Twenty years ago our family was introduced to Christian Science through my brother's instantaneous healing of what was diagnosed as acute appendicitis. This healing came about after one visit by a Christian Science practitioner.
I had the privilege of attending a Christian Science Sunday School until I was twenty years of age. For several years after joining the military service I strayed quite far afield from Science and its teachings, but when I was in great need the tender seed of Truth, which had been planted during my Sunday School years, began to blossom. I had received a medical discharge from the Army and was suffering from what was diagnosed as incurable bronchial asthma. Moreover, I was smoking quite heavily and drinking socially, not to mention indulging some unlovely traits of character of low moral value.
Then I turned with my whole heart to the study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I began also to study systematically the Bible Lessons in the Christian Science Quarterly and to attend church regularly. I read the periodicals and had occasional help from a practitioner or from a member of my family. My great desire for spiritual food was rewarded by a sudden awareness of deep love for Christian Science and its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy.
Visible changes in my character began to take form as I honestly tried to live in accord with this deep love I felt. The smoking habit and social drinking completely dropped away. My health improved, and my entire life took on a different meaning and purpose.
At this time I was working for a large concern, and I was asked to submit to a physical examination. The doctor found no trace of the asthmatic condition which had been previously pronounced incurable. I was absolutely convinced of the healing power of Christian Science, and that it could and would meet my every need.
My humble gratitude led to a realization that I must so live that I would be an example to others in order that they too might experience the redeeming influence of Christian Science and its teachings. I joined The Mother Church and a branch church, and I opened my thought to the world-wide mission of our movement and joyously supported its activities. As I accepted branch church committee appointments and unselfishly joined in church activities, further changes in my experience took place. A lovely home was found, although I had thought I had too little money to make such a purchase. My business relationships, which had always been rather strained, changed progressively, and a satisfying, Christian atmosphere benefited myself and members of the office staff of which I was in charge. I began to gain weight steadily, although for many years I had tried unsuccessfully to do so. A sense of inferiority changed to a feeling of security and confidence as God's allness dawned on my thought, and I found I was able to make spiritual understanding practical in every way.
From the moment I had turned earnestly and humbly to Christian Science, without mental reservation, my every step was precisely guided through the shadowy valley of doubt to the mount of inspiration and Truth. My great desire for the Word of God was satisfied through regular study of the Bible and all of Mrs. Eddy's writings. The Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy took on a new and richer meaning to me, and it continues to bring greater appreciation and love for Christian Science and our Leader, Mrs. Eddy. This religion has helped beyond words in rearing our children and has taken from my thought the doubts and fears concerning their welfare and progress. Many inharmonious physical conditions have been healed in our family, and we have relied on no other remedy in time of need.
Class instruction was a blessing impossible to measure except in terms of greater devotion of my life to God and His purpose, as revealed in Christian Science. A blessing of inestimable value has been the realization that when I have taken a fearless stand for Truth, as shown me through Science, and have maintained an attitude of true Christliness, difficult and apparently insurmountable situations have yielded in a way no human being could ever have outlined.
This testimony is offered in humble acknowledgment of the healing power of Christian Science and in sincere gratitude for the blessing of healing and redemption it has wrought in my life.
Skokie, Illinois
