Testimony of Healing August 30, 1924 Issue

It was twenty-one years ago that I first heard of Christian Science

George J. Anderson

It was twenty-one years ago that I first heard of Christian Science. I was invited to spend part of my summer holidays with a friend who was a Christian Scientist. That visit proved to be one of the most enjoyable I had ever experienced. The joyous atmosphere of the home, the practical application of religion in the daily routine, and the mutual helpfulness of each of its members were a revelation. Christian Science was discussed in the family only occasionally in my presence; but when mentioned it was done with a fearlessness and assurance that had great weight in convincing me that it was a religion I had never dreamed of as possible, although I had longed for such a one many times.

I had previously become discouraged, as life seemed so hopeless and it was such uphill work to overcome seeming limitations. I had prayed with all the sincerity I could gain that my life might be made something worth while, and that opportunities might not be wasted. I therefore felt that Christian Science had come into my experience as a direct answer to that prayer. Before my return home I had succeeded in grasping from the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, sufficient understanding of true prayer to overcome headaches, pains, and minor fears. On my return I found I desired a copy of the textbook more than anything else; and when I wrote to my friend to ascertain how I might procure one, he lovingly presented me with a copy. I had many doubts and misgivings as to many of the truths given therein; but invariably some Bible text which I had learned in Sunday school and in my experiences in church work and Bible study would come up to verify Mrs. Eddy's statements. I had many opportunities of proving the efficacy of Christian Science in my home, with three small nephews and my mother, which proofs completely overcame any sense of opposition to further progress.

I soon found I could not continue my church work as superintendent of a large Sunday school, helping in Christian Endeavor and choir work, without revealing a decided change in my views on the many subjects continually coming up for discussion. I found myself before long being looked upon with suspicion, and somewhat shunned; but I decided that it was Truth I wanted and not a human sense of church and mere social community life. I wanted to be free to study Christian Science alone, and found I had to take a definite stand and declare whom I would serve. It took me a year to come to the conclusion that I must go through the seemingly painful ordeal of severing my connection with the church with which I had so long been associated; but I can never forget the great sense of freedom experienced when I had honestly stated my position to the pastor and asked to have my resignation as Sunday school superintendent accepted, also my withdrawal from church membership.

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