The psalmist wrote: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." As I read these words recently, thought reverted to the conditions in which I seemed to be involved before I learned of Christian Science. Never physically robust, from childhood to young manhood I endured about as many of the ills of the flesh as could be possible. Relying on the testimony of the senses, I resorted to every material means for relief with varying results.
Finally, in what seemed the darkest hour of my life, a physical and financial wreck, I turned to Christian Science, not with any hope of physical help, but in a vague hope of finding mental relief. Beginning an earnest study of the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, I soon became absorbed in it almost to the exclusion of everything else. While thus engaged I was offered a position which, with some trepidation because of my condition, I accepted. I had been given a copy of the pocket edition of the text-book, and this I kept constantly with me; not an opportunity for its study was overlooked, and I continued an earnest search for Truth. I soon found myself growing stronger, and about a year later discovered that I had been completely healed of a supposedly organic heart trouble which the best physicians in the Northwest had declared to be absolutely incurable.
And now, after a period of fifteen years of constant service, I am able to produce a record of less than three days' absence from business on account of sickness during that time. This compared with my former experiences means much, but it dwindles almost into insignificance when compared to the mental change that has been wrought. The spirit of criticism, quick and violent temper, periods of great mental depression, have been largely replaced with greater charity and a peace with all men and things that truly passes understanding. Every need has been supplied, and I am learning slowly to know that in proportion to our fidelity to Truth, God does indeed give us "richly all things to enjoy." Gratitude to God is unbounded for giving to this age one who was able to lead us out of bondage and teach us how to be "kings and priests unto God," ministering to those who are still "weary wanderers, athirst in the desert" (Science and Health, p. 570), and thus increasing our own abundant joy.— Tacoma, Wash.
