I found Christian Science through a loving friend to...

Anna Pfundt Gerard

I found Christian Science through a loving friend to whom I often went on Sundays. At the time I was suffering from chronic sciatica of the right leg, and walked with difficulty. I was slow to grasp this teaching, for I had always been taught that evil comes from God, and that we must accept all that comes from Him. But one day I decided to ask help from a Christian Science friend who lives in Stuttgart. She immediately gave it to me, and some days later I felt the blessing of God. I walked as if on air, and perfect harmony reigned in me; it was as if an angel appeared and said, You are healed. I bought the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and subscribed to Le Heraut. I read earnestly, feeling that I was on the right road.

About a year later I fell seriously ill with nervous attacks. A physician had said that I was very nervous and would always be so. I had a sorrowful disposition; but Mrs. Eddy tells us on page 540 of Science and Health that "the muddy river-bed must be stirred in order to purify the stream." Then the battle began. Error seemed to be at its strongest, and I could no longer read. My family, who did not understand anything of Christian Science, objected to my being treated, and I was taken to a hospital for nervous diseases in Strassburg, where I received the care of doctors and nurses, but without any benefit. Four weeks later, not seeing any change, I resolved to return home. My husband consented; but after three weeks he was obliged to take me back to the hospital, where I remained in bed for four months. Not seeing any improvement, he had me taken to a sanitarium. Six weeks later the physician advised him to take me home and to care for me as well as he could, for he could do nothing more for me.

It was then that I asked help from the friend who was a Christian Science practitioner. Two weeks later I was free: the difficulty was overcome. I had learned to prove my faith by my works, denying evil and acknowledging the allness of God, good. I am grateful to the dear practitioner for her untiring work, and to the friends who led me to Christian Science. I thank God for having led me to the truth which frees humanity; and I am very grateful to Mrs. Eddy, who has shown us the way.—(Mrs.) Anna Pfundt Gerard, Rothau, Bas Rhin, Alsace, France.

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