In Isaiah we read: "And I will...

Alice A. Stoddard

In Isaiah we read: "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."

This promise has been fulfilled in my experience. I was a member of an orthodox church, but its teaching did not satisfy me, did not bring the peace and happiness I sought. In conversation with a friend I was advised to study the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, being assured that through this study I would find satisfactory answers to all my questions. I was told that I should follow the direction of Mrs. Eddy, given on page 495 of the textbook, "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit."

I well remembered the storm of indignation and ridicule aroused by the appearance of the textbook in 1875. Ministers with their congregations, the leading dailies, noted editors of magazines, and people in all walks of life voiced disapproval, but up to this time I had never read the book, had never thought that it could be anything in which I should find instruction or enjoyment. It has proved to be to me a "pearl of great price." I accepted the advice of my friend and at once put its teachings into practice. This opened up a new world to me. I found peace and happiness. Since that time I have relied entirely upon the Scriptures and the writings of our Leader; they have been my only guide and physician, and they have never failed me.

As soon as possible I joined a Christian Science Society in the city where I was located, and derived great benefit by so doing. I have had many healings, both physical and mental. I was wearing glasses when I first became acquainted with Christian Science and expected I should always have to wear them, but as the truth dawned in my consciousness I saw that this was something to be overcome. Through the help of a practitioner I learned that a clear understanding of God as the only power, and of man's inseparable oneness with Him, is the remedy for human ills of every sort. It was while I was studying and applying this truth that I was appointed to work in the Reading Room. The first intimation that I was free from the difficulty came to me when a gentleman asked me to read to him because it was difficult for him to read in English. I complied, and had been reading for some time before I discovered that I had been doing so without my glasses. I have never felt the need of them since. I read, sew, and do all I need to do without any difficulty. I am entirely free.

It was about this time that I was healed of dropsy, which was said to be incurable, both my mother and my grandmother having passed on with this disease. This condition necessitated earnest work on my part, and also on the part of the practitioner, but again I rejoiced: Truth was triumphant.

Another healing stands out in my memory very clearly. I had been suffering for several days from pain and fever. One morning as I was studying the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, these words from the Communion Hymn by Mrs. Eddy came to me (Poems, p. 75):

"Sinner, it calls you,—'Come to this fountain, Cleanse the foul senses within.'"

These words continued to come to me during the day and evening, and the next morning I thought: "Why should these words keep coming to me? Surely my thoughts do not need cleansing." But a vigorous search showed cleansing was necessary, and a sense of self-will and self-justification was uncovered and destroyed. Healing quickly followed, and I realized with a deeper sense of gratitude than ever before the wonderful healing power of divine Truth and Love.

I consider an understanding of Christian Science to be the greatest blessing that ever came into my life, and my gratitude for the life and works of our beloved Leader is unbounded. I also am deeply grateful for member in The Mother Church, for class instruction, and for all the opportunities I have had to work in a branch church.—(Mrs.) Alice A. Stoddard, Muskegon Heights, Michigan.

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Testimony of Healing

Christian Science was presented...

February 7, 1942

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