It is nearly three years since I first heard of Christian Science, having watched impatiently for years for more enlightenment, for I realized more and more as life advanced, that Christ's message was misunderstood. I came from a very devout family of the Lutheran faith, and had studied the Bible since my early childhood. I thought that I loved God with all my heart, still I was ailing all my life and seemed many a time at death's door, Finally, in advanced age the suffering became so acute that the physicians declared there was no hope of recovery, and all functions gave way. I do not like to recall the agony of those years. I could neither walk not work as I had done before diligently.
As soon as I heard of Christian Science, I investigated. The first Wednesday evening meeting I was healed of despondency, which nearly every morning bade me wish for the end. Through many years I had learned to forget what a good night's rest was.
I bought "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the day after I went to the meeting, read it a great deal, and never missed a service in church when in New York. I also studied the Bible lessons daily, early in the morning and late at night. I grew better in health at once and felt decidedly encouraged in every way, but, after the lapse of four or five weeks, I appealed to a healer especially on account of pains in my side of fourteen years' standing. I was healed of this in eight treatments. It was several months before I overcame certain ailments, while on the whole I grew stronger constantly, and never have had a weak spell of the heart again. I also very soon was able to eat all I liked, a thing unheard of for many years. For at least four years I nearly starved for want of food, because everything disagreed. I have slept well since I began reading our text-book.
Never, since I heard of Christian Science and read the book, have I used medicine or consulted a physician. On the contrary, twice, when sudden ailments appeared, I was healed at once by a practitioner, and all else overcome through earnest study of the Bible in the light of Science and Health,—sufficient, practical, divine,—leading me nearer to God than I ever had been. Not only does my own life testify to the truths contained in Science and Health, but that of those around me, since nearly all of them are in better health and harmony than before, especially the children.
Since I had the privilege of going through a class with one of Mrs. Eddy's loyal students, the way became easier, the demonstrations clearer, the laws of Love a more ready help. The fruits are not thorns, but happiness, assurance, fearlessness, health, and full trust in the Truth.
I am German and came to this country in 1871. Though I heard the English language spoken around me entirely for twenty-five years, I could not enter into the spirit of it, always much preferring the high German, until I studied Science and Health, and I now find myself thinking as freely in English as in German.
Well acquainted with English literature. I think there never was such a book written as Science and Health, so elevated in expression, each sentence so full of deep meaning and all pointing to that existence which all men wish for, knowingly or unknowingly: satisfaction, freedom, harmony!
A constant help and assistance I found in our dear Journal and Sentinel; they are real, true, honest friends, to whose visit I ever look forward, and find more than encouragement, much instruction and enlightenment, and they bring me in touch with the whole working of our glorious Cause under our dear Mother's guardianship. The Sentinel also gives much useful information and saves me scanning the newspapers,—a great object, if time seems limited. I have others interested and find many friends, clad to read the papers.— New York, N. Y.
