"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy" (Ps. 107:2). It is a joy to be able to say that the understanding of God's omnipresent help has redeemed me "from the hand of the enemy" in many instances through the application of the truths of Christian Science. I am grateful to have attended a Christian Science Sunday School from early childhood and to have been a member of The Mother Church as well as a branch church since I was twelve years old.
After my first year in college it appeared that lack of funds would make it impossible to continue my education. Prayerful consideration was given the Bible promises concerning abundant supply, and similar statements were studied in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. Particularly helpful was the statement (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 307), "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." Clinging to this thought, I returned to school and found that ideas for useful and interesting employment were so abundant that there was not time enough to fulfill the many opportunities presented. Besides helping to supply my immediate need, these various types of work provided me with such a good background of practical experience that no difficulty was encountered in obtaining a position following my graduation. At the same time outstanding proofs of the intuitive, perceptive, and retentive qualities which our one ever-present and all-knowing Mind continually expresses were experienced in connection with studies and examinations, although there was a minimum of time available for preparation.
These proofs came about through heeding the admonition (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." This admonition was heeded particularly with regard to daily study of the Bible Lessons in the Christian Science Quarterly and to active work in the Christian Science Organization at the college.
During a period of service with the Navy, I was confronted by an ugly problem of human relationship in regard to a superior whose actions had caused consternation to our whole office force. Suddenly awakening from despondency and self-pity over the hopelessness of the situation, I realized that the helpful correction of such a problem could be the only reason for a Christian Scientist to experience it. Thereupon, several days were devoted to seeing and loving this individual as God's man and refusing to admit the material evidence. There was a prompt change in attitude and atmosphere, and I was offered a new assignment which was interesting and enjoyable. Within a short period of time all those who had been affected by the previously unhappy situation were also moved along to more desirable positions.
A few years ago I noticed a growth on one eyelid, and it enlarged at an alarming rate. A testimony in one of the Christian Science periodicals at that time reported a healing of such a condition through application of Mrs. Eddy's statement concerning material sense (Unity of Good, p. 60), "This false sense of substance must yield to His eternal presence, and so dissolve." Since I was reminded of the material condition whenever using my mirror, I pasted this quotation on the mirror in order to be reminded instead of the "eternal presence" that fills all space. Also, my ideals of growth and of what I desired most to recognize and acquire as substance were carefully assessed and improved. The growth soon disappeared from my eyelid without my noticing when it was gone. While progressing in this line of thought, I had sought to apply it also to a hard lump which one of our children had manifested on his forehead since a fall when he was a baby. One day I noticed that this too had disappeared.
So many things have helped me in my progress in Christian Science. I wish to express gratitude for class instruction and our annual association meetings, for the fine example and help of a loving family of stalwart Christian Scientists, our devoted practitioners, and for the diligence and faithfulness of The Christian Science Board of Directors. For our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, and our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, I thank God, who indeed redeems us "from the hand of the enemy."— Williamsville, New York.
