Having received constant benefits since I began the study of Christian Science, about four years ago. I realize it is my privilege to share a few of these experiences with others. I was led to take up Christian Science for the healing of a skin disease which had been manifested almost without interruption since I was a small child, as I could find no remedy to relieve it and had tried everything that was offered. Finally the physician said i would probably have it all my life.
When Christian Science was first presented to me as a religion that heals, it seemed too good to be true, nevertheless I was willing to investigate. I am grateful that the practitioner to whom I first went was so patient with me, although I was not obedient and did not read as requested. However, he soon told me his work was done, and though I had not as yet seen any proof, I continued to read a little in Science and Health, and occasionally went to church. Within the next year I moved to another city and I took up the study more earnestly. As soon as I realized that I should try to work out my own salvation, I found I was free from this physical error and also free from a sense of resentment that had been uncovered by the practitioners. When I first took up the study I was told that it was my privilege to know the truth for myself and I soon perceived that this teaching is applicable to all inharmonious daily occurrences.
One of my early experiences which seems worth relating comes to my thought. I did not attach much importance to it as a demonstration at the time it took place, but I know now that I never put forth more consecrated effort in trying to solve any problem than I did in this instance. I was one of a large party climbing a mountain near the Columbia River, when one of the party fell, the fall causing a painful injury to his knee. At first he thought it would not be possible to go any farther, but I applied the truth which I had been learning to this situation and presently he was able to go on, though slowly, as the snow was deep. I with two others remained with him, and since our progress was so slow we decided to return home without attempting to reach the summit. Returning, we lost our way and found ourselves on the foothills that run parallel with the river, and we could not find a trail leading down to the highway, which I believe is more than a thousand feet below. We went up one after another of those foothills till it seemed as if we could not go a step farther. Occasionally we would get a glimpse of the highway like a ribbon below us, but strive as we might there could be found no path, no "short cut." I was glad I had learned the scientific statement of being (Science and Health, p. 468), for that and a few other simple truths I knew were with me all the day. My companions knew nothing of Christian Science so I helped them as well as I could mentally, keeping the thought uppermost that God takes care of all His children and it makes no difference where we are, He is right there.
