I feel, that the time come for me to express my heartfelt gratitude for what Christian Science has brought me. for although I have as yet but touched the hem of Truth's garment, words fail to express all that I would like to say. Christian Science has brought something into my life for which I had long been in search. When 1910 was dawning. I could but recognize that 1909 bad been the happiest year of my life, for in it I had understood more clearly and fully than ever before my privileges as a child of God, and I attribute this entirely to my study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. This precious volume is indeed a key to the Bible, for it unlocks the door and lays bare all the hidden treasures— the "pearl of great price"—and the promises contained in God's Word for His children. In the autumn of 1908 I was an invalid, and had "suffered many things of many physicians." I had tried every material remedy that doctors could suggest, but without relief, until existence was more or less of a burden to me. I had heard of Christian Science, but it meant nothing to me, for I had always looked upon ill health as a necessary discipline to chasten me and fit me for the kingdom of heaven after death. But now, thank God, I realize that the kingdom of heaven can really be within one in this present life.
My cousin had come home from South Africa, and she was interested in Christian Science. She often spoke of it to me, but somehow I thought it was not what I could comprehend at all. She returned to South Africa after being at home some months, but she left behind her an old number of The Christian Science Journal, which I looked at casually then put aside to be burned. Some weeks afterward, however, I found this same Journal lying on the kitchen table, it having escaped the bonfire of rubbish. I felt this time that I must take it to my room and read it quietly. I did so—read it and reread it. I was feeling far from well at the time, and those testimonies of healing and. spiritual rejoicing riveted my attention. What was this healing which each and all spoke of with such great joy? I must inquire further! So, without any hesitation, I wrote to a practitioner whose name was given in the Journal. She wrote back so kindly and asked me to call at the Belfast reading-room to see her, but I felt too ill to undertake even that short journey of nine miles by rail. I wrote her to that effect; so she came to see me, and I shall never forget my talk with her. She told me this healing was free to all,— within my reach also; that "divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health, p. 494), and I have had many proofs of the truth of this statement.
After receiving treatment from the practitioner, my health at once began to improve. I bought a copy of Science and Health, and from the study of this book and the Bible the way to eternal life has become clearer to me. Each day seems to bring its own unfolding of the endless beauties and joys that await the faithful in Christ: and though my progress is slow, yet I know it is sure. I have been able to make many (perhaps small) demonstrations over sickness and sin. My health has improved so much that my friends all express pleasure in seeing me so much stronger and able for the duties of each day; and now out of the gratitude of my heart I write this testimony, hoping it may meet the eye of some who are weary and heavy laden, so that they may take heart and come and lay down their burden of suffering and weariness at the feet of the Christ, from whom, as St. Paul tells us in Romans, "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us."
