I Would like to relate the story of my healing and conversion from Judaism to Christian Science, with the hope that it may benefit others of my ex-co-religionists.
I was brought up in the Jewish faith, an orthodox Jew. The first slight knowledge I obtained of Christianity was from reading the teachings of the Master at school. His commandments and example seemed so beautiful and charitable, contrasted with the "eye for an eye" creed I was accustomed to hear, that the strong impression they made on my youthful mind has never been effaced. It seemed as if some time I would accept Christianity, but it had never been presented in tangible shape.
When Christian Science was brought to my notice, I had been an invalid for twelve years, suffering continually from maladies that did not yield to medical treatment, among which were insomnia, asthma, enlargement of the spleen, chronic dyspepsia, deafness, and a wound of seventeen years' standing. I was continually drugging myself, only obtaining partial and temporary relief, until drugs failed entirely.
Being advised by my physician, I tried sea-bathing in summer and cold water treatment in the hospital in winter, principally for the claim of insomnia. Then, taking another doctor's advice, I went to the mountain region of the far West, but suffered more in that lovely climate than in the more rigorous one of the East. Then for the first time I resorted to opiates, but even that method I was forced to abandon, as it failed to induce restful slumber. Then indeed I was in dreadful straits, it seemed as if I must give up all hope. I thought if I could only get a night's rest occasionally, I could endure the other troubles.
Just at this time, when I was in the darkest depths of despair, it was my good fortune to meet a Christian Scientist. It was like coming to a green spot in the desert. In my then condition of mind her sweet words of hope and cheer, and something that shone from her face, told me there must be a higher life than I had ever known, and I was induced to try Science that very day.
From the first I was deeply interested, listening intently to my healer's lucid explanations of Christian Science. I bought the text-book, Science and Health, reading it greedily day and night. Before I was treated a full week, although having apparently received no physical benefit, the grand and beautiful Truth taught therein burst upon me in all its glory. Then I knew I was on the right track and within reach of that for which I had been searching all my life.
I said to the healer, "Christian Science is a most beautiful, practical, and reasonable religion; I will accept it even if I am never healed." Now I understand the joy he expressed when he heard these words, and answered, that I could not help being healed, if I took that stand. At the end of the second week's treatment I still suffered very much, and began to doubt, when I awoke one morning to find that my wound of seventeen years' standing had completely healed! Of course I was elated, as I had fully intended that winter to undergo a surgical operation. Then I knew that all my other claims would disappear. One by one they left me; my pains ceased, I could rest well, my awful discontent and nervousness fled, and in their stead came perfect health and sweet peace of mind. My hearing has improved so much as to be noticeable to every one, and I know it will be completely restored by Truth.
Some of my Jewish friends have asked me why I became a Christian Scientist; why I could not simply take the healing and reject its theology. I answered them, "How can I receive so much and not accept? How can I remain in darkness when the true Light has come to my understanding?" The many blessings I have received through a better understanding of God, I cannot describe in words. I can find no language adequate to explain the sweet peace it has brought me,—peace that the world can neither give nor take away. It is like listening to one continuous symphonic poem. I have been studying Christian Science nearly four years, and have brought many other into the blessed Truth that heals all sorrow, suffering, and pain. This testimony I give out of love and gratitude first to God, and next to our dear Mother, for my conversion and healing, and being lifted "Out from the depths."
