Christian Science in Dresden

BY EMILY COTTON.

We know that our co-workers will rejoice with us in hearing of the onward march of Truth in this good city of Dresden.

It was after Christmas, 1897, therefore in the last days of that years, that our teacher first arrived here. We were but two to welcome her, for though there were several who took some slight interest in Christian Science, there were but very few at that time who were willing to investigate it seriously. But the healing work done by Mrs. S—began at once to attract attention, and in April, 1898, she taught her first class. During the months which followed, Sunday and week-day services were organized, testimonial meetings held, and also readings for such foreigners as understood no English,—and then, in the autumn of that year, our teacher had to return to America, and the little band of students here worked on during her absence, along the lines she had laid down, and tried to "quit them like men" and "be strong in the Lord," though conscious of many a mistake and many a stumble.

Slowly but surely, more and more have joined the little working band, and when we had the joy of welcoming her return in the spring of this year, she found new students awaiting her.

At present we have two services on Sundays—first a German, followed by an English one, and the former is attended by people of all classes, the very poor as well as their richer neighbors. We have Wednesday evening meetings, where interesting testimonials are often given, for almost all patients become workers in their turn, and once a week a meeting is held for such Germans as understand no English, in order to study our text-book, and teach them to read it for themselves.

One young lady, for instance, who does not know enough English to understand what is said to her in that language, can yet read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" with understanding sufficient to enable her to heal by its means, and she has had such demonstrations as cause her face to fairly beam with joy. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." In the study of the book her understanding is evidently divinely illumined.

Part of the population of Dresden being a floating one, as numbers of strangers arrive here yearly to stay a few weeks or months, we have had many transient visitors at our meetings and services, who, becoming interested in the presentation of the Truth, have carried the good seed with them when they departed, to sow it in other lands, where it surely will spring up and bring forth fruit in due time. Thus, a young man has but now gone to Siberia with a copy of our text-book in his pocket, that he means to make his constant companion, and who can tell how far the influence of that blessed book will reach in that darkened land?

Much good healing work has been done too, and though it appears but modest as compared with the wonderful demonstrations given elsewhere—demonstrations which fill us all with delight and awe, as bringing the Infinite Presence so near to our apprehension,—yet we know that it is the same Power that works in all, it is the same Truth demonstrated, and we are cheered and encouraged in our fight with error. The blind and the near-sighted have recovered sight, the lame walk, the effects of accidents have been neutralized, surgical operations rendered unnecessary, cases of fear, nervous prostration, paralysis, lung-trouble, etc., healed, and often the healing has been accomplished in one treatment. And in how many cases have burdens been lifted, cares relieved, poverty dispelled, and harmony established where all was discord before! These signs have followed the Good Tidings proclaimed here, and do give us the assurance that the reign of Christ is begun, and that "the wilderness will blossom as the rose."

To show how interest in Christian Science is growing here, I should like to mention that nearly fifty copies of Science and Health have been sold during this summer, besides others of Mrs. Eddy's works, and the Journal and Sentinel are eagerly looked for, welcomed, and studied by all. And how shall I express the love and gratitude that fill the hearts of all, teacher and students, for her through whose unwearied labor we have received such joy and consolation!

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