It is with a feeling of extreme...

Charles Yokelson

It is with a feeling of extreme gratitude that I give this testimony.

I began the study of Christian Science about ten years ago. My business, which had been bringing me a fine income, went to pieces. That, with several other factors, brought a sense of desperation. I knew of Christian Science, but this knowledge was meager and faulty. I certainly did not feel that it could help me out of the predicament I was in, but when every other means of help failed me, I heeded a recommendation made by a friend that I go to a Christian Science practitioner.

At that time I had been a very heavy and inveterate smoker. I could hardly afford the pernicious habit, to say the least, but I deprived myself of things more necessary and vital to buy cigars and tobacco. As a matter of fact, when I came to the practitioner's office I was smoking a cigar. He casually mentioned that smoking was not in keeping with Christian Science. I resented it, but he let me read what our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, wrote on the subject of tobacco. I do not remember that these statements in any particular way registered with me, but I do know that after that visit I never had any desire to smoke again. The healing was startling, and I began to study Christian Science earnestly and sincerely. As I began to understand more of what true substance is, my business began to improve. My health and my outlook, too, grew better, and in spite of the fact that I was going through very deep waters my appearance became more and more youthful and buoyant.

This went on for over five years. Although I was making undeniable progress. I had as yet not taken steps to join The Mother Church or a branch church. Each time that this idea presented itself, error would overrule it with suggestions as to why I need not take this step: "You are attending church regularly, contributing as liberally as you can, subscribing for the literature, studying earnestly— you are doing more than many members of the Christian Science church are doing—what more can church membership do for you?" When all these arguments were overcome mentally, there yet remained one that seemed at the time reasonable: "Wait until you are settled. Then you can join the church."

One day I broke through this mesmeric suggestion and made application in The Mother Church and in a branch church. Immediately the outstanding demonstration in my experience followed, and a week later my family and I were established in our own home, an event I had greatly desired. This was thorough and convincing evidence of the fact that, as Mrs. Eddy says (Poems, p. 7):

"'Twas Love whose finger traced aloud
A bow of promise on the cloud."

Is it any wonder that I humbly give this testimony in gratitude to our Leader for establishing the organization of the gospel of Love —The Mother Church with its branch churches, which are holding up the beacon light of Truth to guide mankind to the infinite blessings that are in store for them? I am very grateful, too, for class instruction. This has brought me further blessings, and joy beyond measure.—Charles Yokelson, Brooklyn, New York.

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