In surveying my work some time ago, I could not help...

Clara Rosenkranz

In surveying my work some time ago, I could not help being mindful of the many blessing which have come to me during the past three years. Christian Science found me in a seemingly desperate mental condition. A copy of the Herold having been given to me by a friend, I looked over the cards in the back part, and the day after called on a Christian Science practitioner in this locality. Her presence inspired me with so much confidence that I told her of my griefs, which were not few. She spoke encouraging words to me, and when I left her I was in a much better frame of mind. I was then suffering with frequent and stubborn attacks of rheumatism, and was compelled to stay in bed for weeks at a time. The physician said that if I should have a return of the attacks, he could give me no assurance as to my life; that weak heart action would ensue, and after two years it would become altogether impossible for me to go up-stairs, as my knees would not support me. Since earliest childhood I had also been suffering with weakness of the eyes, besides which a hard film had formed over the left eye. In this instance, too, the physician told me that no help could be afforded. In addition to these troubles I was suffering at times with severe headaches and pain in the back, and despondency would prevail for days.

These are but a few of the many troubles which embittered my life; but I was gradually healed of all these errors, partly through having treatment and partly through the diligent reading of the Herold. I also felt impelled to read the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, which at that time could be had only in the English language, and within a comparatively short time I succeeded in doing so with the assistance of the kind practitioner. Moreover, I began to study the Lesson-Sermons with the help of a dictionary. One day I read that ingratitude to God and to man was a hindrance to progress in Christian Science. This set me thinking, and it did not take me long to find out that the unselfish love of my practitioner had been met with great selfishness on my part. I was filled with gratitude for this discovery, and when I looked up, to my great surprise my vision had become much clearer, for I was able to distinguish the people on the street and the beautiful flowers which were blooming in the garden. My joy was great, and I will strive to show my gratitude to God for Christian Science by overcoming hate, envy, self-love, self-justification, etc., through love.

I have often rejoiced over small instances in which I was able to afford others help in Christian Science. Many inharmonious conditions in my home have been eliminated, and I look forward into the future with a sense of hopefulness, the reverse of which used to be the case. In carrying a heavy basket down-stairs one evening. I fell, and experienced such pain in getting up that for a moment I thought my ankle must be broken; but I immediately realized God's omnipresence, omnipotence, and love, and I was able to walk to the station. The sense of pain was great, but I denied it in Christian Science, with the result that it disappeared, although the foot remained much swollen, besides being discolored. I then applied for treatment, which was lovingly given, and when I awoke the next morning, the condition of my foot was almost normal.

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