I feel impelled to thank God for all the blessings which it has been my privilege to experience in the three years during which I have studied Christian Science. Although I was brought up very religiously, I was never able to find what really satisfied me. Perhaps I was also too dependent upon my earthly parents. As long as I had them I continually went to them, and when I lost my mother I thought I could not survive the sorrow. Soon after her death I had to go to the front. I believed that the severity of army life, to which I was not accustomed, resulted in a long illness. I had to undergo a dangerous operation, part of the stomach being removed. Although I was promised that I should be well afterwards, the operation did but little good. I recovered very slowly, and could hardly move about, even with the help of a cane. The thought as to how I should be able to care for my family depressed me, as in all probability I should have to give up my profession. This care was, however, taken from me. My wife had acquired a business on most favorable terms, which, with the help of employees, she managed alone during my illness. Some time later I was discharged.
One day a friend whom I had met in the army hospital paid me a visit. He invited me to go to a Christian Science service with him, and also recommended a practitioner to me. She gave me a great deal of help, so that I grew visibly in strength and understanding. To her and to my friend my heartfelt gratitude is due. What eighteen physicians, who treated me during sixteen months, were unable to accomplish, she accomplished through Christian Science. The first few times it was with difficulty that I went to see her, but I returned home relieved and free.
When I look back upon this time, I feel an inexpressible sense of gratitude to God, whom only now I have learned to know and want to thank continuously. With the help of the practitioner I have always been able to overcome error as often as it attacked me, either physically or in business. Without Christian Science I surely would have despaired. In both respects I have been so successful in the last three years that I should have considered any one mad who predicted it. In the meantime I have lost my father too; but I have learned through this experience that God does not forsake us, so long as we have faith in Him. As I used to rely upon my parents in former times, so do I now rely upon my creator. I can never cease being grateful even if as yet I seem to reflect but a little of Truth. In these three years I have progressed from a helpless wreck to a healthy and, I might say, a prosperous business-man. I am truly grateful to God for all the good received.— Dresden, Germany.
