Christian Science came to me in an hour of desperate need. I had been suffering for some time from tubercular trouble of the lungs, and had exhausted many material remedies. Finally, conditions seemed hopelessly discordant, and I would have welcomed death, as I believed it to be the only way out of my misery. I had reached the end of my endurance and was in a state of utter collapse, but had three children and had to struggle on some way. So I left my home, hoping to find relief in a higher and drier climate. It proved to be the most wonderful journey I had ever taken. The conductor of the train was a Christian Scientist who had been healed of some so-called incurable diseases; and he began to unfold the truths of Christian Science to me. I was impressed by the kindly love and enthusiasm which glowed from his countenance. He said "God" in a way I had never heard it said before, though I had been surrounded by religious influences all my life; and while I did not hope to be healed, I was willing to try anything. I therefore promised to get the book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and read it; and I did so. Wonder of wonders! That was fifteen years ago; and from that day to this I have never been confined to my bed for even one hour by lung trouble; and all the other discordant conditions disappeared one by one! Wonderful as this healing was, it is nothing to be compared to the glory of being born into Spirit. Through this wonderful study the Bible has become to me the visible word of the invisible living God; and now God is not a far-away, unknown God, but the infinitely gentle presence and the all-powerful protector.
There was one other remarkable healing in my family which stands out prominently in my thought. My young son became afflicted with what is termed an ingrowing goiter. I had a physician who was an old friend of the family examine him thoroughly, and his verdict was most discouraging. From his point of view there was no hope for the boy, for his condition was such that not even an operation could be performed. I left the doctor's office that day feeling that if the boy was to be healed God alone must do it. I went home and picked up the Bible, which opened at the words in the fourteenth chapter of John, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." It seemed to me a voice spoke, and I felt relieved. Farther down I read, "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." This penetrated deeper into my heart. Many other parts of Scripture flooded my anxious thought, and I poured out my heart to my Father in secret ; and my Father, who seeth in secret, rewarded me openly. I asked, believing I should receive; and I did. The third day brought a change for the better. The boy said afterward something broke loose in his throat, and after that he could breathe more easily. The goiter, together with all its attendant discords, disappeared like mist before the sunshine.
How inadequate are my words to express my gratitude for these healings, and for all the good I am receiving daily! I am grateful for class instruction and for membership in The Mother Church.— Long Beach, California.
