I took up the study of Christian Science in May, 1917, for the healing of so-called mucous colitis, from which I had suffered for a long time. When I decided to inquire into this teaching I had nothing but prejudice against it. After studying it about a fortnight, however, I was so convinced of its truth that I gave up the use of medicine and other material remedies, and devoted every moment I could spare to the study of the Bible and of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy.
My condition improved so much that I feel certain now that if I had only had enough wisdom to go along in moderation, I would have been well in a comparatively short time. As it was, I fell into the error of attempting far more than my understanding of Truth justified, and the improvement was not maintained. In spite of extreme physical disability I attempted to carry on a business which involved much physical exertion as well as mental strain, and nothing is more certain than that it was the power of divine Love which enabled me to keep going at all. In spite of many dark hours when despair almost overwhelmed me, I felt a deep conviction that if I could only hold out, the tide would soon turn, and the power of Truth would accomplish my healing.
Some months later I seemed to collapse almost completely. My condition became so grave that at times I felt as if no power on earth could save me, and I no longer desired to live. I could not study the Bible and the Christian Science textbook or even think for myself. As a sort of forlorn hope I asked for treatment from a practitioner, with the result that my condition immediately began to improve, though I had been literally in "the valley of the shadow." The healing power of divine Love began to be manifested in all its strength and simplicity. One erroneous condition after another entirely disappeared, and in May, 1918, I was completely restored to health.
Not only was every trace of the organic disease gone, but the accompanying acute functional disorders were replaced by perfectly normal conditions. The following month I was able with a calm mind to undertake duties of an arduous nature, involving much physical exertion; and instead of my health suffering I went on day by day gaining a better understanding of the true idea of health.
I cannot express in words the gratitude I feel toward Mrs. Eddy, who discovered the law of spiritual healing, which Christ Jesus had taught and demonstrated, and which she named Christian Science. Not only has it given me health beyond what I had thought possible, but it has also brought me, through a better understanding of the Bible, untold spiritual comfort and blessedness. I am deeply grateful for all the help and encouragement I have received from my Christian Science friends, and for the pamphlets, lectures, and periodicals issued by The Christian Science Publishing Society. I would further like to add my thanks for the Lesson-Sermons, which are daily helping to bring me into a better understanding of God as good and as Love. I consider Christian Science the greatest blessing that ever came into my life.— Girvan, Scotland.
