Before I came into Christian Science, more than eleven years ago, I was a fully trained and registered medical nurse and had worked with medicine for over twenty-five years. When a patient whom I was nursing commenced to have Christian Science treatment my reaction was one of scorn and incredulity, for I felt that medical science had given its verdict in the case and that Christian Science could not possibly know more about a disease than did the doctors who had diagnosed it.
My desire was to get away from that patient, for I valued my medical knowledge very highly and wanted nothing to do with Christian Science; but in spite of great efforts on my part to leave, it was impossible for me to do so. After a few days, though still wishing to have nothing to do with Christian Science, I was led, through what I have since realized was an angel message, to open "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.
Having started to read, I could not stop until I had read that wonderful book from cover to cover. As I read, a great peace came to me; my wish to get away from Christian Science suddenly ceased, and before I had finished reading I saw clearly that the healing system explained in Science and Health is the only true method of healing, the method that Jesus taught and practiced. Although I did not realize it at the time, the faith I had previously had in medical science and material treatment vanished at that moment.
In Isaiah (30:21) we read, "Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it." I had heard that word, and I knew my way from that time must be the way of divine Science. I had caught a glimpse of the glorious light of Truth, and with my study of Christian Science that light has grown brighter and brighter. Almost at once I had an instantaneous healing of chronic constipation, which had been a sore trial to me for many years. Moreover, I was quickly healed of the need to wear glasses, which I had worn constantly for over thirty years and on which I had become very dependent.
Since my acceptance of Christian Science I have had healings of many ailments, among them abscesses, a scalded hand, and a sprained wrist. The healings of these and other difficulties were so quick and complete through Christian Science treatment that I have been increasingly convinced of the absolute truth of the teachings of this Science and am daily more grateful for these teachings. Besides the healing of physical conditions, I have witnessed and experienced healings of inharmony and loss; also I have been protected in times of danger. When rightly applied, Christian Science has met my every need.
Words are quite inadequate to express my gratitude for all that Christian Science means to me; it has brought me health, happiness, and joy beyond what I would have conceived possible. For the freedom it has given me from binding medical beliefs and practices I am continuously and profoundly grateful. Although I had full faith in the efficacy of material medicine before I accepted Christian Science, I have never felt since then that any material medicine or treatment could be of the slightest avail. Many times I have proved the truth of Mrs. Eddy's words on page 167 of Science and Health, "Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized."
For membership in The Mother Church and a branch church, for the great privilege of serving in church activities, for class instruction from a consecrated teacher, and for all the activities of the Christian Science movement I am profoundly grateful. My heart overflows with gratitude to our Father-Mother God for Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, and for our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy. My constant and humble desire is to be a faithful and steadfast witness for Truth.— Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, England.
