Until the spring of 1917 I knew nothing of interest pertaining...

David I. Bath

Until the spring of 1917 I knew nothing of interest pertaining to Christian Science, although I had often heard its teachings ridiculed and had not been backward in doing my bit along this line, even though I had never read any of Mrs. Eddy's writings or the Christian Science periodicals.

One day I was very unexpectedly informed of a healing by Christian Science of one who had been given up to die by the physician. I was very much puzzled over this, so much so that I decided to make a personal investigation of it. That same day I called at the home of the one who had been healed, who was a friend of mine. I do not remember what questions I put, but it was my aim that they should come from all angels, and I kept it up for over an hour. I was at least convinced of the healing, and was determined from that day to investigate Christian Science carefully and honestly.

One day, shortly after I began to read, a shipment of medicine previously ordered for stomach and heart trouble arrived; but I remembered my promise to be honest and give Christian Science a fair trial; so, laying medicine aside, I continued reading, and in a few days my thought was directed to the fact that there was no more trace of either heart or stomach trouble; so I threw away the medicine. I have never since resorted for help to aught but the Christ, Truth.

Until March, 1923, I had been in bondage to the tobacco habit for some thirty-four years. I had made several attempts to throw it off by human will-power. For one year I did not use it, but craved it the whole time; then twice I tried what was advertised as a "tobacco cure"; but not until I turned to Christian Science was the difficulty definitely and permanently healed, and in three treatments. Soon after this I jointed The Mother Church and a local branch church. In a very short time I was made happy to be called upon for active service as an usher, and later as a teacher in the Sunday school, which activities I know caused me to work harder spiritually to be more prepared to give. I have always been grateful for every opportunity of active service, and for guidance in representing God without fear.

How uplifting it is to realize that, as Mrs. Eddy writes in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 492), "For right reasoning there should be but one fact before the thought, namely, spiritual existence. In reality there is no other existence, since Life cannot be united to its unlikeness, mortality." To me this reasoning has been very helpful in business activities in the display of love, honesty, and understanding of real business. I am proving that man's real business is being and doing good, looking continuously for opportunities to give, which indeed are plenteous; and the returns never fail to be full of joy and happiness.

I have had many physical, financial, and business healings; yet in truth I am grateful for the understanding that, primarily, these were healings of my consciousness. I remember that when I was a child old enough to read, I pondered this passage in the Bible: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you;" as well as, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." I did not know what the kingdom of God was, neither did I understand the real meaning of truth; but I prayed then for "an understanding heart." How grateful I am now for that day of all days when my attention was called to Christian Science, the inevitable answer to my childhood prayer!

My happiest days are those which open with silent prayer, followed by a careful study of the Lesson-Sermon as given in the Christian Science Quarterly. Oh, the joy and happiness that have been mine as a result of this striving to watch my thought! Therefore, I feel that it is of greatest importance to heed the statement given by our beloved Leader (Science and Health, p. 261), "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts."

I am grateful to God, and also to Mrs. Eddy, whose unselfishness has enabled us to enjoy the real guidance and protection in all the channels for study and thought that she has provided for our use.

David I. Bath, Bloomington, Illinois.

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