I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to God for what Christian Science has done for me. I was a sufferer from bronchial trouble from childhood, and as I grew older rheumatism and a stomach disease with many accompanying ills were added. I had never been strong and my prospects for health were lessening each year, yet if I wished to continue in my work, which was "teaching, I must be well; but during the summer vacations I could hardly gain sufficent strength to last me through the following school term.
I had known of Christian Science for nine years, but was so engrossed in self that to give it any serious thought had not even occurred to me. However when the spring of 1899 came, I urged a friend, who was suffering from a nervous disorder, to give it a trial. While he was being treated, my mother, her two sisters, and myself were so interested in reading Science and Health that we all became students of this wonderful book. That a conscientious study of Science and Health does reclaim the sinner and heal the sick, was proven in my own case, for I was healed of the diseases mentioned, some leaving me very quickly and others more gradually. From my study of the text-book I have learned how to be able to understand the Bible, and I strive to make it practical by loving God supremely and my neighbor as myself; and this casts out all fear. I no longer need to fear disease, and as I refuse to criticize those around me or discuss my own condition, my stomach performs its functions normally.
Many people ask why we are so grateful to Mrs. Eddy and always mention her in our testimonies, when it is God who heals us. True enough, God was the same loving God before we had Science and Health as He is now and ever will be; but my prayers were never answered, for I was pleading with Him to be what He always is, and to make perfect that which was already perfect. How could a God too pure to behold iniquity hear such prayers? Is it, then, any wonder that I am' grateful that there was one who loved God and humanity enough to be able to interpret His Word so that I could learn to pray aright and be healed and be able to heal others? My heart swells with gratitude for Mrs. Eddy's selfless life. My daily prayer is to keep my thoughts pure enough to live and love and work so as to be worthy to serve the Cause of Christian Science.— Chicaco, Ill.
