When one has passed through many years' experience of severe illness, both to one's self and family, when trouble comes in an unending cycle and sicknesses follow each other until pain and misery seem to stretch out limitlessly before one's view, when this was the prevailing condition until Christian Science changed all things, how could you or I show more gratitude than by trying to help others to be healthier and happier, and to enjoy the same blessings we now enjoy. When a sick man's greatest desire is health for a dear wife and himself, when all that he asks is just a chance to struggle on in search of happiness, and his unexpressed wish is that he may bear his burdens at least long enough to see those he loves free from a load of sickness and above want,—when these are all he desires from life, and when suddenly all good things are made a reality, and more, much more, than lie ever hoped for is rendered to him, then I ask, is it any great wonder that he and many others who have been sick should love to help those who are now struggling as they struggled and doubting as they doubted, those who are striving to overcome suffering and sorrow in their own lives? It is to those who now are sick and hopeless as I was, to those who are striving against sickness and pain to hold their positions, though fearful that the day is coming which will render them useless, a burden and a care to those they love; it is to the man who after working all day cares for a sick wife by night, his heart filled with fear and doubt of the morrow; it is to the brave wife, in whom hope is being fast killed,—it is to such as these that most of all I wish to write. To these, and to all who sorrow and are heavy laden, Christian Science carries a message of health and hope. It restored me to health, in spite of my open doubts and my incredulity, completely healing me of many troubles. My wife, too, has been eased from pain, and rejoices in renewed health and increased happiness.
About nine years ago I first took medical treatment for stomach trouble. It had not at that time assumed a serious form, but after about three and a half years it had become very serious. Shortly after the first-named trouble made its appearance, I was attacked with a disorder of the bowels, which together with the other made me very miserable. My condition grew steadily worse, and in addition agonizing headaches made their appearance, these sometimes lasting for one or two days and rendering me almost useless both at home and in my business. I then decided to take up a system of physical culture, but a faithful trial of this method left me thinner and in more pain than when I began it. After some months of experiments, and what had now become six years of struggle with increasing illness, I began to take opiates, in small quantities at first, to relieve the pain. From that time on the need for the drug came oftener, and more of it was required each time. Looking back to that time from the present, it seems to me like a dreadful dream, but it makes me the more thankful for the happy present.
For nearly two years I was under most rigorous treatment, as both stomach and bowels absolutely refused to do their work. Several doctors who diagnosed my case said that an operation was inevitable, in fact it seemed to be my only hope, but there was so much difference of opinion that it was thought better to wait a little longer, until it became surer that an operation was an immediate necessity to save life. The advice of my wife and a friend settled that question, and I decided to wait, trusting in something, I did not know what, to help me. A short time after this, while suffering greatly and weak from the aftereffects of morphine, a friend told me that I did not need to be sick and suffer. He pointed out to me that there was one way which I had not tried, and that this way was Christian Science. I thanked him, and not so much from faith in Christian Science, because I knew nothing about it and up to that time was very indifferent to the subject, as because I wanted to be just and courteous to a man whom I knew to be my friend, I went to see a Christian Science practitioner.
Faith in Christian Science or love of its teachings then meant nothing to me, and had nothing to do with my subsequent healing; in fact, I had no faith in any creed, philosophy, religion, or God. Those things that I lacked, —hope, health, happiness, and a knowledge of God,— Christian Science gave me, gave them to me in abundance. From the hour of my first visit to the practitioner I began to improve, notwithstanding the fact that I saw and talked with him three days before I received my first treatment. From that first day I ate what I wished; the heretofore impossible became not only possible but easy. In ten days I was a new man, both' physically and mentally. The bowels became normal, and have never pained me since. The headaches ceased at once, and from that day to this have not returned. Not only did my whole body begin to express harmonious action, but the growths, strictures, and ulcers said to be in my bowels disappeared completely, the discharges from them disappearing with them. For a year and a half now I have enjoyed perfect freedom from all physical pain. About four months ago I went to a surgeon for a complete examination, and he pronounced me in perfect health, without the slightest sign of a physical disorder.
Three days after my first treatment in Christian Science, my wife was to undergo an operation. After years of suffering, during which time she endured one capital operation and other minor ones, she was still weak and in continual pain. The last operation she, however, escaped, and like myself took Christian Science treatment. She has been free from pain ever since that time, and has gained steadily in weight and strength. Today, hand in hand, we can testify to the blessings that Christian Science has given us. For the love and hope and peace it has brought into our lives we are truly grateful. We can never adequately express to others (no one can fully) just how much this has meant to us or how thankful we are for this Science. We are thankful not only for the glorious hope and promise it contains, but also for its practical daily help everywhere and at all times. It is an open fount that blesses the whole world and invites all to come and drink. The truth of its knowledge is health and life, and it is constant, firm, and sure. The love of this Science brings to us a nearer understanding of God. making fruitful our knowledge of Him, and divine Principle is bringing hope and peace to our lives.
The study of Mrs. Eddy's book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," has placed me at a point of view where the Bible not only appeals to me as beautiful and good, but as active and alive with truth that is not merely theoretical, but which has vitality and life, which is positive and practical; truth that can be lived and proved right here in this world, both at home and in business. The Christian Science text-book makes the teachings and works of Jesus something more than wonderful miracles and beautiful thoughts; it makes them natural, new, and real to us, and shows us the basic law governing all his words and deeds. It teaches us to follow his directions and fulfill his commands. Christian Science not only heals but it regenerates, it replaces evil with good, ignorance with understanding, it removes all evil and leaves nothing but the good. We owe it to those we love and who love us to test its claims, to try it as I have done, putting aside prejudice and snap judgment, listening neither to our own ignorance nor the ignorance of others, and I know that every legitimate need will be met.
When sickness has been turned into health, misery into happiness, and life is made to express beauty and harmony instead of blackness and discord, our gratitude and love must go out to the one who has made this change possible, and whose life and teachings opened the way for us and made us healthier, happier, better men and women, clearer and cleaner in thought and deed, more useful to ourselves and others. Love for Mrs. Eddy, devotion to her wishes and the truth she teaches, must surely follow when we reap such benefits through her life and her love. A verbal or written expression of thanks for great benefits such as I and many others have received, is but a feeble way of showing gratitude. I feel as though I would be weak indeed did not my love and thanks to her find expression in my daily thought and life, in trying to live her teachings and striving to fulfill her highest hope. San Jose, Cal.
