Sixteen years ago, in London, England, I became interested in Christian Science through witnessing the healing of a member of my family. What a happy time that was! It seemed too wonderful to be true! I began to read the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy; and I remember that each word of her hymns then seemed more precious than jewels.
However, I had to find that every step of the way must be demonstrated; that much clearing out of weeds is necessary before the seed of Truth can flourish in good soil. From the study of the textbook I was healed of periodic attacks of tonsillitis and hoarseness which had formerly caused much suffering. When having four double teeth extracted, a Christian Science treatment enabled me to be calm and refuse material application. When it was over, the dentist remarked on the courage shown. This was entirely due to Science; for previously there had been great fear of dentistry.
In childhood I had had a severe operation for an abscess in the head. A discharge from the ear resulted, which continued for years. There was so much fear in the case, from what had been suffered, that the healing was a slow one. I had treatment from a practitioner, which caused great improvement; and finally, when away in a distant city and something more had to be done, I opened Science and Health and my eye fell on line 24 of page 391, "Disease has no intelligence to declare itself something and announce its name." I closed the book, and with that sentence the last vestige of fear was dispelled. I never had any more of the trouble. Though the way had seemed a long one, step by step the old false beliefs had been destroyed, and to my great joy I was free.
On one occasion a severe attack of influenza was overcome in a day, by persistently sticking to the truth of being as our Leader tells us to do. I have proved Christian Science of great help in school examinations. It has also helped me financially, and in every other way. Above all, it has given me an understanding of God.
It is difficult to find adequate words to express one's gratitude for these and many other healings, because the physical relief is only one of the outward manifestations of the change which has taken place in consciousness through the action of divine Truth; and words can only faintly describe what it means to be somewhat free from the bondage of false beliefs and to experience some of the freedom that is the rightful heritage of every child of God. Indeed, the way in which one's thankfulness can be best expressed is by striving to pattern one's life after the manner taught and lived by Christ Jesus, and made practical for us by Mrs. Eddy's discovery of Christian Science. Thanks be to God that her consecrated Christian life made it possible for suffering, sinful humanity to be uplifted by this glorious light, and that in her far-seeing wisdom she made provision for our church organization, class instruction, lectures, and periodicals; for all of which blessings I am profoundly grateful.— Savannah, Ga.
