Testimony of Healing January 9, 1932 Issue

Christian Science has indeed been to me the light of Life,...

Frances DeWitt John

Christian Science has indeed been to me the light of Life, for its healing message has lifted me from the depths of atheism to an intelligent love of and trust in our Father-Mother God. During girlhood I united with a church and was active in religious work. While pursuing my university course I read widely in the various religions, and also had the advantage of Bible study under several recognized teachers. Finding little satisfaction in either, I drifted into atheism.

Curiosity, not a desire to learn of Christian Science, prompted my first call upon a practitioner. I had heard her criticized and ridiculed, and wondered what kind of individual she was and what was the manner of her religion. I have since realized that my visit was Love's answer to the prayer of desire to know God; for often in the darkness of atheism my thought had echoed Job's words, "Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!" The practitioner was a lovable woman, who seemed to enfold all humanity in God's gracious love. She told me about Christian Science; but like the rich young man of old I too had great possessions—false mental concepts—which I was unwilling to relinquish. So with much intellectual arrogance I replied that Christian Science would fail in emergencies as other religions which I had studied had done. Reluctantly I accepted the loan of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and promised to read it. I struggled through the book, arguing and kicking against the pricks every step of the way; then I returned it with profound relief and much self-satisfaction that I was too sophisticated to believe its teachings.

But, surely, underneath were "the everlasting arms" of Love. Truth did not let me go, but found an approach through my love of the beautiful. I had always loved beautiful books; and the dignity and charm of the pocket edition of Science and Health were so unique and compelling that I purchased a copy. As I admired its beauty I read here and there. Gradually its grand truths so gripped and humbled thought that I began the study of Christian Science. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for this healing.

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