In grateful acknowledgment of the redemptive and healing power of Christian Science, and as a cup of cold water to those still athirst in the desert of material belief, I offer this testimony. For ten years Christian Science has been my only physician. During this time it has met, overcome, and, when promptly applied, averted the ills of the flesh more quickly and thoroughly than medicine ever did while I was depending on it. The healing of lumbago, ptomaine poisoning, ulcerated tooth, severe sprains and burns, and many other discordant conditions, has been accomplished with a minimum of suffering little short of miraculous to those who have not learned that God's law of harmony is the natural law, under which man eternally lives.
When I first turned to Christian Science for help, I was in extremity. For months I had been under medical treatment for arteriosclerosis, and had at last reached the place where the end was expected at any time. That was the medical dictum, which all the conditions seemed to warrant. One day, after another letter from my friend recounting the benefits she had received from Christian Science, divine Love took the matter out of my hands. With dragging feet I was taking the prescribed walk in the morning, when suddenly the conviction came that medicine was doing nothing, and never could do anything for me. "In the twinkling of an eye"' decision followed. Recalling the solitary Scientist of whom I had heard, I at once started to her for treatment. It was, however, a clear case of Love leading me "by unsought ways," as one of our hymns expresses it; for I distinctly remember that the thought uppermost while on my way was: I'll try Christian Science; it probably will not help me, but it will not hurt me. I shall never forget the experience that followed, nor cease to be grateful for it. Very graciously the Scientist received me; very lovingly cleared the way for Truth's appearance in my consciousness. After five treatments I was healed.
My healing was so radical that I was soon enjoying greater strength and activity than ever before, and like Nicodemus I felt there must be something of greater import to man than deliverance from bodily ills, in the power that had brought it about. I continued the reading and study of Mrs. Eddy's works in order to gain this deeper meaning. Gradually unfoldment came, until to-day I rejoice in unquestioning recognition of Christian Science as provable, absolute truth, "uncontaminated . . . by human hypotheses, and divinely authorized" (Quarterly, Explanatory Note). And though, with Paul, "I count not myself to have apprehended" in full, with him "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling" to which Christian Science constantly points, no longer torn by varying winds of doctrine, and satisfied to have touched the hem of Truth's garment.
