Love and gratitude have much to tell but are often speechless, not knowing how to express themselves, and thus it is that I find myself unable to say what I would; but as I think of our dear Leader's unceasing labors of love, her unflinching courage under every difficulty, her longsuffering, patience, and endurance, I can say as did Paul, "I thank my God upon every remembrance" of her. I would like to tell about my recent visit to South Africa, from whence I returned last November. During my stay there I drove with my son over an area of more than two thousand miles. There being no hotels, we were indebted for shelter and hospitality to the farmers and their families (living on extensive farms from twenty to thirty miles apart), from whom we uniformly received a kindly welcome. To none of these homes had come the knowledge of Christian Science, and thus I was permitted to take to them the glad tidings of the Christ-cure, come to this age through the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science; to tell a little of the mighty work she has done and is still doing, of the wonderful spread of Christian Science to all parts of the world; and last, though not least, of what it has done for me and for others. We seldom stayed more than one or two days at any farm, but I could always go on my way rejoicing, knowing that the light of Truth will in time enlighten every receptive thought. Many were interested, and I know of five who sent for our text-book. Science and Health. One lady wrote to me, "Nothing would induce me to part with this wonderful book, Science and Health;" it contains endless treasures." Again, later on, she wrote for help and instruction. Of the former I gave all I could and pointed her to the chapter "Recapitulation" (Science and Health, p. 465), and to "The Platform" (p. 330) to be studied with care and with prayer for the spiritual understanding thereof. A farmer wrote, "I begin to understand a little. I would walk a hundred miles to attend a Christian Science service." A few days ago I received a letter from Griqualand East. The writer says, "I am still diligently reading Science and Health. When I got my own copy I passed the one you loaned me on to Mr, M. He is studying it very hard and says he believes every word in it." I saw Mr. M— only once for less than an hour, and gave him some Christian Science literature. In another letter just received, the writer after speaking of proofs of the power of Truth he had himself experienced, says, "We have very great need for the peaceful, loving influence of Christian Science here" With heartfelt sympathy I re-echo his words; but the darkness will disperse before the light of Christian Science which has reached many districts in South Africa, and that which now seems to be a "desert" shall "rejoice and blossom as the rose —and they shall see "the glory and the excellency of our God."
I would also like to tell others of the illumination and joy that has come to me through Christian Science. My dear father, of saintly memory, was a clergyman, and my seven brothers were also clergymen. I was instructed in a strict school of theology. It was the so-called orthodox teaching —predestination, future punishment, etc.; and the joy of a present assurance was considered almost presumption "There was small comfort in this teaching to one hungering and thirsting for a clearer, nearer knowledge of God and Christ Many were the theological discussions I listened to in those early years. I read much, but the Bible with various commentaries and works on theology and prophecy were my chief companions. Thus seeking for the truth and striving to prepare for death instead of for life time went on, until, rather more than six years ago, I first heard of Christian Science. A copy of Science and Health was given to me, and I bought "Unity of Good." The latter being the smaller book, I took it up first, and react it through I did not find it a small book in any sense of the word It was a revelation to my thirsty longings, and as I laid it down I exclaimed aloud, "The writer of this book knows what I do not know, and I want to know what she knows" A great change of thought soon followed, and the turbulent doubts and fears of the past gradually dispersed, and now I am pressing forward with a clearer understanding of Life Truth, and Love.
Of the healing power of Christ. Truth. I have had many proofs. Of these the most wonderful to me and to all who know me, was the instantaneous removal of great dimness of sight, fast verging on blindness and pronounced incurable by specialists. When I suddenly discovered the fact of my healing, I had Science and Health in my hand; the book casually fell open, and I found I could read without material aid. This occurred within a very short time after I first heard of Christian Science. I had received no treatment, but a mental protest had arisen against my condition, where before had existed a passive acquiescence in what seemed the inevitable. I have never worn glasses since, and I am very grateful for this practical proof of the power of Mind on the body, as taught in Christian Science.
