MY first reading of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, was due to curiosity, as I was then an active worker in another church. I had taken a little child into my home; and in the need of physical healing for this little one, I turned to Christian Science. Now I see how divine Love was gently leading me to the light through the desire to help this little one. Knowing nothing of Christian Science, nor even how to apply for treatment, hardly knowing why I was applying, I wrote to friends who were students of this Science. In a short while treatment was begun by a patient, loving practitioner, with the result that the child was healed of what the medical profession claims is incurable. From that time on Christian Science has been my constant guide, and has never failed me when rightly applied. Many, and hard, and long have been some of the struggles when mortal sense claimed reality and power; but through the loving and patient help of practitioners, and my own obedience to our Leader's words, "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought" (Science and Health, p. 495), the false belief has been conquered and a clearer understanding of "perfect 'God and perfect man" (p. 259) has been gained. The way, to mortal sense, has not been easy; for self-will, self-righteousness, and disobedience, even after I knew something of the truth, led me into many bitter experiences; but I sincerely desired the truth to predominate in my thought, and through divine mercy and love, those foes to the manifestation of spiritual understanding are being chained and destroyed through Truth and Love. "Love is the fulfilling of the law," we read in the epistle to the Romans.
I have so much to be grateful for that it is hard to express my gratitude on paper. I have had the very helpful privilege of going through class, the value of which I am realizing more and more. I am grateful beyond words to Mrs. Eddy for her wonderful unselfed love to mankind, manifested in the establishment of the Christian Science movement; for the periodicals, which never fail to carry their message to those who receive it and are blessed; for the faithful work of those at headquarters; and for the Lesson-Sermons. I am grateful for all the love and patience manifested toward me. As Mrs. Eddy tells us in the Christian Science textbook (p. 174): "Truth is revealed. It needs only to be practised." As Christian Scientists we have our work before us.— Rhinelander, Wis.
