I have long wanted to avail myself of the great privilege of expressing some of the gratitude I feel for Christian Science, hoping that to relate a little of what it has done for me may help others to rely upon it.
I was brought up by Christian parents, my father being a Methodist minister. I had always loved that church, and had worked happily in it for many years. As a child I had lung trouble, and in my teens developed a weak heart. I had a very nervous, high-strung temperament, and was constantly under the doctor's care. I was never very strong.
Early in 1930 I commenced to suffer from sciatica in an acute form, and I grew gradually worse, until I was completely helpless and bedridden. Heart trouble and an internal complication also developed. I had the best medical attention at home, and, for some time, in a nursing home, but in September, 1931, my case was diagnosed as incurable. There was a faint hope that I might be able at times to move from my bed with the help of crutches.
It was at this juncture that Christian Science was recommended by a relative, who was not a Scientist, but who had heard of its healing power. My husband immediately asked for help. A practitioner lovingly and patiently endeavored to help me, but I seemed unable to understand the truth. Now I see that I was unwilling to let go of my old religious beliefs, but the seed had been sown and therefore was bound to bear fruit later. I decided to give up Christian Science, and for a fortnight endeavored to get my healing by faith, reading the records of healing by Jesus over and over again and praying to God to heal me. My healing did not come; and when I was again advised to try Christian Science, I felt that God was leading me to it. I let my thought become "as a little child" and determined to accept Science.
A practitioner was again called and very lovingly and patiently taught me some of the truths about God and man. Ten days later, when the practitioner was telling me about a testimony meeting, I felt a strong urge to go that night. I was still apparently confined to my bed, but I felt that with God's strength and help it was possible for me to go. I got out of bed, dressed, and was taken in a Scientist's car to the meeting. I was greatly uplifted by the service. The next day I managed to get to the lunch table with the help of crutches. I told my son all about the meeting. When I was left alone in the room, I distinctly heard a voice say, "Get up and walk round the table." Immediately I did so without the aid of crutches or anything else. My healing was so complete that the heart trouble disappeared too.
After this I was instantaneously healed of internal trouble at a lecture, later of shingles. I also had wonderful protection in two car accidents. I now lead a very happy, healthy life, and I owe it all to Christian Science. I could never express in words my gratitude to Mary Baker Eddy for Science and Health, which has taught me how to realize the omnipresence of God; for the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly, and for all our literature. I am grateful, too, for the privilege of being a member of The Mother Church and of a branch church, where I am able to do some active work. I am more than grateful for the priceless privilege of class instruction, and the willingness and loving-kindness of the teacher at all times to help me. I pray that my daily life may in some measure express the love and gratitude I owe to Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, and to God for His "unspeakable gift."— Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
