In the beginning of my study of Christian Science, that which appealed to me most strongly was the teaching of Science in regard to divine Love. St. John said that "God is love," and Mrs. Eddy impresses this truth throughout her teachings. I had been taught to fear God, and it needed the explanations of Science and Health to make me realize that "perfect love" casts out all fear. When I tried to realize that God combines the qualities of the mother with those of the father, it brought a wonderful light to me. What mother ever denies anything within her power to her child; what sacrifice is she not willing to make to bring him happiness? Does she not forgive all neglect, make excuses for all shortcomings? Can she ever turn a deaf ear to the cry of her child? Her heart yearns for him always, and no matter if his hair be white, still he is always her child. Just so, I learned it was with our heavenly Father-Mother God. If we but turn to Him trustingly, with the love and confidence of the little child, we are never turned away.
With a better understanding of divine Love my physical ailments vanished one by one; and they seemed to be many. At the time Christian Science found me, five doctors had examined me and said that there was organic heart disease, an internal growth, rheumatism, and other ills. I had then no understanding of Christian Science and no faith that it could help me, but asked for treatment to please my husband. I told the practitioner that if it required faith on my part, she could give up the case, for I had none. She smiled and said it did not make any difference what I believed, that when I got help I would believe; and I certainly did get the help, and also believed. All evidence of an abnormal growth, which had been very noticeable, soon disappeared, and although my complete healing was very slow, it was sure and I was conscious of continual improvement.
Before coming to Christian Science I had lost all desire to live; but with my healing I felt the wish to live and to help others to understand God rightly. My heart is full of thankfulness to God for His love and mercy to me, and I am grateful to Mrs. Eddy for the teaching which has made divine Love, "our Father-Mother God" (Science and Health, p. 16), a reality to me.— San Diego, Cal.
