It seems almost impossible to tell what The Christian Science Journal and Sentinel have done for me in the way of unfoldment and spiritual growth since I began the study of Christian Science some four years ago, and especially during the past few months. The understanding of the privilege as well as the responsibility of subscribing to these periodicals established by Mrs. Eddy, has been rewarded even according to the promise in Malachi, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." The Christian Science Monitor brought with it also a wonderful blessing, for during the first year's subscription one of the family, to whom it seemed difficult to offer the cup of cold water, became a student of Science through the healing work of its pages alone. For this reason, if for no other, I send the following testimony, knowing from proof in the past, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
During the earlier days of study, one proof of God's care stands out most prominently, before which I bow my head in awe and gratitude. I was alone in my home one windy March morning, when the lower part of my clothing came in contact with a gas flame. As I was standing with my back to the heater, the sheer material which I was wearing was in flames to my waist before I discovered it. I realized the uselessness of my leaving the room where I was for help, as many of the windows in the adjoining rooms were open. At first I was terrified, for it seemed as though nothing could save me. Then I cried aloud to God in my need. Instantly a wonderful assurance came that there was nothing to fear, that presence of mind was needed. A quick realization that there was only one presence and Mind and that one the only help needed, enabled me calmly to smother the rapidly increasing flames. Although to human sense the burns seemed very deep and no practitioner was called, there was no suffering, except when I momentarily yielded to the temptation to use material means to aid healing, showing me clearly that Principle needed no help.
I did not take up the study of Christian Science for healing, but when it was first brought to my notice there came also the conviction that if I would seek I would find a God who would lead me into the truth. Through consecrated study I have learned that God is Love, a God who is ever present and who is my God, that man is His spiritual idea, or image and likeness, pure and perfect, dwelling forever in divine consciousness. As this realization unfolded to my thought, many discordant conditions such as fear, fatigue, depression, inharmony, and resentment disappeared as naturally and necessarily as darkness before light. For these many blessings received I wish to express my gratitude, also to the one who helped me gain my first understanding of God as Love. I am not unmindful of what it has meant to me as a student of Christian Science not to have had opposition to my study in my home, but always loving encouragement, consideration, and help.
