Miscellaneous Writings, 1883-1896 Part 86

The harvest is now ripe and ready for the reaper. I wish some good Christian Science teacher would come and help us. I can help in my own way, but am not advanced enough to lead and teach others. I have only studied Science and Health a little over a year, and have not been through a cla.s.s yet.

S. G. SCHROYER, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

I became interested in Christian Science through being healed. I had no faith in doctors, therefore would not consult any; but felt that something must be done, or I would soon follow a brother and sister who had pa.s.sed on with the same claim. In my extremity I thought of the "great Physician," and took my case to Him, and realized that He alone could help me.

A relative, finding I would not consult a doctor or take any drug, gave me "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" to read; saying that, although a dear friend thought she was greatly helped by a Christian Scientist, he himself had no faith in that kind of treatment, and had no use for the book.

I had heard of the people called Christian Scientists, and of their textbook, Science and Health, but knew nothing about either; yet I wanted to know, and took the book gladly, and was soon deeply interested in it.

It was a revelation to me. Although I could only understand it in part, I knew it was the truth, and the truth was making me free. I felt that I had been bound and in prison; and that now, one after another, the bonds were being broken, and I was lifted into the pure air and light of heaven. I was healed before I had read half-way through the precious volume; for I was obliged to read slowly, and some pa.s.sages over and over again. When I came to page 304, line 10 (47th edition), I then and there felt that I must add my testimony, though already there were "heaps upon heaps;" but since then, I have tried to put the thought of those dark days away from me, and only refer to them now in the hope that some one who is bound may be released and brought into the light of divine Love, which alone can heal, and make us "every whit whole."

L. M. C., Brooklyn, N.Y.

I have been thinking for a long time that I would give my experience in coming out of sickness into the knowledge of health by reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."

I was sixty years old (as we mortals count time) before I ever read one word of Christian Science. On July 2, 1890, I met a Scientist who gave me a pamphlet called "Christian Healing," by the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy. At that time I was almost helpless. This lady advised me to buy Science and Health. I did so, and tried to read it; but my hands were so lame I could not hold it, and I let it fall to the floor so often that it became unbound, and I laid it away and resumed my medicine.

The following May, the Scientist visited in this city again. She advised me to burn all my medicines and to lean unreservedly on the promises of G.o.d. I took her advice; had my book rebound in three volumes, so I could hold it more easily, and now read it constantly, reading nothing else.

Sometimes I would suffer intensely, then I would get a little better; then more suffering, and so on, until August, 1891, when all pain left me. I have had no return of it, and no disagreeable sensations of any kind, and am perfectly well in all respects.

Surely, if we will but trust our heavenly Father, He is sufficient for us.

I hope some one of, or near, my age, who is afflicted, may read this and take courage; for I have _demonstrated_ the fact that, by reading Science and Health, in connection with the Bible, and trying to follow the teaching therein, one in the autumn of life may be made over new. I am so thankful to G.o.d for my great recovery!

That remark of Sojourner Truth helps me to a better understanding of Life in G.o.d: "G.o.d is the great house that holds all His children; we dwell in Him as the fishes dwell in the seas."-P. T. P.

Until about one year ago, I had no thought of investigating Christian Science. Previous to that time it had been presented to me in such a way that I condemned it as unreasonable and absurd. At that time it was presented to me in a more reasonable light. I determined to divest myself of prejudice (as far as was possible) and investigate it, thinking that if there was anything in it, it was for me as well as others; that I surely needed it, and if I found no good in it, I could then with some show of reason condemn it.

I had been reading Science and Health about two weeks, when one morning I wanted my cane. It had been misplaced; and while looking for it the thought came to me, If all is Mind, I need no cane. I went out without it, have not used it at all since, and do not need it as a support; but for a time I did miss it from my hand. I had used it for years as a support to a very lame back.

I before went much stooped, because it pained me to straighten up; but from the time I laid my cane aside I straightened up, free from pain.

Occasionally I have a slight pain in my back, but it is nothing to compare with what it had been.

In a short time after laying my cane aside, my pipe and tobacco went out into the street and have not returned. I had smoked for sixty-five years, and chewed for fifty. I have no desire for either of them; in fact, the smoke is offensive to me.

Many times before I had tried to quit, but the desire for it was so strong that I would go back to it; and when I tried to "taper off," I would make the taper end the longest.

