I sought the truth for a long time, and finally found it in...

Magdalene Stavenhagen with contributions from G. T. Springer

I sought the truth for a long time, and finally found it in Christian Science. If, after we have found the true way, we earnestly strive to walk in it, we shall not lose sight of it, but advance step by step. Although it seemed difficult for me at first, still I listened to the inner voice which told me that I was not alone, that our Father would help me; and He did help me.

Christian Science found me in a hopeless condition, the physicians having tried for years to cure me. I had been in sanitariums, but experienced only temporary relief, and new symptoms manifested themselves continually. My condition became most serious, as my life seemed to depend on the use of certain remedies, and I was involved more and more in despair. I was bedridden during the latter period, extending over several months, and an opiate had to be administered in order to relieve me of the awful pain. Existence seemed unbearable. The physicians then suggested an operation. As it was a very serious one, however,—the removal of the kidney and appendix being contemplated,—and my condition being too weak to admit of the strain, I was advised to go to the country for a couple of months in order to gain sufficient strength. But the very thought was awful to me, and having heard of Christian Science, I decided to seek refuge in it.

I asked a Christian Science practitioner to come to the hospital in St. Petersburg, and she came several times. Through her loving help I felt strengthened, and after the first treatment I knew this was the only way of recovery for me. A week later I had sufficiently improved to venture to return home by steamer, and the physicians were well pleased to be able to dismiss me from the hospital in a better condition than when I went there, although of course they attributed the favorable change to their own efforts. My condition thus improved steadily, although slowly at first. Yet, when I recall how sick I was a year and a half ago, it often seems to me like a bad dream, and that I am just drawing nearer reality now. The English language also offered considerable difficulties, as I did not know one word of English up to that time, and had to translate every single word. But now I get along well and make daily progress. As to my health, there has been such an improvement that I was able to accept a position as a governess last summer, and worked as I never did before in my life.

Happy those who walk through the strait gate and tread the narrow path which leadeth unto Life. I can give but inadequate expression to my feeling of gratitude to God, through whose guidance I was enabled to find a leader like Mrs. Eddy.

Magdalene Stavenhagen, Schlusselburg, near Petersburg, Russia.

Unlike many others, I had had Christian Science talked to me a great deal, until it irritated me to have any one bring it to my attention. I was willing that any one else who wished, including my family, should study and practise it, as I have always held that we each and all must solve our own problems and fight our own battles; but as for me, I considered that I was too worldly, too self-sufficient, and too busy to trouble myself about any cult or ism. Being a traveling man, my mode of life left me little time for thought of this character, and hence I should probably have gone on for years in that narrow, moth-eaten groove, blindly groveling with the worms, had not a crisis and necessity compelled me to open my eyes and observe the truth.

For years I had regularly suffered each winter with severe throat trouble, until I came to look for it as a necessary evil to be suffered each succeeding year. This year proved no exception, with the single variation that the attack was worse than usual, and after using the approved remedies, I called a physician. After thirty-six hours of his treatment, to no avail, I had become so much worse that I was disgusted with the result, and upon the advice of my wife decided to call a Christian Science practitioner, feeling I might as well die under the ministrations of the latter as the former, if it should come to that, as at the time seemed at least possible. The practitioner called at ten o'clock the following day, and by three o'clock I was up and practically cured. By the following morning I was to all intents and purposes entirely well and have been going about my business as usual.

While from this experience I do not of course feel that I am at all a Christian Scientist, it has surely made me want to be one, or at least to understand somewhat the basis of this wonderful religion.—G. T. Springer, Seattle, Wash.

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