produced the condition. I tried "many physicians," among them some of the most prominent and successful in this city [Cincinnati]. I tried baths, hygiene, electricity, massage, patent medicines, — the last being some "Pills for Pale People," especially claiming to heal this trouble miraculously. All these efforts and remedies failed; in fact, each left me a little worse for the experiment, and becoming desperately alarmed, I began to look and pray to God in secret as well as I knew how. In a short time a friend gave me two little tracts, and suggested Christian Science to me. In my ignorance of what it was, I concluded it was spiritualism, magnetism, or some kind of hypnotism, under the name of religion, that was being foisted upon the unwary, so I said I wanted nothing to do with it, and that if any of them came to see me I would throw them out of the window. At this time it was three years since I had stood upon my feet.
On July 4, 1893, I was visited by a lady who gradually and gently introduced the subject of the healing power of Truth; but I did not throw her out of the window — I "heard her gladly" — the "child of hope was born." Oh, glorious day — a day long to be remembered, "Independence Day" — a day to praise the Lord! I accepted the Truth, took my first treatment, and a great depression of thought seemed to he shaken off; I felt relief; the "third day" I stood up and took one step, the first in three years. I have improved slowly (to mortal sense) but surely, until now, with the use of a cane, I go up and down hills, over rough places, or Wherever it is necessary for me to go, and I am fully persuaded that, with patience, perseverance, and obedience to the demands of Truth, I shall soon need no other staff on which to lean. I am a printer, and have been earning sufficient to pay my present expenses, and some of the debts which I had lost all hope of ever paying. I go about the various branches of my trade without my cane, and have done in the last year some of the best work I have done in twenty years at the trade. I have also been able to cheer and comfort many a struggling heart. I visited a man under the same claim, who had given up Christian Science through the mistaken views of others, who is now under treatment, and I rejoice to state that he has begun to walk about the house, and his family are now deeply interested in Christian Science, attending the meetings regularly, and this man's improvement has been the means of bringing others, who are being healed of claims of long standing.
But my physical improvement is only a part. I can rejoice to-day that I am nearer to what a man ought to be than ever before. I have been reformed from several bad habits — liquor, tobacco, and profanity; and such evils as envy, hatred, etc., are being cast out one by one.
I formerly belonged to another church, but I was not much of a Christian, and received but little help from my former beliefs. To-day I am ready to give to every man a reason for the hope that is within me. I could write a book, but it could not half express my gratitude. The best way to thank God is by learning more about Him, and living closer to Him. I thank Him for the discovery of Christian Science, and the blessings its teachings have brought. Our thanks are best expressed in continuing to seek and live the Truth — letting our light burn brighter, to brighten the pathway for those who stumble and fall upon the rugged hills of sense. I am willing to answer letters from those who desire to write, but suggest it would be best that they "seek the Kingdom of God" through the blessed "Way pointed out in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
As soon as I was able, I attended the meetings of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, here, and I never miss a meeting if I can avoid it. I feel it is a debt I owe to God and to my neighbor, to be present as a witness for Truth and what it has done. I have been a member of the Church three years, and try to earn all the blessings I receive, and repeat the glad tidings, "And on earth peace, good will toward men."
Neither tongue nor pen can ever fully describe the invigorating power of Divine Love to cast out sorrow, sickness, and sin. The half has never been told. I wish I had found it long ago; but I'm glad I have found it now, and I shall "Hold fast that which is Good."
