With the words, "I would to God, that not only thou,...

Emma Read Newton

With the words, "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds," Paul concluded his address before Agrippa. Even so do Christian Scientists yearn to have all mankind know God as revealed through the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, and to have them share in an ever increasing freedom from bondage of every name.

Born in Portuguese West Africa of missionary parents, I grew up in the atmosphere of those who knew the joy of loving God and serving man; and for the blessing of a home where the Bible was daily bread, I cannot thank God enough. Years later, in Canada, Christian Science was presented to me, and my ignorant prejudice and opposition to it subsided from the time I began reading its marvelous textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. Since then my understanding of the Bible has grown clearer; I know God more intimately; and I love my neighbor less selfishly.

To cite some of the good things which have come to me through Christian Science, I would mention the healing of a hemorrhage of seven weeks' duration and of pneumonic influenza, the advantage of much more education than I should have enjoyed otherwise, and the ability to adjust myself quickly to work of varying demands in a foreign country; but more valuable to others, as well as to me, is the regeneration and unfoldment in character. Selfish ambition, pride of intellect, and criticism of others are being replaced a little more each day by the ambition to be pure in heart, to be humbly conscious of the omnipresence of Mind, and to obey the precept of Christ Jesus, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

I am beginning to realize the protection which membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church means, and am learning more and more what a valuable equipment is class instruction from a loyal teacher. The Christian Science Monitor enables me to take a keen interest in international affairs, and makes me a more effective citizen; the welcome weekly Sentinel and monthly Journal afford invincible armor for mental warfare against wrong thinking; while the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, taken from the Bible and Science and Health, make it possible for me to live joyfully and harmoniously with those who are as yet not students of our blessed faith. The Manual of The Mother Church is an indispensable guide to conduct in the cooperative work of church, home, and community.

Christian Science is without doubt the "pearl of great price." If one is to gain a right appreciation of the good to mankind which has come from God through the lives of Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, and of Mrs. Eddy, our dear Leader, he must give up willingly everything that prevents or hinders him from progressing toward perfection. I thank God, our Father-Mother, for the sunshine and power of Christian Science.—(Mrs.)Emma Read Newton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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