Testimony of Healing December 19, 1908 Issue

I have come to the conclusion that the time is ripe for...

Ludwig F. P. Baechle, Jr.

I have come to the conclusion that the time is ripe for me to express my thanks for what Christian Science has done for me. Eight years ago I was attracted by the material brilliancy of the theatrical profession, and took it up as a means of livelihood. The gaiety and frivolity soon led my ignorant mortal mind to channels of dissipation and idolatry. I drank and smoked, and thought myself a good fellow. For seven years I had been suffering from an acute disease which doctors told me could not be cured entirely. Feeling somewhat discouraged, I gave up using the medicine and let fate take its course. On May 5, 1907, I attended First Church of Christ, Scientist, in San Jose, Cal., and enjoyed the service very much. I did not understand the Lesson-Sermon, but the silent prayer impressed me greatly. I felt so rested, so peaceful, that I forgot all earthly things. After service I remarked to a friend who had accompanied me that I did not know how or what it was, but I felt grand! Later I met several Christian Scientists, and was so attracted by their kindness that when I was in Peoria, Ill., in November of the same year, I visited the Reading Room and had a long heart-to-heart talk with the lady who was in charge. She kindly loaned me her own copy of Science and Health to read while on the road. At the same time I decided to try a new prescription, as the disease was still giving me trouble, and as I began to read I also began to use my new medicine. On several occasions, however, I forgot to take it, and finally I decided to leave it behind, as I was resolved to try Christian Science treatment; for having received some light, I wanted it to be brighter. To use Mrs. Eddy's words, "I pressed on through faith in God, trusting Truth, the strong deliverer, to guide me into the land of Christian Science, where fetters fall and the rights of man are fully known and acknowledged" (Science and Health, p. 226). Through the conscientious study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" I have overcome all fear of the illness from which I suffered.

The physical relief derived from this wonderful study is but a mere detail, a step to the glorious spiritual uplifting from all immorality and evil. I now know and realize that the beauties of life are only found in spiritual thoughts, not in material things. I have grown both physically and mentally since I came into Science, and the Bible and Science and Health, together with the Quarterly, are my only teachers, during my tours. I have thanked the Scientist personally for her loyalty to the By-law that members "shall strive to promote the welfare of all mankind by demonstrating the rules of divine Love" (Manual, p. 61); and I now take this opportunity of expressing my heartiest thanks to Mrs. Eddy for showing us the way to this glorious truth. God bless her.

Ludwig F. P. Baechle, Jr., Brooklyn, N. Y.

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