Having tested Christian Science, and experienced many proofs of its efficacy in meeting needs common to all mankind, it would indeed seem ungrateful to withhold my testimony in regard to what Christian Science has done for me. It is in a most sincere spirit of humility that I reflect upon neglected opportunities in this "passage from sense to Soul" (Science and Health, p. 566), nevertheless it is with the deepest gratitude that I count the blessings made manifest through this truth. My first desire to study and live Christian Science came after a summer's acquaintance with a Christian Scientist whom I met in a little Canadian town. It was the beauty of character, the strength of purpose, and the perfect consistency of ideals and every-day life that made me concede something worth while to the influence of Christian Science, and it was the constant anticipation of good, dispelling fear, that led me to desire this truth for myself.
It was still with this desire that I returned to Chicago to resume school duties of a most uncongenial nature. For some time I had looked forward to the harmonious adjustment of the necessity for earning a living and the kind of work in which I could best express myself. I had just spent a year of considerable effort and some sacrifice in preparing for special work as music instructor, but lack of preparation and of practical experience seemed to be limitations in the way of securing such a position. I began to study Science and Health. I read it constantly, and like a friend it kept me out of the "Slough of Despond." The joy of having found this gloriously uplifting truth, this beautiful philosophy of love shown to be an ever-operative law with practical results, was most exalting. In but a few weeks I received a letter containing an offer of a position as music director in a normal school. My heart's desire had been granted, and every circumstance showed how "Love is reflected in love" (Science and Health p 17).
Christian Science alone has enabled me to overcome fear and the rest of mortal mind's deceptions. I have grown to understand myself, my relation to my fellowmen, and above all my relation to God, as never before when religion, metaphysics, psychology, and philosophy meant merely different phases of speculative thought. At first I was interested only in the beautiful philosophy as applied to my mental life, and the healing work of Christian Science did not appeal to me, but I soon discovered the relation between the mental life and the so-called physical manifestation of it, and was impressed with the inconsistency of material remedies for discords of mortal thought. Since then I have had many proofs of the healing power of Truth; some instantaneous, others that required the patience of a loving practitioner.
Two years ago, while engaged in closing the school year as supervisor of music, I found myself meeting unusual physical conditions, such as severe headaches, fainting-spells, and a sense of utter exhaustion. A physician, whom I frequently met, remarked that my general appearance indicated a serious condition. I then began treatment with a Christian Science practitioner, and at the end of five weeks I had gained tremendously in general health and in vitality. In another month, when I returned to my work, my friends greeted me with delight at the changed appearance I bore. I also take great pleasure in telling of an experience in which one treatment brought, instant healing. It happened at a time when a dreaded fever and other troubles prevailed. It was a very cold day, and though I had but a short distance to walk, when I arrived at the school I seemed to be so weak that I could scarcely stand. At my request the principal of the school sent a telegram to a Christian Science practitioner, and I managed to get home and into bed. In scarcely more than an hour I felt a sudden uplifting of spirits and warmth of body, and in a few moments was called to the 'phone to converse with the practitioner. That same night I attended a rehearsal for a school play lasting until after midnight, spent the two following evenings at the performance, and was engaged in my regular duties at the same time—perfectly well.
Again I had proven to me the omnipotence of divine Love. For three years I had struggled to overcome sleeplessness. Any one who has tried to teach all day and then lain awake most of the night trying to realize peaceful thoughts, does not need the details of that experience. The condition, which grew out of fear of large responsibilities and the constant meeting of the public thought in my work, had become so fixed a habit that even the cessation of work in vacation periods did not seem to bring freedom. I rejoice to say that this fear has been entirely destroyed, and with it a severe stomach trouble. I have gained very perceptibly in the appearance of health, as manifested by the body, and I find that I can retire at an early hour with immediate rest, or at a late hour if need be, and feel just as refreshed and ready for the day's work. The significance of Mrs. Eddy's life and her love for the world has inspired a reverent affection and a deep sense of gratitude. For the peace which the understanding of Truth has brought, for the trust in God's promises to His children that every small proof of Christian Science has left with me, for the beautiful friendships it has given me to enjoy, and for all that it has brought to those most dear to me in my home,—for all these I am exceedingly grateful.— Oneonta, N. Y.
