One of many outstanding proofs of the power of Christian Science to make manifest God's care and provision for the well-being of His children took place after I was elected First Reader in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. While I had been very desirous of serving as Reader, I had never had the necessary faith to give up my position as a traveling salesman, which was my only human source of supply and thrice the amount of the Reader's salary. So for many years I had reluctantly withdrawn my name at election periods. Eventually this fear was met, and I was elected and began to serve.
A short time later, while displaying my merchandise at a hotel and pondering on ways and means to terminate my contract with my manufacturers, I was called by a firm of jobbers in the same line of merchandise. The personnel of this firm were entire strangers to me and were not even aware of my need. They asked me to consider a proposition which they felt sure I should like. Assuming that this job would require the same travel obligation that made my present position untenable, I refused to consider it and did not call on them.
The following day there came an urgent request for an interview, which I felt impelled to accept as a matter of courtesy. On my way to this interview I was suddenly confronted with a demand to stop and listen, such as must have come to Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus. I seemed to hear the words, "You have asked for help but you are not listening for directions."
This so convinced me that the business call was the answer to my prayer that within an hour I had agreed to serve the firm under a most unusual contract, which would enable me to give all the time necessary to my church obligation and also meet my financial need. After many profitable years with this firm I was led to accept a position which required less travel and which placed me with congenial and understanding friends. All this transpired many years after the generally accepted retiring age for traveling salesmen.
During my experience as a traveling salesman I had ample opportunity to prove the statement of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, p. 261), "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." One of many such proofs took place when I was on a business trip. My car skidded, turned completely over, and was demolished; but I remained unhurt. Holding thought steadfastly to the fact that no accident had occurred or could occur in divine Mind and that therefore no ill effect could manifest itself, I was able the same day to arrange the purchase of another car and to complete my trip harmoniously.
When the passing of my wife brought a sense of separation, this was quickly met by the realization that I could not be separated for an instant from the eternal qualities of unselfish loyalty and deep sympathetic understanding that had been and still remain a daily support in my spiritual and physical activities. The fact that she expressed Life, and her steadfast adherence to the truth she knew, assured me she was at that very moment continuing to work out her salvation. Thus my tears were dried and my self-pity was destroyed. I then gave up my business activities to devote my entire time to the healing work of Christian Science, and my fondest hope came true—that of full-time service for God.
My gratitude to our beloved Leader can never be adequately expressed in words. Through her inspired writings I have learned that God is Love and ever present. This understanding of God brought peace and healing to me fifty years ago; and today, in what mortal mind calls the twilight of human experience, I am enjoying good health, vigor, and happiness.— Evanston, Illinois.