Many other physical claims have disappeared, and it is a common thing for acquaintances to say when they meet me, "You look better than I have seen you for years; what have you been doing?" My reply is, I not only look better, but feel better, and am better; and Christian Science has done it.

With all this, I seem to have very little spiritual understanding of the truth; am endeavoring to get more, but it seems slow. If there is a shorter road to it than I have found, I should like to be directed to it.

J. S. M., Joplin, Mo.

Four years ago I was healed by reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The third day, one of my worst claims gave way. The book was full of light, and disease vanished as naturally as darkness gives place to light, although it was about six months before I was entirely healed.

Seeing this truth in its purity, showed me where to take my stand; and in defending it I have the prince of this world to meet. Mortal mind has even called me crazy; but what a blessing to know the nothingness of that mind, and that divine Principle governs all its ideas, and will place each where it belongs!

If our Master was persecuted, can his servants hope to escape? I know in some degree what Paul meant when he said he rejoiced in tribulations, "for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Many claims that have baffled the skill of the physicians have disappeared through my understanding of Truth. What a blessing that we can break the bread of Life to others, and so add to our crown of rejoicing!

S. E. R., Kansas City, Mo.

A dear little six-year old boy of my acquaintance was invited by his teacher, with the rest of his cla.s.s in kindergarten school, to attend a picnic one afternoon. He did not feel that he wanted to go; seemed dumpish, and according to mortal belief was not well; at noon, he said he wanted to go to sleep.

His mother took him in her lap and began to read to him from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Very soon he expressed a wish to go to the picnic, and did go. His father, happening to pa.s.s the place where the little ones were spending the afternoon, and somewhat surprised to see him playing, as happy and active as any there, called to him and asked, "How long did you sleep?" The little fellow replied, "I did not sleep at all; mamma read to me from Science and Health, and I was well in a minute."-K.

L. H.

One evening I was calling on a neighbor, and somehow the subject of Christian Science came up. I asked her what it was, and what they believed.

She then told me of a friend of hers who had become a Christian Scientist.

This friend had pa.s.sed through great sorrow and disappointment; her health had failed her, and her cheerful disposition had entirely changed; she could talk of nothing but her troubles, and was a most unhappy woman. A few years ago she visited my neighbor, who, greatly surprised at her changed appearance,-for she was happy and well,-asked where her troubles were. The reply was, "I have no troubles. I have found true happiness; for I have become a Christian Scientist."

I became deeply interested, and asked if the students in Clinton had public meetings on Sundays. She replied that they had, and told me where they were.

The next Sunday, I went. All was quiet when I entered, for they were engaged in silent prayer. Soon they repeated the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer. I shall never forget the impression that made on me; all the next week I heard the leader's voice repeating the first sentence.

I was invited to come again, and did so. One of the ladies loaned me "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and offered to get me one; which she did the next week. I have studied it in connection with the Bible. I have greatly improved in health, having had only one attack of a physical trouble which caused great suffering, since that time, and that was a year ago.

At first, I did not think anything about being healed, or of my physical infirmity. I only loved the sacred teaching. How true, that G.o.d's word does not return unto Him void! The words of truth that my neighbor's friend spoke to her, were what first awakened me. If the one who first hears it does not receive it, it goes to some one who is ready, and it takes root and bears fruit.

MRS. G. H. I., Clinton, N.Y.

About three years ago I was near death's door with various troubles; also, was seventy years old. I had a desire to know something of Christian Science.

I procured the textbook, and studied it with a desire to know the truth.

At first all was dark; but light began slowly to come, and at the end of three months I found my physical claims all gone and my eyesight restored.

At the end of three months more, I had gained thirty-five pounds in weight.

I had been an infidel, and the change from that came more slowly; but now I know that my Redeemer lives, and I am able by divine grace to make very convincing demonstrations.-J. S., Rudd, Iowa

For a long time I have felt that I must in some way express my great debt of grat.i.tude for Christian Science. I know no better way to do so than to give an account, through the _Journal_, of some of the many blessings I have received as a result of our Leader's untiring toil and self-sacrificing love for suffering mortals, in giving to us the wonderful book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."

When I first heard of Christian Science, about six years ago, I was satisfied that it was the religion of Christ Jesus, because Jesus had so plainly said, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils;... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."