Words are inadequate to express the debt of gratitude I owe for all the blessings and benefits bestowed upon me and mine by Christian Science. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 3): "Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech." Therefore, I am earnestly striving to let my actions express my gratitude.
In the nearly twelve years that I have been a student of Christian Science I have had ample proof that it is the truth as taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus nearly two thousand years ago. My first proof was an instantaneous healing through reading an article in The Christian Science Journal which had been recommended to me. I was on the verge of nervous exhaustion, brought about by physical disorders of long standing, and it seemed as if I could not continue my position in an office any longer. Up to the moment the Journal was put into my hands I had no faith that Christian Science, or rather, what I thought Christian Science to be, could benefit me in any way; but I had not read long when I was instantly relieved of the terrible mental depression, and seemed to be walking on air. Instead of going about telling people how ill I felt, as I had been doing, I went about telling how well I felt. My healing seemed mysterious, until I realized that it is God who heals through Christian Science. The thing that impressed me so much in the article referred to was the beautiful explanation of some of my favorite Bible verses.
I was living in a small town in a middle western state, forty miles from a Christian Science church or practitioner, at the time this healing took place. I made a trip to the city one Sunday morning, this being my first opportunity to visit a Christian Science practitioner and to learn more of this wonderful truth. She very lovingly received me and took me to church with her, afterwards taking me home to dinner. I asked for a Christian Science treatment after she had explained Christian Science to me at some length. I also procured a copy of Science and Health and a Christian Science Quarterly, and was shown how to study the Bible Lessons. I had an entirely different idea of Christian Science by this time, since ignorance had been dispelled by the truth, and I was firmly enough grounded to want never to give it up. However, it took about four years and some sharp experiences to put me where I was willing to give up many material things, and begin the study of Christian Science in earnest. In the meantime I married and came to this city to live.
