I gratefully acknowledge the...

William M. Crooks

I gratefully acknowledge the many blessings that have come to me through the study and application of Christian Science. Fourteen years ago I began to all, and for two years had to be off much of the time from work. Finally this led to a surgical operation for ulcers of the stomach which did little good. By August, 1937. I had to quit work entirely and put myself into the hands of medical doctors. They said I still had ulcers of the stomach and, in addition to this, arthritis of the spine. After nearly two years of all kinds of treatment by doctors, surgeons, osteopaths, and chiropractors, I was pronounced incurable. By this time I had paid out all my savings and, with my wife and two small daughters, was on relief.

At this gloomy time a Christian Science friend said to me, "Man's extremity is God's opportunity." I could not understand that, however, until later, when I turned to the study of Christian Science. I was discouraged and full of self-pity, but agreed when my friend asked me to come to church Sunday morning and meet a gentleman who she felt sure could explain away a lot of prejudiced doubts in my distorted views on all things pertaining to God and man.

I got out of my "bed." a cellar door on two trestles, which was to eliminate spring and keep my back straight, for my back, like my outlook, was distorted. Thank God. I went to church that Sunday and met the gentleman, who invited me to come to his office for a talk. I managed to drag myself there several days later when I seemed worse than usual. He broke down every argument I put up. Then I listened to him and felt relaxed. Three hours later we went out together to walk a mile to the Reading Room, so that I might get Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. During our brisk walk the suggestion came that I was still badly crippled, but we continued and I got my Science and Health and felt that I was on the right track. If I could walk a mile at a brisk pace after one treatment there must be something to Christian Science!

Daily I studied the Lesson in the Christian Science Quarterly and visited the Reading Room. Soon I was able to attend all church services. I went to the practitioner's office three times a week. Three months after my first treatment I tested my healing by taking several six-mile walks and one nine-mile one on city pavements. In another two weeks I cleaned and painted the walls of our flat, and two weeks later took off my belt, stay, and harness, the last traces of material aid.

Years before I had paid twenty dollars for a big medical encyclopedia and had proceeded to get my money's worth out of it! I now realize through my understanding of Christian Science that the study and acceptance of evil contributed to the troubles from which I suffered.

I am grateful beyond words to the practitioner who freely gave me so many hours of his valuable time, and to the Reading Room librarian who lovingly helped me. The healing took several months, but I had a lot to overcome. I have been perfectly well since, and have worked in an auto plant steadily for nearly seven years. I am most grateful for this healing and for all God's works as revealed through Christian Science. —William M. Crooks, Detroit, Michigan.

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