My first introduction to Christian Science came in 1923. I had returned home from college almost a mental and physical wreck. Not only was I dissatisfied with the teachings of the orthodox church which I attended, but I was disgusted with my unavailing but earnest endeavor to get physical relief through material means. When I learned that my mother had been brought from a state of semi-invalidism, the result of three surgical operations, to normal health through Christian Science, I was deeply impressed. After a lengthy discussion with a practitioner, who lovingly answered my questions and enlightened me as to God and our relation to Him, I left his office joyous in the thought that I had found God, and purchased a copy of Science and Health. Anxious to know more of this truth, I studied the textbook earnestly. A few weeks later it occurred to me that I was reading without the aid of glasses, which had been worn for years. This healing has been permanent.
I am very grateful for the protection experienced during a mine explosion, and for the rapid healing that followed. I was working in the face of a mine tunnel and picked into some dynamite which had failed to explode when the usual shots were fired. There was a terrific blast and everything went dark. I remember declaring, "All is good—good is all," and when I finally roused myself from the stunned state, this same truth was in my consciousness. I was also knowing that there are no accidents in divine Mind. Being alone I felt my way out of the tunnel and up a long rise to the surface. Here I reasoned that since man is spiritual his sight must also be spiritual and therefore cannot be destroyed by matter, which has no real substance. I managed to reach the boarding house, where "first aid" was rendered and my eyes were bandaged. It was necessary to make a ten-mile horseback trip with a guide, then a sixty-mile automobile journey before reaching the city. The pain was terrific at first, but knowing "the ever-presence of ministering Love" (Science and Health, p. 567), I was able to enjoy the trip. During the period of travel I prayerfully sought guidance. Then it came to me clearly that the common-sense thing to do was to ask for help from a Christian Science practitioner and engage the services of a specialist to remove the rock particles. After calling on the practitioner at her home and explaining my plans, treatment was asked for and given. We reached the hospital at one o'clock in the morning, where, due to advance information, everything was in readiness. Many particles were removed from the eyes before the largest piece of rock was attempted. Several efforts did not loosen the obstruction, and after much cutting the specialist remarked that he was afraid there was little hope for the sight of that eye. All this time I was trying to know the unreality of matter. At this period a few minutes of rest were taken. Steadfastly clinging to the truth of God's allness, and man as His image and likeness, I was able to see all men as His children; therefore that God was guiding and directing every move of man and only harmony could result. I was calmly resting in this truth when the doctor removed the rock particle with ease. Both he and his nurse expressed surprise, but I was thanking God. In four days all particles were removed from the eyes, face, and upper portions of the body and I was permitted to go home. Dark glasses were worn for less than two weeks. My eyes are entirely normal, and no scars remain as a result of the experience.
I am humbly grateful for the loving help received from Christian Science practitioners, for membership in The Mother Church, for the Christian Science literature, and for the works of our Leader, which make it possible for us to be students of Christian Science.— Pioneerville, Idaho.
