I pay at last a precious debt

I pay at last a precious debt. After ten years' study I have come to be a strong believer in Christian Science and a follower of Mrs. Eddy; and I find myself now as firm a a rock, understanding something of God, divine Principle. I was born of pious parents. My church was the Anglican church. In it duties of membership were strictly fulfilled. I was taught that God is our only refuge, but distress and sickness walked with me through life, making me miserable. Seeking for peace, but not finding it, I came to the conclusion that only death could bring it. Praying and patiently waiting, I dragged on my days till through a dear friend I came into possession of Mrs. Eddy's book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which was handed to me with the words, "Read and believe."

The precious book became my dearest companion. I could not do without it. I wanted to understand. I hungered after righteousness. I was far from every Christian Science church, but a few periodicals were sent me now and then; and sometimes the perusal of these brought true joy and gratitude. Led by a precious Christian Science friend many difficulties were overcome, and Truth was spreading its wonderful light. I believed!

I shall never forget the uplifting thoughts the study brought, and the peace they gave. God was with me; and the peace I longed for became mine. During these years many demonstrations have taken place, of one of which I must tell, as it was a most striking example of the power of Christ, Truth. I am seventy-one years of age, and the demonstration occurred last winter. I fell down the back stairs of my house, and dislocated my arm very badly. I was brought to my room, and a friend who happened to be with me sent immediately for a doctor, although I only wanted to be alone with God. In agonizing pain I tried to think of the words of the twenty-third psalm, my favorite one, which in every demonstration has brought help, and also of Mrs. Eddy's "scientific statement of being" (Science and Health, p. 468). These I repeated over and over again. I felt God's presence, and so had only to wait. The doctor came; and after trying his best for two hours, he concluded that nothing could help but the work of a surgeon, and so I had to go to town. Very reluctantly I consented and there I had to wait for the next verdict. But while I prayed a greater power than human hands was at work; for on looking at my shoulder I actually saw the bone go back into place. In amazed joy I cried out: "God has done it. Blessed be His name. No hands dare touch it!" Nobody would believe me. I was begged to have an X-ray photograph taken; and I consented. Then and there I was declared healed as by a miracle.