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.

I have had many proofs of healing in Christian Science. I was a public school teacher and had, at the close of the year's work and while presiding at one of the departmental examinations, contracted a cold, which I was unable to overcome and which rapidly developed into a severe case of tuberculosis. I had treatment from a practitioner, but seemed to receive little benefit. I then went to my friend's home, where I had first learned of Christian Science, and had treatment from him. In a month the cough and other symptoms had disappeared, and I was able to resume school work at the close of the holidays as if nothing had happened.

At another time I was instantly healed of jaundice at a Christian Science service. I had been struggling with it for about two weeks. The feeling of nausea and depression was at once lifted, and all appearance of discoloration vanished in two days. I have been healed of severe attacks of neuralgia which had appeared annually with most distressing conditions. One effect of Christian Science for which I am deeply grateful was the gradual change in work as teacher from the ordinary class work to that of specialist in several subjects which were a joy to teach; also improved salary conditions and more time to study Christian Science.

Ever since Christian Science came into my life there has been a steady growth, slow at times, but certain, in the understanding of God's allness. Many trials, a sense of separation, and loneliness have all been overcome. Life has proved in Christian Science a continual unfolding of good, and it is our own fault if we find the journey toward "the prize of the lacking calling of God in Christ Jesus" uninteresting and lacking in joy and satisfaction. One half cannot be told of the benefits received by me from Christian Science. Membership in The Mother Church and a local society, class instruction, and the privilege of now devoting all my time to the joyous work of healing the sick and reforming the sinner are among the things for which I am grateful. Christian Science has deepened and intensified my love for and gratitude to Christ Jesus, the Way-shower; to Mrs. Eddy, who rediscovered the way; to my teacher in Science and the many friends who have helped me; and also to the dear friend who so lovingly showed me the way and guided my first feeble footsteps till I could learn to walk alone.

George J. Anderson, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada.

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